Peter from Berkshire commutes 32 miles a day two to three days a week and has got some great tips for cold weather riding.
Name: Peter Booroff
Workplace: Reading
Tell us about your commuting rig: Specialized Tricross
What’s your commute like? 16 miles each way. Mostly on country lanes and two good hills to get over on the Berkshire Downs.
"I save £5.50 on petrol each time I take the bike. I also have time to think and take in the countryside."
Two reasons why British Cycling member Peter loves to commute by bike. Tell us why you commute by bike on Twitter by using the #commutebybike hashtag.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Two days in the winter and three in the summer.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? That I save £5.50 on petrol each time I take the bike. I also have time to think and take in the countryside.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Punctures in the wet. Since I put on Schwalbe Marathon Plus it’s been ok.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? I can eat what I like and know that I can burn it off the next day.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? Thanks to the recent cold weather I came off the bike on ice at Bucklebury Ford and still had eight miles to go. Thankfully, I only got wet down one side, but the wind chill didn’t help and I could hardly feel my hands and feet. I jumped into the shower at work, but anyone who has experienced severe cold it is extremely painful when your extremities start to warm up.
What’s your killer commuting tip? Don’t scrimp on the cold weather gear. Buy decent gloves, socks and a balaclava. I have even got glove liners, as 6:30 in the morning, pitch black and minus five is no fun when you cannot feel your hands and feet. Add to that the wind chill from cycling and it is minus seven to eight.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? I am a member and it is interesting to see the hints and tips. Be seen and stay safe.
Send us your Commuter Profiles!
We want to know about your commuting experiences; how far you go, why you choose to ride, your killer tips and your commuter grumbles. Download, complete and email back your commuter profile to editor@britishcycling.org.uk and tell your story. Feel free to include a photograph/photographs of you and your trusty commuting bike!
Download Commuter Profile Form (Word Document)
