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Old 04-25-18, 03:43 PM
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barryrenesson
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Help!

In the past 15 years I have done a lot of biking, a lot of commuting (sometimes through the snow in very frigid conditions), I never felt better. Two years ago I lost my job and started another that was much farther from home, and the hours of work, much longer. I have been off the bike for two years and am severly depressed.

I have a lot of gear to carry and I think the trip one way will take just over an hour. I don't want to give up this job, but I have to get back on the bike.

Is there anyone out there that puts in a 13 hour day and does a 35-mile round trip that can give me advice? How do you do it? Am I being too soft on myself?

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Old 04-25-18, 04:25 PM
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Korina
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Originally Posted by barryrenesson
Is there anyone out there that puts in a 13 hour day and does a 35-mile round trip that can give me advice? How do you do it? Am I being too soft on myself?
Sounds like you're being too hard on yourself. There are options, as others will tell you. If you feel comfortable doing it, you can drive part way, park the car, and ride the rest of the way. You can alternate days, you can save your rides for before or after work... When it's cold in the morning, I'll take my bike on the bus and ride home in the afternoon.
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Old 04-26-18, 03:23 PM
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no motor?
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My only advice would be do things in stages. Most of us don't commute everyday, and most don't commute regardless of the weather. Start with what's comfortable and add from there.
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Old 04-26-18, 09:22 PM
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chainlink
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Getting an ebike (pedal assist, no throttle) has made a world of difference for me. Might be worth looking into trying one to see if you like it. I bet it will make you smile
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Old 04-27-18, 07:32 AM
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NewATBikeComute
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My commute is way too long to do 100% on the bike, so I park and pedal a comfortable distance. I do this because of the mental and physical benefits, with the mental being more important to me.

A 'comfortable' distance started out as 3 miles each way, and gradually increases. To counter my own tendency to self-judge, I focus on how many days I do it, not how far/fast. That's not advice; that's just me.

Getting started is the hardest part; getting a routine together that works, is IMHO, the second-hardest aspect.

Just my $.02 worth.
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Old 04-27-18, 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by barryrenesson
Am I being too soft on myself?
no
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