Schoolteacher and British Cycling member Ian Parsons tells us why he chooses to commute by bike and recommends a shower after arriving at work - for the bike!
Name: Ian
Workplace: Secondary School
Tell us about your commuting rig: Just upgraded to a Coppi Heron Dura Ace – a bit OTT for an old boy (59) but it was the same price as a basic Ultegra upgrade and one only in my size – Ace buy!
What’s your commute like? Five miles each way, flat with a couple of small climbs coming home. All on country lanes and a bit of dual carriageway.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? I use the bike as often as possible – about 60 – 70%. Lots of layers for cold mornings and electric gloves are brilliant, along with a balaclava.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Has improved my fitness enormously over the past 5 years, kept my weight down, improved my blood sugars (type 2 diabetic), and my blood pressure is almost normal again! Plus I feel good, we save money on petrol (paid for the bike easily) and my wife has use of the car when I'm at work.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Motor vehicles that come too close for comfort. Police who are not interested when it happens.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? Health and fitness were the main reasons for starting, but economics, and the feel good factor too have kicked in. Win, win all the way really.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? Sheltering under a hedge from a sudden heavy sleet shower in a strong wind. In shorts, much to the amusement of motorists driving past!
What’s your killer commuting tip? Keep some means to rinse your bike down at work, winter commuting can destroy a chain with grit in three weeks! I have a hose handy (or the shower!) and a quick spray with GT85 before I set off home.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Yes, through advice in these columns and access to the occasional Sportive.
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!
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