10 mile bike to work, too much for a beginner?

Question

Hi, I want to start biking to work to get fit. I havnt cycled for 7 years! im quite unfit at the moment but im 23 so cant see myself keeling over. My work is 10 miles away though. Is this too far and too much for a beginner?

Thank you,

Jade

Answer 1

Its an relatively high goal to be sure.   A lot depends on the route.   10 miles thru the urban jungle is lots different than if you live 9 mi. out of town for example.  Hills?  Traffic?   And when you get to work, you'll be sweaty...how can you clean up?   Do you have time for this?  It'll take an hour each way roughly.   Will you be riding in the dark?   Can you handle rain or high winds?   Will you be able to carry things you normally toss in the car?  Do you have basic tools and know how to change a flat tire?      

I'd recommend some recreational riding to get the hang of it...then you be in a better position to judge a ride to work scenario......but i hope you do it !

Answer 2

That should be easily doable unless its all up hill.  Its not so far that you have to ride hard and fast.  I would do a practice run on the weekend and see how long it takes and how you feel.  If its too hard you should be able to work up to it in a few weeks.

Answer 3

Hi, if it is on the flat you might not find it so bad.  Hey if you are 23 you will be reasonably fit and you will be fine.  I would do it 3 x per week or something for the first month though - not every day - give your muscles a chance to repair themselves.

Answer 4

Well, it depends on what kind of bike you have and what the terrain is like.  A good bike on a flat surface might be ok.  I would try making the trip on your day off to see if you can make it.  Maybe you could have someone prepared to come pick you up if necessary or to drive you back home once you reach your destination.  It would be a good idea to know how long it will take you to get there anyway, so you aren't late for work!

Good luck!

Answer 5

as long as you have a reliable bike an its not all up hill than you should be fine

Answer 6

No,

I didn't ride properly for about three years and then suddenly i went riding with my friends and we rode 35kms. (about 22miles). once you get fitter from doing it alot it should be easier.

Answer 7

Well, i'm 15 and out of no where this year when it started getting warmer I rode my bike 4 miles to and from McDonalds.(total 8 miles.) Haven't rode in at least 2 years. I think it will be fine, as long as you have some room every once in a while to pull off and break. However, if your plan is to ride all the way there on a bike in the rode holding up traffic like some people around here tend to do, I'm not sure if its a good idea.

Answer 8

10 miles by bike isn't as far as it sounds.  (On long rides, I usually don't feel warmed up until I've gone about 10 miles!)

- Do some practice runs on the weekends or days when you aren't working.  Test out your route to work and see how you feel during and after the ride, and how long the trip takes.  Keep practicing until you feel like you've got it down.

- While out there, look at your route.  What's the traffic like?  Is it safe to bicycle?  Are the road conditions good?  Any big hills?  Is there shade or will you be in the sun the whole time?  That kind of thing.

- Bring at least one water bottle with you - more if it's hot and you're out of shape.

- Try keeping some cleaning wipes, a comb, deodorant, etc. at work somewhere.  In case you arrive sweaty or dirty or wet you can tidy up.

- Try to find the right gear so that you're not pedaling with lots of force, so you don't get burned out by the time you get to work.  It's easier to carry 100lbs of cement up a staircase in 10lb bags, than trying to carry the whole thing at once!

Answer 9

Good for you to be making a major change in your life.  Commuting by bicycle is the best form of transportation.

May I suggest you ride to work on a weekend.  Consider it a test ride.  Other wise, 10 miles is a good distance.  You will get a good workout each day and your commute will not take too much time.  But it will not matter as the summer progresses.  By the time you are home from work you will have your exercise complete for the day.  Hit the shower and enjoy a healthy dinner without guilt.  Cost savings will be huge and your weight will go down without really trying.  One summer I rode bicycle to work.  Lost 21 pounds.  

Sadly my location of my current job does not lend itself to bicycle commuting.  

Good Luck and Happy Commuting!!