CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting

Woo... survived first commute

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  1. Stepdoh
    Member

    Finally got myself a pimped carbon fibre helmet ($39.99 from the warehouse) while picking up the car last night so thought I'd take the new bike for a spin. Mini commute from Island bay to the CBD.

    Did it all cycle chic and everything in my office wear.

    Gorgeous. Despite the almost complete lack of any cycling facility whatsoever. A still 6 degrees, the cars actually behaved themselves, much to my surprise and I kicked the arse of the express bus to boot.

    Unbeknown to me I actually bought the bike off a member of the Wellington Veterans Cycle Club. (I'm apparently one year short of being able to join). So is in fantastic condition.

    Win! Long commute starts soon. There is some facility down State Highway 2, but then again I saw a motorbike gaily sailing down it last night, so I think it will come with some challenges.

    PS. How slow do you actually have to cycle to not turn up sweaty at your destination?

    Posted 12 years ago #

  2. Uberuce
    Member

    Same speed as the length of that piece of string.

    Marginally more seriously, I harbour a crackpot theory that it's as much to do with attitude as exertion. If you're in the mindset of taking it easy, there's some neurological witchcraft that means your sweat glands don't bother excreting until the autopilot looks at rising internal temperature and takes over, but if you are keyed up for Teh Fastest Commute Evarh GRRRR you'll torrent saline like your pore's a dam and the 'busters have been marching.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  3. ExcitableBoy
    Member

    Sounds like exciting times!
    Think Uber has something there, just go out with the atitude - I'm going to take it easy. It's what I do most days on the way to & from work. Normally cruising about 15/16 mph sweat free - honest ;)

    Posted 12 years ago #

  4. wingpig
    Member

    "...If you're in the mindset of taking it easy*, there's some neurological witchcraft that means your sweat glands don't bother excreting** until the autopilot looks at rising internal temperature and takes over...

    *and if it's a few degrees below zero Celsius and you're basically just freewheeling down a hill
    ***much, at least compared to normal

    Posted 12 years ago #

  5. gembo
    Member

    I am a very big sweater, needs to be downhill with wind behind before I don't perspire. If uphill and I have forgotten my semmit people will ask when looking at my back, is it raining outside?

    Posted 12 years ago #

  6. cc
    Member

    My way of avoiding sweating, when that's important: if I find myself putting in some satisfying effort, some force into the pedals, I ease off, and change down instead. Don't work hard. Just pootle along easily. If that's physically difficult, change down again. Keep changing down until it's easy to make progress without effort.

    It helps to be on a quiet road away from traffic; that way you don't get tempted to go at their speed.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  7. Stepdoh
    Member

    Woo... survived the first Petone commute..

    Decided since the rain was set to clear and it was 'casual' friday I would take the bike for its first spin down SH2 to work.

    http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/104247821

    Stunningly clear night had had its effects though. The first frost I'd seen since getting here.

    Even the bike was cuddling up to the tumble dryer for warmth.

    But out I headed... with nary a stitch of lycra or hi-viz on. And more worryingly, no pump. Did have the legally mandated helmet though. My $2 shop gloves kept my hands just above freezing, till I warmed up though my fingers felt like they were going to fall off.

    But was a fairly easy ride, most of it on the hard shoulder of State Highway 2 (As the bike path beside is hopelessly strewn with rubbish). Where the path went onto the pavement at Kaiwharawhara and Ngauranga it got a bit alarming as there were tons of opportunity for crossing interaction with cars save for some magick green paint.

    Was overtaken by lots of high vized lycra types on some lovely and crappy bikes. Was secretly thinking... just you wait till my gimp suit and pedals arrive off the boat...

    Made it safe and sound into work, and spent the $7 train fare I saved at Wholly Bagels. Win! Got a great park too:

    Funny how you build the relative difficulty of something up in your head. Compared to my commute in Edinburgh, a flat 14km on a light, speedy bike is a piece of... well, you know.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  8. Stepdoh
    Member

    Wow, how bent does my front wheel look in the garage pic.

    Posted 12 years ago #

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