Cycling UK Forum

I'm a newbie on the forum, and to cycling in the city, in general.

Having bought a basic hybrid a few months ago, and cycling, for pleasure around some stunning parks in SWL, I've decided that I'd like to start cycling to work. I live in Teddington, and work in Marylebone, so I'm aware of the distance etc.
I have applied to join the army as well (which involves and almighty fitness test) so all cardio exercise will be welcome, and I can only imagine a 44 mile (return) daily commute, will be more than beneficial for me.

My only concerns are :
a) I would prefer not to stop every 5 minutes, to check my printed map/route etc, and have a tomtom which I use when I drive. It has a cycle-route setting, which I'm tempted to test out, but wanted to know if anyone else on here has used their vehicle satnav, for cycling purposes, and if so, how did that work out for you?
b) What route mapping sites would you recommend for someone like me, attempting this as a novice cyclist?
c) Does anyone possibly do a similar morning/evening commute? If so, any ideas as to how I should test my route out first.
d) Any other general "beginner" advice would be much appreciated.

I'd be honest in saying I'm a little nervous at heading out there for the first time, so all help and advice would be welcome!

Many Thanks

Do you have a public transport alternative.

For 22 miles each way I'd be tempted to do "one way commuting" for a couple of days, depending on your starting levels of fitness.

No real advice regarding the route other than to try it at a weekend in advance, that at least let's you know the route.
I use google maps for route planning, some main roads are fine to cycle on, some have quieter parallel roads, but you'll not know whether adding a few miles to avoid an A road is worth it until you've seen rush hour there...

use the tfl journey planner (towards right of page)...

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/default.aspx

tell it "teddington" and "marylebone", it'll give you a page where you can downoad a pdf showing your complete route (over several pages of pdf)

i tried it for your route, the suggested route looks ok, (maybe a bit conservative but that's fine to start, i'd tend to ride on more main roads)

for trying it out, the best time is sunday morning

except for while stationary i'd really avoid using satnav in london, it can be a real distraction and even a second of inattention is enough to have an accident, you really need to stay alert, too many pedestrians stepping out without looking, cyclists running lights, drivers who don't look, drivers who don't see, drivers who look and see but just don't care, etc.

get decent lights, weedy front lights are no good - easier to spot potholes etc. and you want drivers/pedestrians to see you coming! (the ixon iq from b&m is a great front light and is rechargeable so over time is more economic, cateye tl-1000 is a good rear light)

if you've got basic flat pedals, consider fitting some clipless ones, pedaling efficiency is much higher, spd is fine for in town use

london traffic can be intimidating, but if you are fit you'll be able to match/exceed the speed of most drivers, so don't 'hide' at the edge of the road (too many holes and huge gaps in drain covers), stick to mid-lane whenever you are moving at traffic speed

always carry a spare tube, tyre repair kit, tyre iron, multitool and pump, a pair of plastic gloves is a nice luxury too

1+ for the tfl journey planner

How about trying the route as a dummy run at the weekend? You can take as long as you like then and stop for food breaks, look at the map, look for landmarks that mark your way. Then when you do it for real, you will likely be able to remember the route and follow it without having to consult the map. No need for the satnav, useful though they are.

Well done on trying cycle commuting - if you have to go to work it is the most enjoyable way!

TFL journey planner is ok, but you will want to ride more on main roads than the back streets it tends to favour. It is far quicker on a long commute like yours and, I believe, safer - as there are fewer junctions to contend with, which are the hazardous bits, and more cyclists to give you safety in numbers.

It should be a pretty fast and enjoyable route. I'd go through Twickenham, cut through St Margarets and on to Isleworth, along the river. Then you can go through Syon Park, which brings you out in Brentford. Along the High St to Chiswick, down Chiswick High Road to Hammersmith, then keep going to Kensington High St. Then you can cut left through Hyde Park, to Lancaster Gate, up Westbourne Terrace, straight on and it will bring you out on Marylebone Rd.

I've cycled most of that route many times and can recommend it as being, safe, fast and enjoyable. There are a few junctions like Hammersmith that can be daunting at first, but they are controlled by lights so in practice they are fine. If you stick to the main roads navigation wil be easy and you won't need a map after the first couple of routes, let alone SatNav.

Good luck!

Echo some of what has been said.

1. Test the route at the weekend, that way you know where you are going and have some idea how long it will take (add on 15 mins to take account of traffic on weekdays).

2. How fit are you already and how much cycling have you normally done in a day. Suddenly doing 44 miles a day x 5 as well as a day at work is quite demanding. Look at doing 50/50 public transport cycle ride if possible. This could be train in ride home, or half journey by cycle remainder by train. Or start by riding full round trip twice a week; eg Tues Thurs, use other transport on other days. Increase to 3 days eg Mon, Weds, Fri then add in a 4th day in order to build up to 44/day.

Thank you so much to you all, for your great advice, especially frank9755 for suggesting a route, based on experience.
All of this is greatly appreciated.

I'll have a look at TFL for routes as well, and definitely have a practice run over the weekend. Also, I'm reasonably fit, as I exercise for 3 hours a day, 7 days a week, so I'll probably try the ride 3 times a week to start off, and then if all goes well, will make it a daily ride.

Again, thank you all for your help and advice

robochop wrote:Thank you so much to you all, for your great advice, especially frank9755 for suggesting a route, based on experience.
All of this is greatly appreciated.

I'll have a look at TFL for routes as well, and definitely have a practice run over the weekend. Also, I'm reasonably fit, as I exercise for 3 hours a day, 7 days a week, so I'll probably try the ride 3 times a week to start off, and then if all goes well, will make it a daily ride.

Again, thank you all for your help and advice

Soon you will be able to cut down on that time in the gym and just use the bike

[XAP]Bob wrote:

robochop wrote:Thank you so much to you all, for your great advice, especially frank9755 for suggesting a route, based on experience.
All of this is greatly appreciated.

I'll have a look at TFL for routes as well, and definitely have a practice run over the weekend. Also, I'm reasonably fit, as I exercise for 3 hours a day, 7 days a week, so I'll probably try the ride 3 times a week to start off, and then if all goes well, will make it a daily ride.

Again, thank you all for your help and advice

Soon you will be able to cut down on that time in the gym and just use the bike

That's the plan less time indoors, and more time exercising outdoors ....

Hi.
From Teddington I think the best route would be over Teddington Lock foot bridge through Ham and into Richmond Park out at Roehampton Gate across Barnes Common down to the Thames towpath to Putney Bridge over the bridge then Fulham,Kensington High St, Hyde Park ect as Franks route.That's never 22 miles more like 17 and cycle friendly certainly to Putney Bridge.Loads of bike commuters do Teddington- Putney bridge bit, it's a very pleasent ride.

If you are doing all that time in the gym then there is no reason why you would not pass an Army basic fitness test. Back in the 80's it consisted of 125 step-ups in 5 mins and then a HR recovery to under 80 bpm within a certain time, a minute I think.

Do not forget that 3 hours in the gym does not necessarily relate to cycling fitness, even if it does keep you fit; different types of muscles and all that.

Let us know how you get on after your first week.

Malpas wrote:Hi.
From Teddington I think the best route would be over Teddington Lock foot bridge through Ham and into Richmond Park out at Roehampton Gate across Barnes Common down to the Thames towpath to Putney Bridge over the bridge then Fulham,Kensington High St, Hyde Park ect as Franks route.That's never 22 miles more like 17 and cycle friendly certainly to Putney Bridge.Loads of bike commuters do Teddington- Putney bridge bit, it's a very pleasent ride.

That sounds like a great route actually. At the weekends, I'll usually ride/walk from Teddington Lock, to Richmond, along the river, and then back home via the roads ...
Thanks for the advice on that route, it certainly sounds like a pleasant ride.