We Cycled To Work Every Day For A Month & This Is What Happened!
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- For the last month, six GCN employees, and many of you viewers, have been taking on a commuter challenge. The idea: ride to and from work every day for a month, to see if they could save money, get fitter and happier. Si and Manon caught up with our star volunteers Harriet, Steve, Alice, Harry, Allie & Kai to see how their month of commuting went!
00:00 Intro
01:03 Allie
02:25 Harry
05:05 Harriet
07:41 Kai
09:38 Alice
11:56 Steve
14:58 Will you continue cycling to work?
16:08 Summary
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Did you take on the commuter challenge? If so, how did you get on?
No, I didn't knew about it as I have Facebook and Instagram banned in Russia (and don't know where did you post it). Since September, if I am were going to study, I'm using my bike to cycle 16-17km to the destination and back. Currently I'm ill and don't know if challenge is still going.
It was the only month i didn't commute on my bike - torn calf muscle which is only just getting back to rideable.
Took the GCN commute challenge but eastern Idaho got ice and snow, so I ended up with a commute with GMBN challenge too. My Salsa Marakesh touring gravel bike and single speed cafe racer don't handle ice and snow well. My Surly Pugsley fat tire bike handles gravel shoulders with grass, road junk, ice and snow like a champ.
However, I cycle to work since 2016. The GCN and GMBN commute challenge was an easy victory considering that I was already doing it effectively.
I cycle to work by bike (9,4 km each way) since 2018, even during winter.
Getting burnt by two oldies on e-bikes is the most relatable statement ever out out on GCN.
Even as a younger person on an e-bike flying past anyone is super fun and satisfying though I always give a hearty hello to everyone I smoke :D
@@__-bk6mm If you're on an ebike you didn't "smoke" anybody in even any small way, shape, or form. Enjoy your ride.
@@daryl4841 Quite! e-cycling isn’t real cycling.
The max speed is 25km on an ebike. I have an e cargo bike and even when I'm doing 25km (I'm normally doing 20km) lots of normal bikes are passing me easily!
Yeah fist time grannie passed me i thought i must be in terrible shape. Till i realized she had a e bike. Its funny.
I’ve been commuting 5 days a week for the last 32 years. 20 mile round trip, no matter what the weather is like and no lazy days.
I really enjoyed this video showing the "every day" cyclist. Really encouraging for those of us that are not into competitive cycling. More like this! Thank you!
Thanks James! We'll get these guys bike i'm sure 🙌
Touche! The original video came out just as my bus ticket was expiring. And now I haven't taken the bus to work for a month now. 12k.
Great motivation. Fun content.
Yeah, more "daily cyclist" stuff! I don't need to get there the fastest - I just need to get there in one piece with all my stuff. How much luggage or groceries can I haul up a hill? Practical stuff!
My commute is 16-20 miles each way depending on route. Been doing it for about six weeks now I think. If you want to make it easy, just don't give yourself any other options :). I used to do this commute a day or two per week, then about six weeks ago got rid of the car, which I do not miss at all, so now I'm cycling it every day. I find it's psychologically a lot easier than it used to be because there is no other way, so there's nothing to think about.
How long is the ride then, bout an hour. Wondering how long it would be for me to cycle back and forth..
@@willmo1725 I would definitely commute that far. I had 50 km commute, I used to take the train with the e bike and ride half way home (sometimes all the way, but that was complicated). I hated my job, but it was worth it just for the ride. I think 25 km would be fine. Time depends on the terrain. I avoid roads as much as possible.
Easy to say when you don't have physical work
@@Rainaman- I found that with a physical job it was mentally harder to start but I still felt better at the end
I have 25 mile one way. And honestly I have stuff that needs to be done for work after work and back to school soon. But my thoughts are a decent geared e bike. So I’m not trashed at the hospital for work or late for school. But after school I think I could do a few days at 50 miles a day even at 49 years old lol. Great post.
So I just sold my car this past Thursday to start commuting by bike full time. I started off back in April commuting once a week then twice and now I'm at the point I felt I wanted to and can commit to it. I've an 18 mile commute each way and it's honestly my favorite part of the day. Since I've started biking I've had more energy, started eating healthier, had more quality sleep, consistently arrived on time, and I simply find more enjoyment in things. Thanks for the inspiration Y'all!
Great & keep Pedalling ! It's been 5 years + for me.
How long has your commute been taking you? By the way, nice job!
@@robertwiley7744 It is usually about 1: 05 but I give my self 1: 30 incase of mechanicals. Like just the other week my left pedal fell off and stripped the threads with about 4 miles left so here I am pedaling with one leg to make it to class on time🤣
Yes yes yes! Glad you're enjoying riding so much 🙌
Since the pandemic I have become a home worker. Prior to that I commuted twice a week (throughout the year) 37km each way. Things I learnt:
1. Mudguards all year round.
2. You can do it on any bike - I did it on MTB, hybrid and vintage Raleighs.
3. Leave a spare set of clothes and towel at work.
4. Lights and hi vis are very important.
5. Safer in the dark on country roads than in a city because you show up easier from a distance rather than street lighting.
6. Assume that car drivers on going to pull out on you.
7. Don't ride too fast in the city. Even if an accident with a driver may not be your fault, do don't want to risk injury.
8. If using clipless, use MTB spd's which are much easier use.
9. Leave your lock at work.
10. Banana and peanuts with a coffee are an excellent reward for the ride.
11. Only by commuting for a long period you really find out what kit works - ignore the hype.
12. Rack and panier for long distance commutes. Otherwise invest in a good rucksack which is large enough to store clothing.
13. Most of my journeys had a massive difference in temperature from the morning ride to the afternoon ride. Therefore, on those days leg and arm warmers for the morning section.
As I work from home now, nearly every day I go for a ride from my house back to my house. Is this a commute?!
I started seriously riding at age 20. I lost my driver's license and rode my Vitus 979 everywhere for about four years. Got married and moved from California to Michigan at age 27. Stopped riding completely and gained 60 pounds. One morning while leaving for work my car would not start. My 40 year old self saw my son's Target special mountain bike and thought I will just ride to work. It took me almost 2hrs to ride 18 1/2 miles. My heart was jumping out of my chest. I was light headed and sweating profusely but something awakened in me. 2 weeks later I bought a Trek 1000SL. Over the next 5 years I rode to work 2 to 3 times a week when weather allowed. Rode on a trainer during winter. Got my time to work down to 55 minutes and got my weight down to 183. During that time I got divorced and married a second time. New wife wanted me home and not out riding. Gained back all the weight. Got divorced again and now at 55 looking at a Canyon Roadlite 6. ROUND 3! (Cycling not marriage)
Thanks for sharing. It makes me want to start riding my bike again
Roadlite bike is good I have Canyon Roadlite 5
Women are dream killers. Keep the bike. Ditch the ball and chain.
Life is grand........
Without the devil!
NOW THATS A GREAT STORY - RIDE ON BROTHER
Love Harriet's honesty at the end! Well done to all!
Been commuting to work for the past 3 years 16kms round trip 5 days a week. Feels great warming up the mind and getting the blood flowing before work.
same for 6 years.
Same for 3years aswell but i finally got myself an e bike rather than riding my old roadbike
Great way to wake you up isn't it! 👍
How about giving Harriet a new set of brakes and pads to increase her confidence going downhill on a wet road, and having her install and adjust them with guidance on GCN Tech?
You should go back to the first video with Harriet and ask her to repeat the same challenges now to see exactly how much she has improved after a month of commuting.
Good idea
Nice idea, she's on it now 🙌 Give Manon a run for her money
Been car free for a year now and my biggest take away has to be the mental part of it. I’m so much happier and less stressed since I started. It’s not a long commute to work but I also run all my errands on my bike. I get in at least 100 miles a week. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the challenge, well done! Always a fun video with Harriet involved!
Great. Hats off to >100 miles a week.
100 miles not be sniffed at! Nice one Rick 🙌
I've also been a lot less stressed overall since I've started bike commuting!
Ditto, except that I haven't sold the car yet. Life is better on a bike!
I used to commute by bike and it took 2hours 1 way (cuz i was a beginner and very slow). Since i can park my bike inside the building, i commuted only 1way each day. cycled to work on one day, take the train to home, to work, and cycled home the next day.
The sense of achievement was great to see all the pr's and seeing that i can finish the same route 20 min faster now.
Thats the key, options :)
hey, I too was slow and not very efficient. I picked up a rpm sensor (25eu) plus app (5eu) and forced myself to ride between 75 and 85 rpm as much as possible. It changed my life... I ended up being less faitgued, faster (!) and had no pains whatsoever.
Although keep in mind that recommendation only work if your bike is well setup (saddle hight, longitudinal position, angle, bar ends and bars, etc.)
Nice one! Will you go back to riding to work? 🔎
Oh so Harriet is an official member of the GCN team now? That's pretty cool!
Next she'll be doing Land's End to John o' Groats, then Unbound, then Race Across America. Poor, Harriet, don't sign anything.
@@stevek8829 🤣
Don't teach her anything cyclocross
Hell yeah Harriet 💥 ride on
Yay, Harriet!
Congrats to all of you! Wow. I started myself three years ago for my 30km / 18 miles commute to work. I have never related to a video so much until now. Getting organized, stop thinking - just go and the highlight of being outside to take in nature. Even rainy days become enjoyable after some time. Yet I haven’t managed to find a mindset to enjoy headwinds 😂
Ah headwinds... nasty work! 😵💫
My mindset is "I'm gonna have a massive tailwind on the way back". And obviously 99% of the time by the time I get off work, wind has either died (not so bad) or completely switched direection (shit here we go again) ^^
Just like with climbs, headwinds never get anymore pleasant or easier, you just get faster 😂
Gotta learn to enjoy the struggle!
I retired from work in 2018, but the last 10 years I worked I commuted by bike 12-15 miles each way in NE USA. I commuted all year round in temps 95F to 7F. Rain and light snow with studded tires. I used both roads and trails which included all sorts of wildlife airings including geese, beavers and one day a black bear. Since I reduced my annual car mileage by over 5000 miles I was able to reduce my car insurance and fuels costs enough to pay for at least one of my bikes. I loved every minute of it and it’s the only thing I miss in retirement 😊.
Now you've got even more time to ride! 🙌
My truck wouldn't pass smog inspection so I sold it after biking for a week and taking the train. I canceled my insurance and save almost 500 a month. I have an 80 mile commute. 12 miles by bike, daily. This past month I rode more than 240 miles this month on an ebike, pedal assist, and I'm 58 yrs old. I hope to just use my reg bike in a few months after I acclimate to the exercise. This is so fun. I just bought the Ghostcat ebike. It should be here soon.
I went from car to train and now been biking 7.5miles each way to work everyday for the past 4 months! I actually look forward to commuting to work now and you’ve got to love that ‘runners’ (bikers) high to start your day at work =)
Great buzz to start the day off 🙌
My commute is 6 miles each way, 3 times a week with a bit of road but mostly country lane which makes it a pleasant experience. Needing to conquer the dark mornings and evenings now and obviously the inclement weather at this time of year. Determined to stick at it.
There are some really bright lights out there that will make a huge difference
Make sure you have good quality waterproofs and I have a windproof toasty skull cap. I'm actually warmer than when I take the train.. I was surprised how well I could see with my lights.
@@Songbirdstress it's amazing how warm a skull cap will keep you. Good gloves too because your brake levers are probably metal
@@danmanthe9335 Yup.
Keep it up! 👌
I’m here for all Harriet videos. Casually brushing off skidding into a parked car on a wet hill? SAVAGE! How long before she’s hitting jumps with gmbn Blake?
Harriet vs GMBN... got a nice ring to it 👀
the best bit of the daily cycle commute : guaranteed seat
...and no cancellations, just the occasional puncture repair.
Unless your bike gets nicked.
@@andyk2181 use airless tires and no more puncture repairs!
@@jomarvista8646 it's rare but not impossible. Seen tyres spray sealant all over the concrete before and never resealed.
@@Metalshark100 airless like tanus tires. No sealant. Those solid rubber tires. Haha
Interesting. I commute regularly (approx 8.5 miles each way). Advantages are improved mental health (I can do a brain dump easier on the bike), not having to attempt to find a parking space at work, big savings on petrol, and a lot fitter (and can justify a big slice of cake during morning tea break). Disadvantages - it can be knackering (especially if get a cold), ice in winter as cycle path not gritted, this week's highlight of a pedestrian in dark clothes walking a black dog in the unlit section of the route. This may change if in person meetings become the norm as these involve travelling to other sites during the working day - MS Teams lets me do the usual commute without worrying about the additional 15 miles to another site for an afternoon meeting. Am now in my early 60s and have cycled to work on and off since starting work. Generally when cycling / train + cycle have been fitter and slept better.
I'm with Steve on this, I used to commute 70km roundtrip which would take me around 90 mins a day (each way) I done that for just over 2 months and the burnout you feel doing 5 or 6 days a week is crazy on top of an 8 hr shift and takes the fun out of cycling completely, at least it did for me but now I've the car I can pick and choose the days I cycle so all good.
Perhaps picking and choosing is the best option 👍
Commuting too much took too much of my legs for the weekend rides so I had to cut back. My commute to work is about 30-40 miles both ways however. (All flat though)
Been regularly riding to work for about 12 years now. I have a few different routes I can take to break up the monotony of doing the same route over and over. Distances range from 16-30k depending on how fit/motivated I’m feeling on the day or if time pressures dictate. A good thing is I regularly see other riders doing the same as me and most nod or wave or say hello, I don’t actually know any of them but I feel we all “know” each other because of what we do.
the commuter mod is a great thing 👌
Any advice on what gear to get for the winter periods?
Great video!
I’ve been commuting to work for the last 6 years. Approx 14 miles / 23km each way. The comment about having a routine is so true. When I get home from work I’ll prepare my bag with my clothes etc so I don’t have to think about it in the morning.
Having your bike setup the way you like to commute is really important. I’m not a fan of riding with a bag on my back (sweaty back is no fun), so it’s panniers or on frame bike bags for me & allows me to keep wet weather riding gear always packed & ready to be deployed.
It's worth trying some different thing out and finding what works for you 🙌
Great video! Been commuting for 12 years and it still takes motivation to get out in the cold and the wet. Congrats to all the volunteers and here’s hoping they inspire more to try it.
I've been commuting all of my work life (30 years) and living in a city this always felt natural, come wind or rain. It's just bad weather sometimes, nothing to be afraid of. Riding the bike should be a no-brainer.
41km & 550m climbing each way for my commute. Hard on the body to do both ways every day…rotating by driving car in morning with bike loaded. Come back on the bike, next morning in with the bike and back with the car plus bike loaded. That way the extra luggage and change of clothing is also managed. Tip number 3: leave an extra pair of shoes at work to reduce weight.
I'm late to the party, but I recently moved closer to my office where the commute was cut from 30 km each way to 12 km direct. That has given me much more incentive to bike to work since I won't be a sweaty mess getting there (there are no showers, a few of us in the building are trying to change that). I changed my commute on the way home so it's 17 km on the way back, which is the beauty of biking to work: you can go anywhere and make it an adventure!
I used to love my 10 mile commute across Plymouth, at certain times of day it was quicker. I was a shift worker so on earlies had lovely quiet rides (dodging drunks in Union Street!) and Dog Watch a quiet 3am ride home👍🏽 Had to do it on a MTB a couple times due to snow/slush/ice!
Well done all 👏🏽
That 2 hour commute 😱 Mine is 2 miles each way and there are days when I look longingly at the car. Noted the Huel there. It is a great way to get that extra protein and the calories - cheap as hell and plant based too.
Absolutely love this content! Hats off to all the commuters! Love their honesty and resolve. It's great how they each personalised the experience and made it their own, showing the full spectrum of possibilities. Now retired, I bike everywhere in the city to shop etc trips under 30km. When working I started commuting daily through a brutal Canadian winter as an experiment to see if I could do it. Modifying clothing for weather and some preparation is key, but the fun won out! Studded tires for ice helped. When people were incredulous, I would ask if they liked cross-country skiing. Great fitness, great fun ,great savings! Keep going and be reasonable all! Thanks for this gcn!
It's surprising what you can do with the right equipment.
Great stuff! Enjoy the winter riding, sounds tough 🥶
Everyone is awesome in this video, but Harriet is a star.
Great job to all the commuters and presenters, I was inspired! Recently converted my old road road bike to an ebike and excited to give commuting by bike a go. Great weather here in CA. Great video.
Congratulations to all the participants. From the beginners to more experienced riders, the change of lifestyle is so positive, in every way. This video showed the can do attitude of the participants.
During the winter months I find it hard to commute by bicycle due to the possiblility of snow(and sometimes a lot of snow) and and minus 0 degree temperature. In the warmer seasons it is awesome.
Thanks for commenting! Glad you enjoyed it. We really wanted to show off all the cyclists that are out there. Commuting to work is a great way to start off the day. Roll on summer ☀️
I started taking my bike to work when covid started in march 2020 and I have not taken the subway to work once since then, I live in Oslo so it’s a bit of a struggle in the winter but with good studded tires it works.
I have 3.5km to work fastest way but I normally take a detour each way so 10-15 km each way and think it’s a great way to get the day started 😀
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Genuinely wonderful, heartwarming and inspirational!!!
I've commuted to work and back now for quite a few years. It's great for my fitness and wellbeing. It is hard on some days with the weather and traffic but every time it beats getting back in the van as I'm saving money and getting fit. I'm cycling from Preston to Lytham which is pretty flat but it's about 17miles each way depending on which route so I'm racking up the miles. Definitely a sense of achievement before I've even started work and being a secondary school teacher cycling home sorts me out.
lol, yes.
Absolutely well done everyone. I am trying to get my partner to commute 4 miles to work, without much success. What is clear is that challenges come in all shapes and sizes. That may just be in the extra work involved in getting out the door. The weather or a particular hill. My own problem is that I work from home. So am struggling with my own motivation on a daily basis. These types of vids and challenges do help with this though. So, a big thanks to you all:)
Before I had a car I had to cycle EVERYWHERE. On days I didn’t feel motivated I would make a realllllly strong black coffee. Once you start feeling a little jittery it’s a great motivator to move to burn that feeling off but yeah that’s just an unsolicited suggestion 🙃
Get an Ergometer and ride on that 10 min. before and 10 min. after starting work 😂
I'm not sure how to help your partner get motivated for the commute, it really does have to have some level of internal motivation on their part. Maybe look at what marketers call the pain points - What can they avoid doing/how will they improve their life by cycling. But for your problem, I started working from home during the pandemic, after a week or so without being able to commute, especially home from work, I got an indoor trainer and would finish my day with half an hour on that. It was a start of a journey that led to now riding 40-50 miles on the regular with occasional 100 mile rides - for fun!
Do you have the time/flexibility in working hours in the morning to do the 4 miles with your partner (and back) before starting work at home? Your partner will likely be more motivated if they are riding with you and then you get a ride in too?
@@fr3heart I'm picking up a direct drive turbo trainer today has it happens. Thinking of using swift. It ought to help with an injury. Also, help motivate my partner some...
I’ve been commuting for the last 7 years about three times a week and 16,4 km each way but I just moved closer to work so it’s just 6,5 km each way and I’ve been commuting almost every day. I can still count the times I’ve taken the car on one hand and it’s been 2 months. Love it. Great job everyone always nice to se new people fall in love with cycling ❤
I really enjoyed this, sitting indoors in the warm watching them commute, it reminded me of my time commuting into London five days a week in all weathers a round trip of 30 miles or so, best part of the day for me.
Been commuting by bike since about 1992. Not long - about 17km each way, takes about 40 minutes, which is only 15 minutes more than by car. Biggest challenge is not snow, but cold rain. When the temp gets below +5C, the wet is brutal. Fortunately Toronto isn't particularly rainy, so we trudge through it. Living car-free is amazing. Loved this report! Sounds like we got a few converts. Safety in numbers!
This is best part. For a cost of 15 minutes, you get 40 minutes of exercise. Beats going to a gym, where a 45 minute session, costs you 45 minutes, plus travel time.
I had a similar thing. 80 minute ride, which was 30 minutes longer than driving. I did that 2-3 times a week, and was never fitter than those days. Working from home nowadays means you have to make time for a ride, instead of using the work commute to offset it.
Rain at 16C was brutal for me this week.
Great stuff! Cold rain is pretty hard work 😳
@@amandajane8227 I feel very lucky to be in Aus. It’s rare that I ride in the rain below 12C. Can’t imagine what it’s like for those way up north.
Been doing Bath - Bristol and back on the B2B path 5 days a week for 7 years; beats every other method of getting between the two cities! You adapt to it very quickly, as long as you have multiple sets of wet weather gear in winter!
I use to commute to work every day 18 miles then I was diagnosed with rheumatory lung disease and do to physical restraint I stopped. I have recently purchased a carbon frame and am trying to save enough for the components to build a new bike so that I can start riding again, and I can’t wait for that day to come. Hopefully by the new year it will be finished and I will be able to ride again. I hope that everyone at least give this challenge a try as the benefits you receive from riding are great. Thanks for bringing this series together and reminding me how fantastic the days on my bike were.
I am thinking to commute to work. Thanks for the video. These videos motivate me so much. I will give it a try definetly.
Houston Texas, literally the bottom of Bicability list. I try to commute two days a week. it is 19 miles each way, to make wife feel safer I drive a short distance and commute 15 miles mostly paths and sidwalk/path with some limiting roads. Converted 1989 Nishiki Long wheelbase mtn to a Gravel/Commuter. Heavy but works well. As Therapist work late hours so often don't get back to truck until 8 pm or later. Great part of my week! Long Covid is certainly making the ride longer and harder.
My commute is 65km each way. Did a back & forth once and took about 5.5hrs! It's full of potholes and wet now but once it clears up I'll do more of it, maybe just one way and hitch a ride back home
I really wanted to participate but currently my commute is from the bedroom to the home office and let me tell you, that stairwell is a beast on a bike.
I always have a better outlook on my day when I commute. Been doing it since 2008 and it changed my life. Short way- 30 miles round trip. Longer as many as 25 miles one way if I want. Do it! You will not regret it.
The best thing about this? Normal people with normal bikes. Not that its not wrong for GCN to focus on lycra and the best bikes money can buy....just that us common folk can relate to this more easily. Good work!
With my line of work and managing family life there was no way I could take up the challenge. I hoped I could maybe try to do it once a week one way in the afternoons (35km - so probably 1,5h ride), no luck so far but I bit the bullet and bought a smart trainer. No excuses now! It is annoying to set it up in the evening and clear the space afterwards but I manage to do a proper workout 4 times a week. Short day is not an excuse now. It will be a full month on 2 November and I'm already at 250km in this month. All that inspired by your commute challenge.
Great job folks, keep it up! November will mark 1 year since I drove my car to work and it has changed how I see transportation for the better
Some of us do that all year long. It is our mode of transportation to get to work. I rode 38 miles a day with 1000 ft of climb year round
That's a lot of miles!
I think the most realistic commute situation is mixed mode, e.g I have two bikes, one at home (nice one) and another at work (2nd hand), and I ride to the station, take the train, then again ride to work. Depending on the weather or my energy level, I sometimes take the bus to the station. If I were to do the whole (which I did try a few times), it's an exhausting work day.
I started the commute since late Jun this year when company allowed us to work hybrid (3 days in office). Each way 21 -25 km depending on the paths to choose. Enjoying it very much though always worried of weather and caught half way (to office or return). Realized that once i started commuting, my weight dropped a bit (1-2kg) and i reduce the distance /frequency of cycling on weekends. Also, because of the commute, i swim less and run less too.. So now started to get use to it but the weather is getting wetter nowadays though..
Love this challenge! I do 32km round trip year round in Calgary, Canada. As many in the vid said, I think the biggest thing is organization. If you get everything ready the night before and set aside 20 minutes on the weekend to do some basic bike maintenance (including cleaning and lubing your chain), everything else will fall into place. Being on a bike is easy, getting on a bike sometimes needs some support! Oh, and there's no shame in an e-bike, especially when the weather turns nasty!
How do you clean and lube your chain in winter? I wait for a sunny day so the chain dries quickly in the sun.
Ebikes are a great way to get you out on the commute! Nice tip about the maintenance and getting ready the day before! 🙌
So happy to see how many people have improved their life with cycling😊. I have been commuting to school since April this year but now it’s starting to get very windy. I’ve already watched videos about gearing for the winter commute and I hope to put them in practice the right way; any advice for windy situations? 😅
@@spectrum5039 thank you for the advice, no matter what it seems like the wind is against me both going to school and coming back home 😅
Great video! As a former bike commuter it’s nice to hear how this went, and I’m so happy to see how many of them plan to continue….
They are smashing it! 💪
Loved this! Great GCN inspiration but as a side note, I really loved the spots you did the sit down interviews. I’d love to commute but I mostly work from home.
Thanks Ian! Commuting doesn't need to just be about going to work - you can go to the shops, bank, place of worship, etc. by bike too! Alternatively give yourself a fake commute each morning by getting out on a pre-work ride! 👍
Yeh my commute is very small amount really .... I do the scenic route home which is way longer, quieter road ...
My company sent us home with VPN laptops in March 2020. I've combined my old commute time with my workout time and manage about 50 km per day, most days when it's not snowing in Colorado. You can do it, too, Ian.
Realy fun episode. I agree that you need to plan the day before. But it is worth it :-) . Bike to work and se the sunrise is amazing. At first you are more tired the end of the week. But now at least I have more enery.
Keep up the good work :-) .
Very well put together GCN ! Interesting from start to finish. Nice job everyone
Great video! Really enjoyed this ❤
Different kinds of bikes, including ebikes, trikes, recumbent bikes and trikes, tandems, and so many more, all of these can make commuting easier and give some variety to the commute. My favourite is the Brompton because it's so handy to take into a store or cafe. Now that they have an electric assist version, there is no reason for anyone not to bike commute.
I don't say I'm a cyclist but a commuter. I've been commuting since I was 12 (now 62) initally to school, apprenticship then various jobs in Brisbane and Sydney. There have been short periods where I didn't due to circumstances but I've never commuted in a car and currently live car free and still commute daily 32km. Best thing I've done for my finances, health and attitude.
When the ride to work is quicker than the car it's a smug feeling, nothing beats that feeling.
Going past all the traffic certainly is fun!
I live in Toronto Canada. Been cycling to work for about 20 yrs.
Used to only see a few people on the road. Now a days, there can be congestion of cyclists on rush hours. My commute is only about 30 mins so not hard.
I used to have pack on my back but now use paniers. Much easier than having the weight on your back.
I ride in all seasons and weather. Gets tricky sometimes when there is lots of snow. As for rain, you just need proper gear to keep warm and dry.
I am almost done building my Ti-Frame touring rig, with no expenses spared. It'll have Shimano Di2 GRX groupset and everything I always wanted in a bike. Once I'm done, I will have no choice but to sell my car to lick my financial wounds - I already have a bike I ride to work on the daily but this will bring me full circle and be the catalyst I needed to initiate full-mental status. Only regret is my commute is only 18-20 minutes in each direction.
For the last 6 months I have been commuting most days of the week. Been blessed that it has been a dry summer. My commute is 4.5 miles each way. Since I have some country roads, major highways and a bike path and getting off work at midnight I feel I need to be more decked out with equipment. My wife was skeptical at first particularly with me riding in the dark. Since it was during the Covid lockdown, all the bars and restaurants were closed, so there was no reason for anyone to be out driving drunk, she let me do it on a trial basis. One night coming home taking off my shirt to get in the shower she noticed the difference, she said that she liked what she saw and told me to continue. I would say the biggest benefit were the many conversations my bike sparked with people and the ability to encourage others to go out and ride.
I am retired now. I did commute to work on a mountain bike for 30 years. The weather was never really an issue because I worked outside anyway. I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada. And yes we get long cold winters. -10 were the warm days. Still enjoy riding and probably always will. Love your channel, always inspires me to go for a ride.
I have been cycling commuting for almost 10 years... but I cherry pick... and don't do winter commutes. My commute is 21 km each way, 80% country roads... commuting in the rain or snow is not pleasant, and the roads are not wide enough for safety. I do enjoy the 8-9 months that I am able to ride though. My commute is about 45-55 minutes - the sunrises are spectacular and the 6:00 am rides are just what I need to wake up in the morning. Great work ALL commuters in the challenge!!! You all did great work... I wish I hadn't been injured and could have attempted this challenge -- riding in the rain would have been my challenge. ;)
Ride safe everyone!!
I've done a few "bike to work summers" in the past, but that was in prior years. This video has inspired me to give commuting by bike another shot. All I have to do now is get my bike up to snuff to give it another go.
Thanks GCN!
Will you try winter commuting? 🤔
@@gcn Getting my bike tuned up as we speak. Lucky me, living in Florida, winter commuting isn't all that bad. I'm about 9.6 miles each way. I plan on a test ride in the next couple of days to see if I'll be doing it on a fixie/single speed or a geared bike.
A month, eh, try 10 years+, rain, sleet, hail, snow...lots of snow on studded tires (granted my commute distance is only 5 miles), but also get groceries and do errands with large panniers. My car does not get 30 miles per gallon, but 6 months to the tank. I dislike cars...would like to not own the one I have.
I miss the bike commute. Used to ride to/from work every day for years, come sun, rain, hail or snow. But since March 2020 when we all got sent home due to Covid-19 I've only been to the office about 3 times. It's definitely had a negative impact on my fitness
The best/worst I've done is 12.5 miles each way with the occasional spot of rock climbing on the way home. Getting enough food was most definitely the biggest problem, followed closely by the fact that it was along the south coast route and when the wind picked up it would turn into a 90min grind, but the sea looks nice on a sunny morning. Don't think I could do it now, being 10 years older than I was then, not everyday.
Hey guys, thanks for bringing Harriet back! She’s amazing, reminds me of myself, when I first started Cycling. Please bring her back again. Love the show, keep it coming! ❤❤❤⭐
+1 for bringing back Harriet
@@ArmandGirard 👍
Thanks Joel, Harriet smashed it 💪
We need more Harriet!
I've been bike commuting since the pandemic started and it was love and hate especially during the first year when I wanted to avoid taking the train as much as possible. There were times I'm angry because I was tired at work but I still have to ride 10km, against the wind, sometimes under the rain. But I lost 10kg in the process and helped me maintain it so there's that.
In this phase of the pandemic, I can choose now to not ride when the weather is demotivating but I make sure I ride 20KM indoor daily.
Well done to all and nice to see Harriet again!
I've been commuting for about 2 years, 19km each way, whatever the weather. And boy, does it feel good. Even if you have a bad day at work, the commute back home fixes it. In my case I use a lightweight fixed gear e-bike as I don't have any showers on the office (and it also helps with the strong front winds!). Now I only leave my bike at home if it is really, really raining a lot, which fortunately is not the case where I live!
managed commuting by bike for 3 weeks but then I got a 40 degree fever knocked me out 2 weeks so rip but over all nice experience, although I do have 200 m elevation on the way home so I always get home super soaked and I also caught a defect but hopefully now I'll be able to get back to it, it's worth it just for the workout because you only get home like 10-15 min later on a 10 km commute that you'd have to do anyways so it's a super time efficient workout. I do kinda hate the fumes when climbing though
Yup, bike commuting heavily for last 10 years, 40 miles a day two or three times a week on what at first seemed daunting routes. It helped me keep fit and financially ready for early retirement 2022. Now it's all for leisure.
Awesome job to all in this challenge! It took me several years to be a full-time bike commuter for my 20-28 mile round trip. I started with 1-2x per week, added some bike/transit days occasionally, even did a thing for awhile where I'd drive to work with my bike, leave my car at work then bike home, then bike in the next day and drive home. Eventually felt comfortable doing it every day, even during winter. Finally sold my car a couple years ago 🙂
Nice work Ryan! Big miles 💪 Keep it up!
I’ve only just started cycling, and getting the commute in was one of my main motivations. I’ll now ride the 12km each way about 3 times a week and really miss it when I don’t. Even on the days when I’m working from home I still get a 25km ride in around the area if I can.
A hack that you can try if you have a particularly long commute that you can do with public transport (or if you can park overnight) is to ride in one day then catch the train back, then opposite the following day. Saves you a bit of time and effort as you're getting into it, and you can use the non cycling days to ferry supplies like clothes, food, whatever and lighten the load for the bike leg.
I started commuting to work for 3 out if 7 days I work since March. Commute one way is 19.5 miles , approx 40 miles per commuting day.. 120 ish miles aweek... 1500 plus miles so fare... been a few week lately that bike been in shop for repairs... and first time in cold weather riding...all in all love the ride to and from work on a trek 3 with 105( installed by bike shop after purchase includes hydraulic brake systems) with approx 35 pds of work and bike stuff inside bags on luggage rack in back... commute is beautiful and meet some really nice people on the route... plan to keep it up
My commute is about an hour each way and even though it’s in London I can stay zone 2-ish the whole way. Commuting can be a perfect way to get aerobic base miles in (assuming no bastard hills in the way!).
Love it I’m local legend on every segment on my way to work… I just don’t have a car
I have a similarly lengthed commute to Steve and have done it once (and got a flat shortly after leaving work that afternoon). I'd love to do it regularly, but the logistics of getting a packed lunch, snacks, and water to work with a change of clothes and shoes is just too much over 25 miles, especially when I'd have to go well out of my way to avoid country roads with 45 mph speed limits.
The commutes would be easier if they used commuter/urban bikes with racks and fenders/mud guards. They seem to mostly be using road bikes and backpacks.
I switched my commute from my road bike to a commuter and the experience is a lot better. I am more comfortable, more stable and have a better field of vision in the upright position. I am slower but it's not an issue during my commute.
I still use my road bike on weekend rides.
i didn't take part in the challenge, but i used to commute daily for the previous 3 seasons. 16km each way, 290m / 190m climbing depending on direction. Hauling a Laptop and change of clothes. My lower back would start complaining on day 4 out of 5, and that wasn't much fun, so I've started mixing it up with public transportation. In particular when carrying a lot of stuff.
Commute by bike everyday about 20-24 miles depending on the route i take, choices out of a 26er rigid single speed retro mtb (now retired it so i can repaint and rebuild), a single/fixied 700x23c flat bar and a 1970s viscount 2x5 racer on 700x23c, commute by bike day in day out no matter the weather even used the viscount during winter snow and ice as it cut through it nicely, and then i also mtb on weekends or when i can be bothered after work, i dont drive or anything just cycle but i have dont car and bike tests so i fully understand the highway code
Usually commute once a week between late March and late October, on the DST time and while the weather allows to use a tshirt. Between 85 to 90 kms with 1000/1100 D+ round trip depending of the route. Use my road bike and take a backpack with me carrying clothes, towel, tennis shoes and laptop (about 7 kg). Leave home around 7 AM for a 1h40 ride. The return route usually take a little bit longer, about 2h, cause it has more climbs 😅
For awhile, while living in Belgium I had a long commute to the office for awhile so I’d cycle in in the a.m. bus home in the afternoon, back by bus in the a.m. then cycle home the next afternoon etc….worked a treat. And if you have the right gear rain, sleet and snow. All doable.
I've been commuting to my office with bicycle for almost a month now, the thought of riding a bicycle to work are exhausting turns out are false! I'm feeling great, energetic, better mood, feel much healthier and ofc saving more expenses! And I will continue to do so, because the impact were absolutely positive for me. :D
In the summer I do 23 km each way 3 days a week (other 2 are wfh). Once the snow flys I switch to my winter bike and do a drive/bike combo.
Well done all those who participated!!!!
Nice riding Kevin! 🙌
Well done to all that completed it, very rewarding for sure. Steve is an absolute boy!!!
Love this challenge. Great seeing the different girls and guys on the channel. I really should pull my finger out and do my 9mile commute by bike!
I commute 8km each way most work days and a pannier rack and good (waterproof) pannier bag is a game changer. As the mountain bike guy said, taking the weight of your back is essential when commuting.
It's an amazing way to get some exercise done when you having a busy week.
Grats to all you that took up this challenge. Must be a blast. I get the down sides too. I will ride in rain if it stars after i have left. Hard to go ride if its raining when u leave.
Very true, Getting caught in the rain is find... getting out in the rain takes a whole new mindset 🙌
Until I retired, I did a 40 mile round trip commute 4 days a week March through November. Every Friday I would not cycle in and would use that day to bring a week's worth of fresh clothes to work. I would store them in my locker and avoided having to pack and lug clothes every day. The weather where I live is perfect for bike commuting so, for the most part, I really enjoyed the experience.
Bike commuting is a gateway drug. I just moved to the mountains of Colorado and I need to figure out how to deal with the snow