Cycling to work

[b0redom]

I started cycling to work 10 miles each on an old steel framed mountain bike. Took a couple of weeks before I wasn't dead at both ends of the commute.

[ThomasSoerensen]

whoa steady on there, a nice 15min cycle to work in the sun is one thing, a full on fitness regime is something very different..

Would a treat of you "getting cut" "down there" if you do not enjoy your bike ride motivate you? Just asking. I am only looking after your health

[realityhack]

You'll adjust very quickly. Time yourself and you'll notice the difference.
Then you'll be hooked, and do silly things like spending massive amounts on a bike and attempting to use proper pedals.

Just don't succumb to wearing lycra. It's not a good look for a bloke.

[Mailman]

I used to pass this fat guy on a 10speed who wore lycra.

It amazed me how easily it is for a human to look like a sausage.

Mailman

[TimberWolf]

The government should do more to support and subsidise bicycle use rather than newer forms of ancient technology IMO. And in the technology and infrastructure required to make cycling safe and practical. E.g. electric bikes, which do at least seem to be close to being practical users of electric propulsion, unlike the electric car.

Perhaps someone like Cameron can lead the way here, closely followed by his gas guzzling limousine of course.

[threaded]

as it's now summer I went out yesterday and bought a cheap 55€ bike and decided to cycle to work

I'm now having second thoughts on my plan to merrily cycle to work each day as I can't think of anything more unattractive than a wheezing young gent such as myself coughing up phlem on the cycle path at 8am in the morning.. it's 4.5km for gods sake !!

how long does this torture go on for before it gets easier?

From couch potato to racing quality? Most agree on 3 years, if you're determined enough, and don't die in the first 6 months.

[realityhack]

From couch potato to racing quality? Most agree on 3 years, if you're determined enough, and don't die in the first 6 months.

I reckon he'll start noticing an improvement in a few weeks though.

And as for life expectancy I used to regularly commute 12 miles in to London down the A11. Only had half a dozen near-death experiences.

[TimberWolf]

And as for life expectancy I used to regularly commute 12 miles in to London down the A11. Only had half a dozen near-death experiences.

I've yet to come across accident statistics for cyclists. Is cycling more dangerous than for example driving a car or riding motorbike? And would the answer change (assuming a motorcycle is found to be statistically more dangerous) if it were measured per mile travelled, rather than say on total fatalities? Cycling a bike does seem more dangerous than driving a car.

[realityhack]

Some of the accidents I've had - if I was in a car they wouldn't have happened in the first place, or if they did, it would have been trivial. If I'd been on a motorbike, I'd certainly be dead.

[Sockpuppet]

Don't forget your 20p per mile allowance for using the bike!

Edit: although you sayI'm guessing manchestoh I'm thinking your not in the UK any more.