It obviously depends how many days you're going, but I found that doing over 70km on a uni day left little energy for study, especially after 5 hours sleep -- I had to do my study on my days off. Man, 160km!! Jeez!!
Commuting to uni, I didn't worry about showering; I just took a change of "street clothes" and some deodorant (sorry chem 1.0.1 kids), but if I was commuting to work, and had to get into a suit, then I'd be looking for a shower.
Bike Forums has a separate commuting sub-forum that will have stacks of info for you:
Riding to work or uni is a great way to get fit - I ride to work all the time. Doesn't your university have a sports center where there are showers? If not, just give yourself a washdown with a sponge and soap and towel off after the ride. Also, it's important you put your clean clothes in a rucksack to change into after you wash and ride in clothes you can change out of. If you have books to carry it might be better to leave them in a locker at uni and make photocopies of pages for homework e.t.c. It makes sense to keep your bike light while riding. If I take food with me to work I opt for tinned tuna and stuff like that due to the light weight. Yes, if I were you I'd buy a good bike since they're pretty cheap second hand. I got mine for 200 sterling. Look in newspapers under bikes and you may drop on a Cannondale or something at a bargain price. If you can afford it buy new with a guarantee. It's wise to wear very bright clothes so you're seen. Never assume a driver has seen you at roundabouts e.t.c. and make eye-contact with them so you know they've spotted you. Usually cycling to work involves traffic so it pays to be vigilant. Good luck.
Quoted post said:
Originally posted by timburgan Hello,
I want to start riding to Uni everyday. I'm 21 and haven't rode regularly since I was about 14.
I have a budget generic road bike that is literally 15 years old, and Uni is about 80km's away.
Is my first step to get a new bike?
I wish to ride 12 months of the year -
Are there cycling clothes available for winter use that are warm and comfortable for cycling. (e.g. long cycling pants and shirts)?
How do you ride an hour to work or Uni if they don't have showers? Does that automatically mean you can't ride?
I want to start riding to Uni everyday. I'm 21 and haven't rode regularly since I was about 14.
I have a budget generic road bike that is literally 15 years old, and Uni is about 80km's away.
Is my first step to get a new bike?
I wish to ride 12 months of the year -
Are there cycling clothes available for winter use that are warm and comfortable for cycling. (e.g. long cycling pants and shirts)?
How do you ride an hour to work or Uni if they don't have showers? Does that automatically mean you can't ride?
Thanks
Er... you can get nice warm cycling clothes but it won't make a 2-3hour 80km ride become shorter... That's one hell of a commute, and if you're riding 5 hours a day every day you'll be the next Tour champion before you graduate!
