Cycling to work

mac123

So im starting a new job this week. Im going to drive in for the first few days but I want to start cycling. Its just over 16km each way and its relatively flat.

Now I dont have any experience with cycling so im wondering would this be considered a reasonable distance to attempt as a beginner.

Im 24 and im fairly fit so I think il be able for it, I was going to try a test run but I was too busy this weekend.

Also how long would it typically take to do that sort of distance without pushing it too hard...I dont want to be too sweaty! I know it would be different for everyone but could I reasonably expect to make it in under an hour?

ontheditch2

Should be no problem to you. I only started cycling a few weeks ago for leisure and i have commuted 2 times already and it is 40km each way. 16km will be a breeze for you.
I suppose the most important thing is that you are able to shower or at least clean yourself a bit when you get in there.

Lumen

mac123 wrote: »

could I reasonably expect to make it in under an hour?

Yes.

Beasty

Keep it up throughout the year, push yourself, and you may even eventually be doing it in under half an hour;) (but then you would probably be sweaty)

Cookie_Monster

If you're not sure I'd suggest on cycling one or two days the first week and then 3+ the next etc to get used to it.

16 km on the flat will prob take you an hour at first but as you get used to it you'll bring it down to about 40mins or so I imagine. (that's just based on my average speeds since I started cycling)

Dermot Illogical

mac123 wrote: »

Also how long would it typically take to do that sort of distance without pushing it too hard...I dont want to be too sweaty! I know it would be different for everyone but could I reasonably expect to make it in under an hour?

Yes, but if it's a new job and they don't have showers...give yourself a little longer until you've been fully accepted

If they do have shower facilities you should be able to do cycle + shower in an hour once you get used to it.

Galway K9

Im starting this tomorrow, cyclign from galway city to oranmore village for work. Theres showers in work so no excuse as to why i shouldnt. I got a new GT Aggressor...I love it!

CardBordWindow

I cycle about 8 Km each way, and it takes about 25 mins. There's a few hills on the trip, and I'm only using a standard mountain bike, so you should be grand.

Paparazzo

Op, I was in the situation as you. Shouldn't be a problem for you, but you'll have a sore arse. You get used to it after a couple of weeks though.

Rew

I do 19k each way every day. With traffic it's 44 min in and 49 min out (uphill on the way out). I've done 39 min early in the morning with less traffic.