Bought Trek 7000. Going to bike to work Tuesday...over my head?

Question

The trip is about 18 miles one way (and back), though it's completely urban, city roads. It's Milwaukee, so it has some hills (though nothing insane to be sure). I planned on putting a lot of hours on the bike this weekend, and then was going to hit the road at 5:00am monday.

I won't be carying anything other than a really light backpack with cell phone, notebooks, etc.

I haven't done any serious biking in nearly 5 years (though I am in shape). Am I over my head? Should I wait a few weeks and bike casually first?

It doesn't seem that long of a distance, but then again, I've never done this before.

Worst case, I'm thinking a practice run on Memorial Day (Just go till you tire yourself out and then head back) is the best way to go.

Answer 1

Best to test your abilities first.  Do the practice run, is my advice.

But if you are absolutely determined to do it, make sure that you have tire liners in your tires and green slime in your tubes.  Also, carry at least one spare tube, and tools needed to get the wheel off and back on the frame, and some tire levers.

For 18 miles, give yourself no less than 4 hours, just in case.  Who knows what will happen or what type of adversity you will encounter on the way?

Also, make sure you take alot of water along, and a two or three of pieces of fruit to eat.  Maybe some orange juice as well.

Also, don't be ashamed to ride slowly when you feel like it, and walk the bike when you feel like it.  Health and safety first, I know you agree.

:-)

Answer 2

Hooooaaaahhh!!! Hold on. Don't just go out and pedal away until you tire or die.

Though I am 62 years old and regularly do 30kms. three times a week, I do a lot of stretching, bending and calisthenics before I go out on my bike. Anythin could happen to you out there, leg cramps could hit you at the wrong time at the wrong place and it is called an ACCIDENT!!!!

Answer 3

This is do-able. Although, you may have to work up to it. If you try a dry run, think about this. When you commute, you're going to have all day to recover before you attempt your return trip. If you try to do it all in one shot that huge: 18 vs. 36 miles. I used to ride 36 miles each way (although I only did it a few times a week).  I had a 24 mile each way commute in Long Beach (with climbing). I just worked up to it.

Answer 4

100% Good Idea to have a dry run. I think you can do it, but the first time could be a little rough. IMHO if you wait a few weeks, you will wait a few weeks more, and then a few weeks more.... etc. Since you are going to work or riding home, you will be highly motivated to finish the ride.

Take something to eat and some water with you and plan on maybe 2h the first time. If you don't have lights for bike, buy some this weekend. Later you will want to get some fenders for the bike too if you don't have any.

Perhaps the first few weeks you can just, say, ride on Monday and Fridays and then say by 4th of July to Labor day try four days a week. Your total trip is 36m so if you bike five days a week its 180 miles. Say there are five months that you can ride in to work. So then that's about 3600mile/year That's big time mileage numbers for even cyclists that ride a lot.  

Another think that you could consider is to drive about half way and ride from there.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Your in shape but likely not for cycling yet. I'd say give yourself a few weeks to get used to riding and the bike.

36 miles round trip is a good distance in an urband environment, plan for lots of stops. Try the commute out a couple times a week to start add to it as you wish.

Answer 6

^^ 4 hours for 18 miles?

lol