Bray to Thomas St cycle commute reasonable?

memorex

Hey there,

I am thinking about starting a Bray to Thomas Street (work just near St James Gate) cycle commute this year and would love to get some of your thoughts on it. Mainly I am curious to know if you think this sort of distance (30 mile roundtrip) falls outside of a standard daily commute. I.e. its not really sustainable overtime - just too tiring, not really practical etc. I have done the cycle a few times. I definitely found it a fairly long drag... But I could see that if I stuck to it the health benefits would be excellent. I have OK facilities near/at work, decent spot to park the bike and a shower in the building.

Any thoughts on this one or similar commutes would be great... Lastly, would I be mad to do it daily on a single speed?

Cheers,
-mem

mmclo

memorex wrote: »

Hey there,

I am thinking about starting a Bray to Thomas Street (work just near St James Gate) cycle commute this year and would love to get some of your thoughts on it. Mainly I am curious to know if you think this sort of distance (30 mile roundtrip) falls outside of a standard daily commute. I.e. its not really sustainable overtime - just too tiring, not really practical etc. I have done the cycle a few times. I definitely found it a fairly long drag... But I could see that if I stuck to it the health benefits would be excellent. I have OK facilities near/at work, decent spot to park the bike and a shower in the building.

Any thoughts on this one or similar commutes would be great... Lastly, would I be mad to do it daily on a single speed?

Cheers,
-mem

maybe 2/3 times a week rather than 5 days or alternate going in with coming back on train and vice versa, would be too long for me I reckon but no problem for the pros amongst us

Caroline_ie

I reckon you can do it everyday if you have a good bike and give yourself the odd day off when you're tired. You will know pretty soon if it's too much for you, you'll get home, throw yourself at the fridge, have a shower lie down and fall asleep right away. If that happens, give yourself a day to recover or you'll spend your whole weekend sleeping - when it's spring again, it will be easyer to it everyday.

Gavin

It's a long commute and your body will take a while to get used to it, but once you do, no problem doing it every day. Physically anyway. Facing up to cycling home in the dark/wind/rain can be daunting, especially if you have an easy alternative like the dart/bus/car.

Singlespeed would be perfect, start off with a light enough gearing to ease yourself in.

Check out the wiki for stuff on safe cycling, bike lights etc. There's a good deal going at the moment for a specialized tricross from mcconveycycles.compearson cycles. Well there was, it may be over now.

rottenhat

I do the reverse commute (Waterloo Road to Bray, which is admittedly a mile or two shorter) two or three days a week, on a fixed gear, and it's no problem. The biggest hill you're facing is Foxrock which barely qualifies as a bump in the road. And going from Bray into town you'll have the pleasure of seeing all the drivers completely stationary in traffic from Donnybrook onwards, which is always a morale boost. By the time it becomes routine, it shouldn't take you more than an hour each way.

brayblue24

I agree with all the above. I tip in from Bray as far as Grafton Street regularly on the bike (admittedly a couple of KM shorter than you trip) but after the first couple of times (and brushes with buses) it is reasonably easy. I will admit weather factors at this time of year could be the most difficult hurdle though.

Raam

Verb wrote: »

There's a good deal going at the moment for a specialized tricross from mcconveycycles.com. Well there was, it may be over now.

There's defo an offer on pearsoncycles.co.uk for that bike.
http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/product/4422/SPECIALIZED_TRICROSS_SINGLE_2008_RRP_450_SAVE_175_NOW_27499

Gavin

Raam wrote: »

There's defo an offer on pearsoncycles.co.uk for that bike.
http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/product/4422/SPECIALIZED_TRICROSS_SINGLE_2008_RRP_450_SAVE_175_NOW_27499

Oops. Wrong shop.

memorex

Sweet, thanks for the pointers & motivation. Definitely going to do this now. The time I tried before I definitely remember the fridge/shower/fridge/sofa/bed combo, I think that was after 3 days... and then I stopped... I think mixing it up with the odd dart/car trip should make it last this time.

Cheers.

fenris

I have just started to build up for a similar commute - Bray to Fitzwilliam Square. I bought a Giant Defy 2.5 and as an unfit sod with internal metal bits I was very glad of the gears!

I started by driving as far as the Kilmacud LUAS stop and cycling the rest of the way (much easier than I expected), another couple of those this week to get my routine in order (creche, suits, shirts, shoes, towels, locks, dirty clothes etc.) as the faffing is losing me the time gained by cycling!

Next step for me will be to find somewhere towards the Cabintelly / Shankhill end of the N11 to abandon the car and once I am comfortable with that distance (i.e. can still think straight at 15:30) then the whole trip will follow.

Don't know if that is too conservative for you, but I think working up the early miles and getting the routine right
are the hardest bit as it involves relearning to cycle effectively and building back up the bike sense and awareness to stay safe that was very natural a decade or so ago!

xz

fenris wrote: »

I have just started to build up for a similar commute - Bray to Fitzwilliam Square. I bought a Giant Defy 2.5 and as an unfit sod with internal metal bits I was very glad of the gears!

I started by driving as far as the Kilmacud LUAS stop and cycling the rest of the way (much easier than I expected), another couple of those this week to get my routine in order (creche, suits, shirts, shoes, towels, locks, dirty clothes etc.) as the faffing is losing me the time gained by cycling!

Next step for me will be to find somewhere towards the Cabintelly / Shankhill end of the N11 to abandon the car and once I am comfortable with that distance (i.e. can still think straight at 15:30) then the whole trip will follow.

Don't know if that is too conservative for you, but I think working up the early miles and getting the routine right
are the hardest bit as it involves relearning to cycle effectively and building back up the bike sense and awareness to stay safe that was very natural a decade or so ago!

there is plenty of spare space to park at the ambulance depot at Loughlinstown, and your car will be safe there

fenris

flickerx

I did Blanch to Clonskeagh for a year, not sure if thats comparable distance wise, but it was OK. I found I got a bit sweaty on my back where my bag was - after a while I just stopped bringing a bag and left my stuff in a locker. Having a shower is good though, it'll make you feel refreshed before you start work. Give yourself a bit of time the first few runs, doing a test run trip on a weekend is different to negotiating rush hour traffic, which slows you down no matter how many bike lanes there are. I'd try to avoid the core centre as much as possible too, if there's any way you could arrive in via Patrick or Meath Street I'd recommend that over negotiating College Green, Dame St etc.

rottenhat

Ah yeah, you wouldn't want to get mixed up in that - left at the bottom of Leeson St along the south side of Stephen's Green to Cuffe St to Kevin St and up to Thomas St by the cathedral is how I'd usually go in that direction but Adelaide Road to Harrington St to Clanbrassil St might be even better.

uberwolf

folks, how can you suggest a fixed gear for a beginner commuter? I really think life should be as easy as possible for someone getting into this, and that includes gears. When you're that bit fitter you forget quickly enough how abnormally fit you really are. Fixing is just an adjustment too far for a novice IMO.

OP - your cycle will be quicker than the alternative modes of transport

flickerx

uberwolf wrote: »

folks, how can you suggest a fixed gear for a beginner commuter? I really think life should be as easy as possible for someone getting into this, and that includes gears. When you're that bit fitter you forget quickly enough how abnormally fit you really are. Fixing is just an adjustment too far for a novice IMO.

Dont think anyone was suggesting a fixie, were they? OP just suggested singlespeed (by that I presume they meant a freewheel singlespeed), that would be doable, but yes if they're a first time commuter a geared bike would probably be best to start off with.

Until they get used to it. Then they can do the conversion.

memorex

Yeah I have an old geared beater bike I once used for commuting when I lived closer to town, needs resuscitating though, so will be on that for the first while. I'll probably try sticking to a set gearing for a bit to test the waters re. single speeding. Completely fixed is a scary thought so I definitely won't be going near that on the commute. I'll wait until the sun is shining and its warm, and I'm not in a rush anywhere...

uberwolf

flickerx wrote: »

Dont think anyone was suggesting a fixie, were they? OP just suggested singlespeed (by that I presume they meant a freewheel singlespeed), that would be doable, but yes if they're a first time commuter a geared bike would probably be best to start off with.

Sorry, I read singlespeed to mean fixie

IM0

depends on your current fitness level. if your use to riding much further then try it out no bother. But I get the feeling you dont ride that much, then like posts say start off riding a couple times a week and then increase frequency as you get more comfortable. You will probably be a little more tired than usual (understandable) for the first few weeks, but dont sweat it its just your body recovering and getting use to it, so good with it and I hope you can take that car off the road! - or er train

IM0

uberwolf wrote: »

folks, how can you suggest a fixed gear for a beginner commuter? I really think life should be as easy as possible for someone getting into this, and that includes gears. When you're that bit fitter you forget quickly enough how abnormally fit you really are. Fixing is just an adjustment too far for a novice IMO.

Id atrongly agree with you, babysteps people! a fixie or singlespeed wouldnt be a good beginner bike - I consider it an advanced bike in terms of technique needed to ride it efficiently and safely...especially in traffic for a rookie.

petethedrummer

For that kind of distance get the right cycling clothes if you don't already have them. Don't wear cotton. It holds on to the sweat, gets you cold and won't dry easily by the time you're heading home. And the wind will most likely be with you on the way in (prevailing is South Westerly). So you'll have a bit of help in the mornings.

Use a bike with gears and change them as you see fit. My commute is 25 miles round trip and I relentlessly change gears. If you stick at it then maybe consider some other type of gearing. I plan to try my old 3 speed raleigh when my new brake blocks arrive.

Gavin

me@ucd wrote: »

Id atrongly agree with you, babysteps people! a fixie or singlespeed wouldnt be a good beginner bike - I consider it an advanced bike in terms of technique needed to ride it efficiently and safely...especially in traffic for a rookie.

I disagree. A non-fixed singlespeed is perfect for commuting/beginners. There is no messing with gears, no maintenance. Ones concentration can be fully on the road, not changing up and down gears when moving from/toward traffic lights and so on. There is no fear of standing up on the bike, putting pressure on and risking gears dropping as with poorly maintained gears.

Just pick a light gearing, 42-16 or something and away you go.

petethedrummer

Verb wrote: »

I disagree. A non-fixed singlespeed is perfect for commuting/beginners.

For a 30 mile round trip? If he had to buy one bike, surely it would have gears.

Gavin

It's the terrain not the distance that matters. I don't know the route, but it looks fairly flat on google maps.

If it was a friend of mine/family I'd recommend a lightly geared singlespeed.

petethedrummer

I know what you're saying, but if he wants to try the mountains or head somewhere hilly he'd be a bit screwed/bored with a single speed. Though for tipping about town, I agree the less gears the better.

Knifey_Spooney

I used to do bray - town regularly (2/3 times a week) to visit friends and depending on the route used it can be extremely flat and even if you pick the shorter, hilly way in it's still a pretty flat. I do Loughlinstown to Leeson st everyday currently, which only takes 30-40 mins even for me who's unfit.

The route I did to start with is (after shankill since you prob know better up to there) Loughlinstown hosp - cabinteely(Left at the Texaco) - Deansgrange - Blackrock - RDS - Then your pretty much in town and how you get to Thomas st is up to you although left at the US embassy and up onto leeson st is easy enough.

This route isn't the shortest but its very quick and flat, and you get a great morale boost from passing all the rock road traffic all the way in. Coming home I might recommend staying on the stillorgan dual carraigeway all the way.

I have to admit I rarely change gear on this route, so much so that
I've just ordered a Specialized Tricross single( they're soooo cheap), I'll let you know how the commute is with no gears.

fenris

I did Loughlinstown - Leason street via the N11 this morning for the first time (thanks for the parking suggestion XZ) Much easier than I thought from looking out the window of the car at the long slow rise to Foxrock!

Did 44 mins on the way in, taking it easy and arrived in work in a quite civilised state, I will definitely think about just starting in Bray on either Friday or next week.

The way home looks like it will be entertaining according to Accuweather - 54kmh Southerly winds - thats what I get for looking at foreign weather forecasts!

crisco10

fenris wrote: »

I did Loughlinstown - Leason street via the N11 this morning for the first time (thanks for the parking suggestion XZ) Much easier than I thought from looking out the window of the car at the long slow rise to Foxrock!

Did 44 mins on the way in, taking it easy and arrived in work in a quite civilised state, I will definitely think about just starting in Bray on either Friday or next week.

The way home looks like it will be entertaining according to Accuweather - 54kmh Southerly winds - thats what I get for looking at foreign weather forecasts!

That can be fun. Espeically on the steepish (but admittedly short) hill from the Radisson to the Stillorgan Park...
Do that one every day...well not always into the wind of course.

Knifey_Spooney

Funny that I do Loughlinstown - Fitzwilliam place every day, I must see you on it. I'm on an old but nice geared cannondale, will be on a shiny new specialized single soon though.

Foxrock hill isn't too traumatizing but I still avoid it when possible and stay on the coast road all the way in. I also hate the N11 (I think, stillorgan DC), its a dull cycle and the traffic is faster than you, much prefer annoying stationary drivers on the rock road.

crisco10

I'm only coming from Stillorgan to Leeson Street so nothing makes more sense than to stick on the N11. But I agree, that section at UCD where the cars zip past you is annoying..:mad:

On the flipside, the joy of Donnybrook is indescribable.

I have wondered about seeing the same people but I haven't noticed. Probably doesn't help that I frequently don't have my glasses or contacts on/in! Blurs start to look the same...haha

memorex

I'll be starting this cycle the week after next (away next week). I'll look out for ye all when you will be, no doubt, sailing by me...

Cheers again for all the advice and support.
-mem

Knifey_Spooney

crisco10 wrote: »

I'm only coming from Stillorgan to Leeson Street so nothing makes more sense than to stick on the N11. But I agree, that section at UCD where the cars zip past you is annoying..:mad:

On the flipside, the joy of Donnybrook is indescribable.

I have wondered about seeing the same people but I haven't noticed. Probably doesn't help that I frequently don't have my glasses or contacts on/in! Blurs start to look the same...haha

I come home donnybrook and I agree its tons'o'fun and then go down booterstown road cause I love that hill (not up it). My major objective when headed home is to find a 46a and beat it to deansgrange/bakers corner....
On the way in blackrock is so amusing, you can run nearly every red light because there's dumb drivers in all the yellow boxed intersections so nobody can move except the cyclists.

I do agree going down off the N11 for a stillorgan/leeson run would be plain stupid.

elmer

I do bray to pearse st once or twice a week.

I bought a low end hybrid and put road tyres on it and off i went

Takes the same amount of time as the bus

dave.obrien

I do a similar cycle, Cabinteely to college in Bolton Street, went from not cycling for years to doing it almost every day back in September, and I'd vouch for the Rock Road. It's flatter, and cycling on the N11 is not that much fun when compared to the coast. Only problem is that when it blows, you've very little protection. Still, beats the hell out of a bus...