I was thinking of starting to bike to work when the season starts. On mapquest I found it's about a 9.37 mile ride from my house to work. I don't really bike all that much... I was thinking of biking for the next week and a half or so to get into a little bit better shape before I tried to go 9 miles.
My questions: is 9 miles too much for a beginner, and about how long on average would it take to get there at a moderate pace? There's a few hills. It's sorta out in the country.
I'm still thinking about it... it'd definitely get me in shape to bike to and from work. And it'd be a reason to exercise: to get to work. So I may actually do it haha. My only problems are safety and whether I even have the aerobic capacity to do it. Safety because it's on a windy country road with cars going about 60mph (I will definitely be wearing a helmet haha). Any advice on getting started biking that distance?
worry one would be can your butt handle it right off the bat? If you haven't been on a bike in a while your seat will get real sore at first until you get your saddle back. The best thing, is to go out this weekend do a "dry run" to see if; a: you can do it, and 2: your seat does ok. You may have to spend a couple weeks doing shorter rides and working yourself up to the entire commute. Remember, it's not only 9 miles there, but it's 9 miles back home too!
When I first got my bike, I went on a 10 mile bike ride. It was mostly flat. I didn't have any difficulty but it was on paths, not roads.
I recently got a trike and I've gone at least 5 miles on one ride (no exact count, but I'd estimate it to be over 5 miles) without issue. There were a lot of hills. Again though, mostly paths and quiet roads. I'd be scared of a busy, country road.
Ohh I never thought of the abuse my butt would take on those seats haha. I wonder, do they have gel coverings to make it more comfy? And yea the nine miles back is definitely something to think about. Cause I'll be tired after being on my feet all day. Hmmm...
Yea the busy roads definitely scare me. My mom doesn't like the idea at all haha. I only fear the drunks, in a car it's much safer to be hit than a bike... but I would try to not drive at night. It's actually not TOO busy. So it may still be okay. I guess I'll def have to try it first, even just so I don't underestimate and be late to work haha.
I'd love to just bike on my local park trails, but getting there would be the ride since it's insanely busy roads. I would love a bike rack for my car, but dunno if I can afford it. Oh well.
9 mile bike ride
