Bicycle Network: Join in

In early 2009 I went to my GP who told me I was overweight, unfit and heading towards far greater health problems if I did not change something.
I thought I’d take up cycling, so asked family and friends to get me some vouchers for my LBS for Christmas, and ended up buying a relatively cheap flat-bar road bike.

I live in the Adelaide Hills and was intimidated by the thought of riding all the way home, so I started by chucking the bike in the car and riding the 8km each way on the flat. After a month of doing this twice a week I plucked up the courage to ride all the way, and now I ride the 34km round trip 2 – 3 times each week (weather permitting). I can now make the trip as fast if not quicker than in the car, so the excuse of being ‘time poor’ really has lost all relevance.

I have lost around 9kg and my doctor is happy with me again, not to mention having found a new weekend activity riding longer distances with friends.

Riding to work has made cycling an integral part of my new, healthy life, and I look forward to every day when I can get some fresh air and exercise – not to mention the money savings and the benefits to the environment.
Mark, Adelaide SA

I am a daily commuter to work (rain hail or shine) – from Hampton to the city (20km door to door each way).

I started commuting by bike when we had our twins two years ago – given work and family time constraints there was no way I would have time to keep going to the gym and doing exercise. So I figured since I had to spend 45-60 minutes each way commuting by train why not use that time to get some exercise and clear my head.

It was a constant hit – it was the only time I had alone to think and clear my head and have some “peace and quiet”. I slowly became addicted, and nowadays when I have to catch the train for some reason, it angers me as my body feels like it is missing the exercise, and it takes longer by train now than by bike.
Alec, Digital Director George Patterson, Melbourne VIC
 

I started riding to work as I was getting sick of catching the bus and waiting in traffic. I don't have much of a bike and although daunted by the prospect of a 20km round trip, I found that my bike ride was quicker than the bus.

I now ride 4 times a week. The best bit is that I get my daily exercise without impacting family time, I start the day fresher and come home happier. But most of all, riding has had such a positive influence on my kids and they love to play outside running and riding. I still budget for the bus, not to catch it, but to save money for a better bike.

Rob- Brisbane, Senior Data Management Officer, QLD

I previously lived in Footscray but have recently moved to Altona North and am riding to work every single day, rain hail or shine. My round trip is now 27.6km and I actually now miss riding the Kensington Road hill!!

I have bought a van now to allow me to travel around the countryside with the bike upright in the back in search of more rail trails. I have ridden the 6 main rail trails with a good friend that comes especially from Sanctuary Point in NSW.

I simply can't get enough of riding and enjoy the ride to de-stress from work.
Vicki, Executive Housekeeper/Hotel Facilities Manager - Hilton Melbourne, VIC

If you have a good commuting story to share please send it in to the Ride to Work team.