This morning's commute and other commuting stories

Adding in a stressful job, early starts, late shifts... I'd just go with whichever form of commute allowed the most relaxation. Personally my ability to nap on public transport means that wins out over the bike, if public transport is an option.

Once a week should be doable?

I've variously heard about people doing those sorts of commutes. Back in the day when the London Cyclist had a feature called 'My way' (meaning commute), I tried to track down someone who allegedly rode to Great Ormond Street Hospital every morning from Waltham Abbey. I never managed to find him, but the person who started the rumour was adamant it was true.

I think whether or not it's sustainable as a regular commute depends very much on what sort of environment you have to go through, e.g. constant urban stop-and-start would be pretty wearing. Rural roads would be easier, though. I used to ride to Chelmsford quite often to visit a friend, and I think that was about 35 miles. There and back once a week I'd find perfectly sustainable.

I moved back to my parents for a month last September (between rentals) and commuted 29 miles each way between Hunsdon and Victoria. We were setting up our new office so I was doing a lot of physical stuff at work too.

I did it three times a week, and it was ok but I don't think it would've been sustainable forever. The first countryside stretch was ok, the middle bit was boring and once I got into London it was a lot slower going. I'd done 25 each way a couple of years before down to Old St and that took about 1hr 25. Across London to Victoria made it almost 2hrs each way.

my commute is 15 miles each way, and it took me a couple of weeks to a month for the body to get used to it, try not to do it five days a week, but now after 2 odd years, I can pretty much do it in my sleep, not crushing it, or using it as training, but just pushing out the miles.
the commute itself is fine, it's more the starting and returning times that are the ballache, don't get to do much of an evening, because I get home relatively late.
I'd say give it three days a week, and see how you feel, then if the weather's good, do more days, if not, dial it back.
Also don't beat yourself up if you don't do it, and/or buy a brompton if you're on the train so you can still do some cycling whilst still being able to jump on public transport if necessary...

I did 20 miles each way preciously and enjoyed it, 27 miles might be pushing if your job is demanding.

It's exactly like touring, first weeks it's tiring then you get used to it.

How far is too far for a daily commute?

I used to do 27 miles, mostly through country lanes which was nice in the summer and FREEZING in the winter. I got pretty tired so wouldn't do more than 2 or 3 times a week. Train the rest of the time. Good excuse to eat all the food though.

If you make it part of your training, and they are decent quality miles then go for it.

If it's a stop / start trafficfest, then treat them as junk miles that are going to tire you out with little benefit.

I'm 18 miles each way - I seldom ride it more than twice a week, and then only at recovery pace.