Shall I get on my Bike?

JoeyEmma

I am currently on my bike! We are on industrial action aka strike at work, and although the union pay some contribution to my wages, I still lose money. I worked out that that driving to the picket line would cost me about £2 in petrol a day. Instead I cycle to the picket line (albeit one thats a bit nearer to home) and save the money.

Plus, its a good reason to use the bike that I bought the other month (I love it, its ace).

Only problem I have now is trying to find some thermal socks as my feet are FREEZING!!!

BTW, did anybody see Top Gear last night? Proof that its WAY quicker (and cheaper) to get around London on a bike than in a car or on public transport. I'm sure its true for most cities.

lazy_daisy

Ahem..........hello?.............hello?.........is anyone out there?

As it's well and truly peak cycling season now - how's it going everyone?

penny_less

Hello! I'm here!
have really enjoyed reading through these posts- went out on my bike on Sun and had forgotten how painful my bum was last time i used it months ago! Have now brought a wide gel filled seat and dh has fitted it toight. we are going on another bike ride on bh mon so hope it makes a big difference.

champys

penny_less wrote: »

Hello! I'm here!
have really enjoyed reading through these posts- went out on my bike on Sun and had forgotten how painful my bum was last time i used it months ago! Have now brought a wide gel filled seat and dh has fitted it toight. we are going on another bike ride on bh mon so hope it makes a big difference.

Know what you mean! If the new saddle is still not quite sufficient, I can recommend padded knickers. I have several pairs these days..... the investment balances out against rising petrol prices, and you can still wear ordinary clothes.

belfastgirl23

I was out for the first time yesterday and boy do I hurt, esp the part of me touching the saddle walking like John Wayne. Although if I remember right it does get better over time still might look out for the padded undies though I have enough padding in that area myself!

dutchy

Haven't seen this thread before, and was very interested in reading through it! I hope Frogga has seen the light and is now whizzing to work daily on two wheels!
I have cycled to work every day for the last seven years; it's only a couple of miles. I cycle in all weather, and my favourite mornings are the really cold hard frosty ones. There's nothing like whizzing past a poor sucker stood there scraping ice off the car windows! With layers on you warm up really quick, plus I always wear gloves, scarf or buff and a hat in the winter. I carry my stuff in a rucksack, although a cheap set of panniers would be just as good. When it rains I have some cheapie waterproofs (about £14 I think, for trousers and jacket) that go over my clothes. I cycle in listening to my favourite radio station on my little walkman thingy, and feel as smug as you like when I get to work and see all the other poor schmucks desperately searching for somewhere to park!
As a matter of fact, when I moved in with my OH last year, I made the decision to get rid of my car. I worked out it was costing me £50 a month just to keep it legally parked on the road, and that was before putting any diesel in it! We actually only need one car between us, and if OH has taken it and I need something I just get on my bike!
I hope I can inspire others to do the same! What a nicer, cleaner world we would live in if more people cycled! And the seratonin kick you get from doing that little bit of exercise is better than anything a doctor can prescribe!

bertiebots

My OH doesnt drive so we only need 1 car :rolleyes: ...he used to cycle the 2 miles to work daily but kept crashing!:eek: after he had written of his 3rd bike in 18 months he gave it up and now walks instead, still very healthy and kind on the bank balance! (plus I think for him a little safer too:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: !!)

Psykicpup

I cycle to work everyday too - its very close but I use mine for shopping etc too as it has a basket.
I was REALLY lucky as my work has a scheme where you kinda hire-purchase the bike through some government scheme & pay it back before tax making it loads cheaper......I managed to get.....a PASHLEY !!!!!!!

calleyw

I can't cycle to work as it is 8 miles and I am so unfit and the roads are a bit of nightmare.

But I thought rather than take the car in to town. (don't have to pay to park when husband is with me as he a blue badge)and fight to find somewhere to park. I thought I could cycle in and husband catch the bus as he has a free bus pass.

Means less wear and tear on the car. Can't buy to much as can't carry it. It would only probably happen once of twice a week. But every little helps.

Problems is that I have not cycled for about two years now. Better get the bike out and dust it down and oil it. :rotfl:

Yours


Calley

frogga

Well confession time...................................... I did sell the car and biked to work for quite a while.

Then oneday one of my Tadpoles was unwell at school and I couldn't get to her quickly enough. It was a real nightmare TBH. I had to borrow £20 off a collegue and get a taxi to pick me up from work, drive me to the school and then take us home.

I just thought, while the Tadpoles were young it was very unnerving not being unable to get to them in an emergency.

Since starting the thread I have used the car alot less. A LOT LESS :j I really THINK before I go anywhere and try to plan where I'm going and what else I can do while I'm there.

Once the Tadpoles are older and it doesn't make me feel so uncomfortable not being able to get to them quickly I'll DEFO go back to biking to work , HONEST