crank1979
Likes Bikes and Dirt
You're definitely living the dream!
The only body of water I see on the way home is if I go past the water treatment plant.
Commuting
- Thread starter HerdingCats
- Start date
The only body of water I see on the way home is if I go past the water treatment plant.
I'm be starting this soon, but I need to scope out a route. Kellyville to UNSW (Randwick). Anyone help out with this?
akashra
Eats Squid
Three days a week is enough for me, but weather can often kill that idea. I've switched around jobs a bit in the last few years, but generally it's been 40km if I take bike paths, or 30km if I go straight down main roads. Problem with the latter is there's no bike lanes, it's not entirely bike friendly etc.
I'd be curious at what point others say roads aren't worth the risk. In my case, on one hand the road route is ~70 minutes, but the XC route is closer to 90+ minutes. Is the time saved worth the risk? :/
I'd be curious at what point others say roads aren't worth the risk. In my case, on one hand the road route is ~70 minutes, but the XC route is closer to 90+ minutes. Is the time saved worth the risk? :/
nicknopants
Likes Bikes
what setup do you have there? Cyclocross? What tyres are those?I commute to work most days. Shortest to work is 13kms longest is about 40km. I normally ride the short way home. Some Fridays i do a longer 60km ride home with about 25km on dirt.
I like it!
HerdingCats
Likes Dirt
It's a good question.
I go out of my way to avoid main roads, happily riding bike paths and side streets where I can. In one part of my ride (the Pymble railway bridge) it's stupid narrow so I ride/walk the footpath.
Life's too short to phaff around with irate drivers, especially in afternoon peak hour traffic.
Still 20 minutes saved each way is tempting, though I reckon it is a siren song ... chalk it up as training ...
Last edited:
struggles
Likes Dirt
Yes its a cyclocross bike. Tyres are Maxxis Raze in 35mm. Only got 620kms out of the back one though, so currently looking for something that will last me a bit longer.
Binaural
Eats Squid
You need to check out bikely - by far the best resource for planning a route by bike.
scblack
Leucocholic
Here's the route I use, courtesy of Vandenberg:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Baulkham-Hills-to-Sydney-CBD-via-M4
The only bit to note is coming from Hills along the M4 just after you get on the M4 there is a bridge with verge only a foot wide. But its only for 20m or so. You can stay on some sort of bike path to Silverwater Road from James Ruse Drive if this worries you.
I would take the extra 20 minutes for peace of mind. I was riding home yesterday and had a minor disagreement with a woman who drove straight out in front of me. I made an exasperated gesture which led to a less than polite verbal exchange... while it was pretty minor, it wasn't very pleasant and pissed me right off.
Seeing a cyclist looking very average surrounded by paramedics in Lonsdale St this morning put it in perspective too.
I would take a bike path every time. Unfortunately there aren't many between St kilda and the city...
Seeing a cyclist looking very average surrounded by paramedics in Lonsdale St this morning put it in perspective too.
I would take a bike path every time. Unfortunately there aren't many between St kilda and the city...
thelankyman
Likes Dirt
20min extra is worth it for the commute. I would also take into account that you are probably riding for longer compared to waiting at traffic lights. As said before just consider it extra training. Best where possible to get off the road. Now I just wish I had some sweet single track to ride on the way home.
I head an extra 3kms each way so that I can use a good quality bike lane rather than mix it with traffic on Kooyong or Glenferrie Road in Melbourne. I also ride defensively and that maybe why I have not had an accident in 5 years of commuting.
I head an extra 3kms each way so that I can use a good quality bike lane rather than mix it with traffic on Kooyong or Glenferrie Road in Melbourne. I also ride defensively and that maybe why I have not had an accident in 5 years of commuting.
I just changed my route after this thread - now a few kms longer, but mostly away from roads.
I can't believe how much more pleasant it is. Now i follow Southbank down to South Wharf, then take the park alongside the tramline to Port Melb then down the bike path along the foreshore to St Kilda. This route is 100% better - only problem is that tomorrow is my last day working in the city...
I understand that it is important for bikes to have an entitlement to use the roads, but i can't understand why anybody would surround themselves with cars if not absolutely necessary.
I can't believe how much more pleasant it is. Now i follow Southbank down to South Wharf, then take the park alongside the tramline to Port Melb then down the bike path along the foreshore to St Kilda. This route is 100% better - only problem is that tomorrow is my last day working in the city...
I understand that it is important for bikes to have an entitlement to use the roads, but i can't understand why anybody would surround themselves with cars if not absolutely necessary.
HerdingCats
Likes Dirt
Look what I did on my commute this morning ...
Finished the journey by train ... *sigh* ... sadly I don't carry a spare crank.
Finished the journey by train ... *sigh* ... sadly I don't carry a spare crank.
HerdingCats
Likes Dirt
jathanas
Likes Bikes and Dirt
Could've kept going and given the left leg a real workout
pistonbroke
Eats Squid
What a piker!Could've kept going and given the left leg a real workout
thelankyman
Likes Dirt
If you are only here complaining about it. I would consider yourself lucky. It could have happened at a very unopportune time! Think about when you put the most pressure on your cranks and that is when you want them to break least!
HerdingCats
Likes Dirt
Good observation. It's not obvious from the photo but I ride a single speed (42:16). At the time of the failure I was winding up from stationary on an incline: thank goodness for stand over clearance ...
Science
Likes Dirt
oh god, i'm gunna have to check the strength of my fixie's cranks now... i run 42:14 gearing!