The Uber Commuter

 

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I think it was Tim Hilton who suggested a cyclist's ideal commuting distance is 26 miles, otherwise (and especially in winter) the kitting up and then changing at work negates the benefit of the whole experience. My cycling power is much more that of Ullrich than Armstrong, a big plodding diesel and tends to need a 10kg mallet of coffee to spark up in the morning. Thud ... thud ... thud ... going now. So for me, 26 miles is just getting going, really. During my formative years of road racing, I remember the misery of riding a short distance from work to my local swimming pool then changing out of and back into wet lycra ...

Two ears ago, I had the wonderful opportunity of commuting from Hove to Hampshire eight times a month for approximately a year. It was with a fair amount of trepidation that I first starting this considerable distance and incredulity from people that work with me. 56 miles there, 56 miles back. 'But they are flat miles – perfect spinning, it's great'. Blank stares. During the first month I would arrive late for meetings; disheveled and still buzzing from some caffeinated drink that I'd guzzled to battle a particularly ferocious headwind. Other days, I'd arrive fresh and hardly breaking a sweat. Most days it was an average 17-18mph of nice steady effort with good tunes. Before long, I learnt to check the forecast and have my 25 minute buffer either way. 

Some days, I would leave the house and arrive at work without really being aware of riding. On one such winter morning, traffic calming road furniture had been added from one ride to the next. BAM BAM!! One new set of wheel later ... Other mornings, especially when the weather was gloriously warm and sunny or particularly vicious, I would arrive fresh and vibrant or cunning. Surprisingly, I had very few commuter races - only one that sticks in my mind, Mr. Grey socks. Grumpy sod. 

Starting from April 1st, I will be commuting to Guilford two days a week. When the announcement came at work I almost let out a yelp of excitement. Two days of riding over rolling Downland and into kicking Surrey Hills to arrive at an office with showers and a gym ... why on earth wouldn't you? Especially as I have specific events to train for starting with May 7th (dad's 74th birthday). I'll be riding the coast-to-coast route as fast as I can do it. The following year on May 7th, I'll go from Lands End to John O'Groats in something under 60 hours. There are other rides and races being planned in between. Feed Your Faith is about awareness of cancer treatments, both conventional and alternative and having the complete knowledge to make informed choices. I don't claim to be an expert, but have seen what knowledge is not freely available. 

So. My commutes will start on the disused railway line over Devil's Dyke, up the winding sleepy Sussex lanes, into sharp Surrey hills and onto work. Not a bad start or end to the working day in my book.