Not sure if I’ve mentioned it before, but for the last 4 (might have been a bit more I should’ve kept a note!) months I’ve started to cycle to work. I did a little bit last year, but I’ve been cycling for a good 3 months now. Only got soaked once, which on reflection isn’t too bad. In fact I’ve probably got caught out more when on the bus or train to be honest.
A couple of things have come out of it. First off, on balance I think it’s saved me money. My weekly transport costs used to be either £40 in petrol, or around £15 for a combination of bus/train. My bike…….
….is getting on a bit, so I’ve spent a little on maintenance.
Last year I bought some road tyres around £40, a new rear wheel this year £40, Mudguards £20, Light £30 and clothing around £100. So roughly around £230 in bits so divided over 16 weeks it’s a little under £15
The second benefit has been weight, despite me still eating rubbish I managed to loose a stone. Which to be honest is probably worth the £230 alone.
I do feel better for it and enjoy cycling through the endless queues of stationary traffic on the roads. I hope to continue throughout the winter probably purchasing some winter shoes and some water proof leggings (hoping that Aldi have another Bike offer to be honest). Also should add the bike really could do with a service. I think the crank bearings have seen better days – that said I’m hoping to pick up another bike (second hand) via a friend of a friend. So that might mean I can rest the old Marin for Spring/Summer duty.
I’ve been cycling since the start of May when I started my new job which is (blimey) almost 7 months now. It only takes me 7-8mins from door to office – on the few times I’ve had to drive it’s probably taken me longer, what with queues and a lack of good shortcuts.
I think the thing that put me off was turning up to work soaking but it’s almost December now and that’s not really happened. I reckon I’ve lost a bit of weight too – it’s definitely easier than it was when I started, so I guess my fitness has improved. Anyway, yes, biking good.
I’ve only got really soaked once, lucky I was on my way home. But that said there’s showers/changing areas at work so it’s not a disaster if get soaked on the way in.
Ok, I got complacent. I got soaked cycling across town at lunchtime. We’ve got one of those Dyson Airblades in the office – they’re no use for drying wet jeans, I can tell you that much.
Fortunately I missed today’s rain as I had to stay later to oversee a broken thing at work. Though to be honest I would’ve preferred getting soaked instead!