Is this feasible?

strugglebug

So I'm due to start studying at IT Blanchardstown in September. Currently learning to drive but it'll be a while til I'm up and running.

Unfortunately for me getting there from Clondalkin requires two buses and a shuttle, which according to google maps will take at least 1 hour 55 minutes (not accounting for traffic). Two hours morning and evening on buses just does not appeal to me, so I started considering cycling.

I made the mistake of buying a BSO for €120 recently so I know that has to go (recs for replacement welcome) since it's slow and uncomfortable, but my main concern is my own health, I do no real exercise and I think the cycle would kill me. I figure if I got a new bike now and started cycling and steadily increase the length I'll be alright and have two months to get fit enough for it, right? Other concern is I have never cycled on the road and I dunno where you even start with that one. I really don't wanna be that guy on the path.

Finally, heres the link to the route from my road to ITB. Please be honest if this cycle twice a day is just too much. As you can see it'd save me an hour (although realistically it couldn't be that short a cycle could it?) in addition to getting me fit, healthy and saving a ton on buses so if it's possible I'd love to give it a go.

Edit; Can't post a link. From Turnpike Road to IT Blanchardstown on google maps if anyone wants to check out the route.

Raam

About 12km or so, right? Totally doable. I started my cycling with a 15km commute each way, having never really done anything before. You will be surprised how quickly you will get fit if you keep at it.

crosstownk

I think the best thing to do is get out on the bike and get used to it. It's not a massive distance and a few trial runs will help you get a handle on the route and your fitness.

It's by no means impossible.

Zen0

Traffic during the school holidays tends to be much lighter. The summer is a good time to get used to the route without having to worry too much about the traffic.

cdaly_

Looks like about 13k or thereabouts. Only difficult bit is the climb up Knockmaroon hill in Chapelizod but you could avoid that by routing through the Phoenix Park.

My commute is about that distance, takes me 35-40 min. It'll probably take you an hour to start with.

While you're researching your new bike, try the route on your BSO. Use lower gears and pedal faster, it'll be easier and you'll get more aerobic exercise that way. Do it once or twice per week for the next two months and you'll have it down handy by the time term starts.

The other thing to do is start reading up on road positioning and assertive cycling. That'll help build confidence on the road.

Best of luck...

doozerie

That sounds about the distance of my current commute, and it's grand. Apart from the many benefits it offers (fitness, health, stress relief, etc.), the alternative of a 2hr commute by public transport sounds horrible and given the general mess that rush hour traffic is it's likely that it would be horrible even if you were driving your own car.

As regards cycling on roads for the first time, I think that confidence will come very quickly and it'll be second nature in no time. Those that don't cycle in traffic might be led to believe that there is some kind of ongoing war between cyclists and drivers, given some of the reporting and discussions you see in the media. That's nonsense really, the reality is that most people make a conscious effort to share the roads safely, it's the odd cretin (cyclist or driver) that gets everyone else a bad name and stokes the flames of the "war" myth. Just keeping your eyes and ears open for silly behaviour on the roads will usually be enough to help you avoid it, being conscientious yourself and behaving predictably (so don't break red lights, don't cycle on pavements, etc.) will be another significant factor in ensuring your own safety.

cython

cdaly_ wrote: »

Looks like about 13k or thereabouts. Only difficult bit is the climb up Knockmaroon hill in Chapelizod but you could avoid that by routing through the Phoenix Park.

My commute is about that distance, takes me 35-40 min. It'll probably take you an hour to start with.

While you're researching your new bike, try the route on your BSO. Use lower gears and pedal faster, it'll be easier and you'll get more aerobic exercise that way. Do it once or twice per week for the next two months and you'll have it down handy by the time term starts.

The other thing to do is start reading up on road positioning and assertive cycling. That'll help build confidence on the road.

Best of luck...

The one thing I would warn the OP about if considering the route in your link is that it takes in Knockmaroon Hill which is especially tough for a novice as well as quite busy, and detouring in the Chapelizod gate of the park and out via Castleknock might actually be preferable, albeit a bit longer.

strugglebug

You guys are so helpful, thanks a million. Really feeling enthused about it now you all say how possible it is!

Could I trouble you for some recommendations for a bike and where to purchase it? I can't say what the budget definitely is yet as probably wont be buying til July when I've spent some time saving and with the other bike, probably €500 minimum although I'm hoping to get up to €700 since it'll hopefully all work out and the bike'll end up paying for itself.

cython

For that budget, and since you're not under a particular time pressure (yet, anyway), I would say to look second hand at first, as you will get much better value at that price range. Adverts sub forum, as well as adverts.ie are both good places to keep an eye on.

Beasty

Raam wrote: »

About 12km or so, right? Totally doable. I started my cycling with a 15km commute each way, having never really done anything before. You will be surprised how quickly you will get fit if you keep at it.

OP my commute was longer (23 km or so each way) and I hadn't done much cycling before (and was then 30kg or so heavier than I am now)

Take it easy to start with and build up - perhaps start with a Monday and Thursday or Friday and before you knoiw it you will be happily cycling in every day (assuming you get yourself a decent road bike

Raam

Beasty wrote: »

OP my commute was longer (23 km or so each way) and I hadn't done much cycling before (and was then 30kg or so heavier than I am now)

Take it easy to start with and build up - perhaps start with a Monday and Thursday or Friday and before you knoiw it you will be happily cycling in every day (assuming you get yourself a decent road bike

Yeah well, my commute was 50km each way and I was 200kg over weight and I had to do it on a uni-cycle. And the uni-cycle had a flat tyre.

PeadarCo

To add to whatever other people have said, one thing to consider also o is get a decent lock(s) for the bike and what is the situation is in terms of bike parking facilities. Nothing that should put you off the cycling but just something to consider.

DubVelo

As above I wouldn't be spending that much on a bike that gets left locked at a college.
The Halfords Carrera bikes make good cheap commuters, otherwise something second-hand. So long as it fits right and is better than a BSO you'll be grand.

longshanks

Raam wrote: »

Yeah well, my commute was 50km each way and I was 200kg over weight and I had to do it on a uni-cycle. And the uni-cycle had a flat tyre.

Ooh lah di dah, look at you with your tyre.... My uni-cycle didn't even have a wheel.

Hunterbiker

Whatever bike you buy factor in a decent amount for locks to keep the bike secure when you are at college.
dont trust a €20 lock and chain to keep it safe

cdaly_

Hunterbiker wrote: »

Whatever bike you buy factor in a decent amount for locks to keep the bike secure when you are at college.
dont trust a €20 lock and chain to keep it safe

I use this lock on the rear wheel/frame along with this cable to secure the front wheel. Been good to me so far...

Cee-Jay-Cee

My first cycle on a road bike but having been on a bike in nearly 20 years was 16km. It was tough but didn't kill me. That grew steadily over the following 3 months to the point where I could do 100kms without much trouble. I was totally unfit, 2stone overweight and totally inactive prior to that. 12km is easily achieveable as a commute and you'll manage it easily within 3 to 4 weeks and your fitness levels will improve ten fold.

CramCycle

When I started in college, my commute was roughly the same distance, I done it o a BSO for 6 months until a scummer nicked it. The money I saved allowed me to pick up a 2nd hand racer.

It is definitely doable, just a bit more work on the BSO.