How long will you continue cycling?

Babywipe shower in the disabled bathroom #theglamour

I regret finding out about bikes 20 years later than I really should have done. Trying to make up for lost time....

FFS, we need a forum whip around to get our leader a beater.

Cash or parts.

I'm in. Cash

Is there any prospect of campaigning for secure cycle parking at your workplace, David?

http://www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=72

Do you have any colleagues who could join in?

Since moving office, I have a shower at home, and then a wipe over with a flannel in a freezing plantroom. I do miss the shower, but it's not nearly as bad as you'd think. No complaints from colleagues yet.

As to parking, are their any alternatives to the street? I'm thinking NCP type places, which are a bit more secure. The gym? Selfridges (excellent, but obviously useless if you not in London's West End)?

Cycle parking with showers etc for £40 pcm is "Coming Soon" to the West End and City.

It is crap that employers don't see it as a priority - but you can be comfy and that if you just cycle leisurely. Where I used to work I noticed that all the guys who cycled brought (or left in office) change of clothes, cycled in lycras etc and showered, whereas none of the women did. Just wore what they'd wear for the rest of the day (not a smart office, thankfully). Maybe it's the old glowing thing, but I think more due to less of a tendency to race everything on the road. And overall the time saved by fast cycling you lose in getting changed and showering anyway.

FFS, we need a forum whip around to get our leader a beater.

Cash or parts.

I'm in. Cash

I have a spare gib. In.

Andy, this is not about the boat but a bike.

Come on, seriously, the forum has, on many occasions helped people. Who deserves help more than VB?

I have several old tatty frames, If you take a few chunks out of his legs they may even fit him.

I have a saddle which really is very ugly that I would be willing to post for free.

but I'd still be screwed for a shower.

Not happy.

There's always someone worse off. In the last job I had my employer thought I was slacking if I wasn't sweating *at *work. And he'd complain about it.

clubman repped, rapidly becoming one of my favourite forum characters

Some of you may have noticed that the obit. is in today's Guardian 'Other Lives' column.

This has brought an inquiry from Radio 4 for the 'Last Words' slot.

I think this shows that it is possible to get the attention of at least some bits of the mainstream media for cycling stories. The moral I take from this is that it's important to write up what we do and submit it - there's always the chance it will fit into some one's agenda.

RIP fabulous Ethel.

just ride slower and build up a beater like everyone else. get mudguards and something to carry spare clothes. dont use a messenger bag or rucksack because they make your back very hot.

Why ever stop?

My Dad's 80 and cycles most days, is out with 3 clubs a week winter and summer, I'm not competitative but I hope to do at least as well...
So at least the next 30 years would be my plan.http://www.lfgss.com/picture.php?albumid=1495&pictureid=8821

+100 This is really nice, respect to him.

I am now well into my 77th year and have been riding fixed for 65 of those years. Since I was 12 really when I used to borrow my brother's bike. I don't see any reason to stop now.

just ride slower and build up a beater like everyone else. get mudguards and something to carry spare clothes. dont use a messenger bag or rucksack because they make your back very hot.

a la bikesnob.

I am now well into my 77th year and have been riding fixed for 65 of those years. Since I was 12 really when I used to borrow my brother's bike. I don't see any reason to stop now.

+1 what gear inch do you ride. (I need lower gears and a more upright position as I age (and i'm a mere 50 years old)

Usually a 68 or a 72 depending which bike I ride. I used to ride low in the winter 64 to 68 and then up the gear as summer progressed. I can't recall ever riding much higher than about 86. I do use a short stem nowadays which gives a more upright position.
Neil

+1 what gear inch do you ride. (I need lower gears and a more upright position as I age (and i'm a mere 50 years old)

I'm (nearly) 50. I'm still happy with the same position I had on my road bike in the 1970's and riding 48x22 (59"). I usually drop to an 19 or 18t sprocket in the summer (68"/72")

I wish my work had showers, I would definitely head in earlier at the thought of a shower once I got there. Instead I take a change of shirt, and have panniers now instead of a satchel, stops my back sweating so much

just ride slower and build up a beater like everyone else. get mudguards and something to carry spare clothes. dont use a messenger bag or rucksack because they make your back very hot.

a la bikesnob.

a la practical solution actually.

If your scared getting your bike nicked- get a beater

wearing things on your back makes your back sweaty- put it somewhere else . for commutes carradice saddlebags are the obvious choice for stylish gents with a penchant for racing bikes.

You shouldnt be smelly if you wear clothes suited to the task, and that your not a fat fuck. This doesn't necessarily mean wearing lycra. dont be a pussy and wear a coat if it isnt raining. wear a quality merino long sleve base layer for commutes, and you can easily wear it all week before it begins to smell. a quick 5 minute change at work has to be better than the underground or driving.

I said that because that what bikesnob did to his bike, mudguard, rear rack, fixed wheel, looking worse for wear, etc. rather than trying to attempt a 'funny'.