17 mile commute - Surrey to London
Discussion
Couple of questions. I currently do a 7 mile each way cycle commute to work, but moving soon to Walton in Surrey. Starting to think about doing the 17 mile each way commute every day from March to Sept/October. Probably sack it off in the winter. Does anybody else do similar?
Second, does anybody go that route at all? Google Maps seems to think I can go on the A3, but it looks a bit dicey!
Second, does anybody go that route at all? Google Maps seems to think I can go on the A3, but it looks a bit dicey!
Used to do similar-ish mileage each way: anything between 12 and 20 miles dependig upon how I was feeling and how much time I had. Ideal distace TBH, being far enough to warrant all the associated faff, but not so long that it became tiresome, boring took too much time etc.
A decent (couple of) set(s) of riding kit and lights (inc. backups, as 1hr+ at full whack may see a sizeable chunk of battery life gone!) and you'll be able to go all winter.
A decent (couple of) set(s) of riding kit and lights (inc. backups, as 1hr+ at full whack may see a sizeable chunk of battery life gone!) and you'll be able to go all winter.
I Currently have a 40 mile round-trip from the top of the North Downs to the Goodge Street area. In the summer, its no problem at all but, in the winter I tend to drive the car in the first five miles or so and park on the outskirts of the suburbs. Makes the 5:00 am starts a bit more palatable when it's pitch dark and drizzling.
I must admit, I only tend to ride in three days a week, and would probably find five a bit too much.
Best bit is riding home - going from grimy Central London, through sh***y, suburbs, then nicer suburbs before breaking into open countryside....very theraputic!
I must admit, I only tend to ride in three days a week, and would probably find five a bit too much.
Best bit is riding home - going from grimy Central London, through sh***y, suburbs, then nicer suburbs before breaking into open countryside....very theraputic!
Used to do Orpington - City daily so 31 miles a day
I got used to it all by the end and was near 4 stone lighter after 4 months of it!
Did however move house and get a motorbike, I got lazy, especially when it rained!!
Will be doing it again soon, 17 miles is do-able, my 15.5 I allowed an hour but was typically 50-55 minutes but was constantly pushing myself hard, can't advise on routes unfortunately.
I got used to it all by the end and was near 4 stone lighter after 4 months of it!
Did however move house and get a motorbike, I got lazy, especially when it rained!!
Will be doing it again soon, 17 miles is do-able, my 15.5 I allowed an hour but was typically 50-55 minutes but was constantly pushing myself hard, can't advise on routes unfortunately.
I have this week started my commute again, which is Esher to the City, so 20 miles each way.
I live in Guildford but drive to Esher in the mornings - 15 minute drive, 5 minutes of faff and just over an hour to get in. It's just as quick as getting the train, a fraction of the cost and a damn site healthier!!
I'm just starting to flag today, but I put that down to not having ridden for 4 months. And not eating enough.
As long as you have comfortable kit, and enough of it, and the necessary lights and reflective bits and bobs, then it's doable on a daily basis. Learning when to ride gently, resisting the urge to chase a nonsensical overtake will also help you manage the week.
I live in Guildford but drive to Esher in the mornings - 15 minute drive, 5 minutes of faff and just over an hour to get in. It's just as quick as getting the train, a fraction of the cost and a damn site healthier!!
I'm just starting to flag today, but I put that down to not having ridden for 4 months. And not eating enough.
As long as you have comfortable kit, and enough of it, and the necessary lights and reflective bits and bobs, then it's doable on a daily basis. Learning when to ride gently, resisting the urge to chase a nonsensical overtake will also help you manage the week.
I live in Lingfield Surrey and work in the city. Full distance is approx 27 miles.
I started trying it out in April last year and over the summer gradually notched up a few rides. I'd do it for fun really and the look on people's faces when you tell them you cycle in because most don't believe it's really possible. So after doing one round trip a week for a while, I'd maybe do Monday in, Tuesday out, Thursday in, Friday out. It made me feel fantastic and it was easy to manage the kit and have clothes at work because I was doing a fair few journeys on the train. If it was raining I'd just put it off for another day. Moving along a bit I started to do the journey both ways in a single day. I found if I did more than 2 days a week though I'd get very tired in the evenings. I imagine if you stick at it you can build up to that though.
In September I got knocked off on the A23, I wasn't badly injured but the bike didn't take it very well (though I've had the frame repaired now and nearly rebuilt it). I did one more commute an older different bike so I didn't end the year on a low and as the light faded I hung up the helmet. I didn't want to be trying to cycle the narrow unlit country lanes near me in the dark. I'd agree with the earlier advice, that getting some experience helps work out when not to push it!
Towards the end of the year I started to get very disappointed with the rail service on Southern, so many delays and cancellations, so I decided to try commuting part way on the bike. Since the end of November I have been commuting about 11 miles each way, both ways every day I've been in the office on the bike. I get the train to Croydon where I keep a bike locked up and cycle from there to the City. On the days when the strikes meant there were no trains, I'd park for free on a residential street round Purley somewhere. When my season ticket came up for renewal at New Year (along with a price hike as always) I decided not to pay them full whack, for January I've had a ticket which only covers between where I live and Croydon so properly committed to cycling the rest.
11 miles each way is definitely doable every day and getting easier as my fitness improves. It feels about right to me at the moment, I'm not feeling much like adding on any more though. I don't know how hard it would be to build up to 17 miles, probably depends on how flat you can make the route - it's hard from where I am with the North Downs.
I started trying it out in April last year and over the summer gradually notched up a few rides. I'd do it for fun really and the look on people's faces when you tell them you cycle in because most don't believe it's really possible. So after doing one round trip a week for a while, I'd maybe do Monday in, Tuesday out, Thursday in, Friday out. It made me feel fantastic and it was easy to manage the kit and have clothes at work because I was doing a fair few journeys on the train. If it was raining I'd just put it off for another day. Moving along a bit I started to do the journey both ways in a single day. I found if I did more than 2 days a week though I'd get very tired in the evenings. I imagine if you stick at it you can build up to that though.
In September I got knocked off on the A23, I wasn't badly injured but the bike didn't take it very well (though I've had the frame repaired now and nearly rebuilt it). I did one more commute an older different bike so I didn't end the year on a low and as the light faded I hung up the helmet. I didn't want to be trying to cycle the narrow unlit country lanes near me in the dark. I'd agree with the earlier advice, that getting some experience helps work out when not to push it!
Towards the end of the year I started to get very disappointed with the rail service on Southern, so many delays and cancellations, so I decided to try commuting part way on the bike. Since the end of November I have been commuting about 11 miles each way, both ways every day I've been in the office on the bike. I get the train to Croydon where I keep a bike locked up and cycle from there to the City. On the days when the strikes meant there were no trains, I'd park for free on a residential street round Purley somewhere. When my season ticket came up for renewal at New Year (along with a price hike as always) I decided not to pay them full whack, for January I've had a ticket which only covers between where I live and Croydon so properly committed to cycling the rest.
11 miles each way is definitely doable every day and getting easier as my fitness improves. It feels about right to me at the moment, I'm not feeling much like adding on any more though. I don't know how hard it would be to build up to 17 miles, probably depends on how flat you can make the route - it's hard from where I am with the North Downs.
RUNAMOK said:
Couple of questions. I currently do a 7 mile each way cycle commute to work, but moving soon to Walton in Surrey. Starting to think about doing the 17 mile each way commute every day from March to Sept/October. Probably sack it off in the winter. Does anybody else do similar?
Second, does anybody go that route at all? Google Maps seems to think I can go on the A3, but it looks a bit dicey!
Not sure where in London you're aiming for, but you can do Walton --> Hampton Court --> Kingston --> Putney, arriving in Chelsea/Fulham with only a really brief stint on the A3.Second, does anybody go that route at all? Google Maps seems to think I can go on the A3, but it looks a bit dicey!
I don't commute into London but to me the logical route would be up to Hampton Court, through Bushy Park and up to Twickenham then Richmond (possibly through the park). From there I guess you just follow the mass of cyclists heading into London! Sure someone will be along with a more specific route...
I was doing Surbiton to Liverpool street last year - about 16 miles each way. Its pretty straightforward once you get organised.
I now do Surbiton to Farnborough which is a little more tricky in the dark - possible, just not if its too cold and likely to be icy.
Route wise i'd avoid any of the A3 before Wandsworth as you're on the pavement / cycle path and its all broken up with side roads and very slow.
I'd go to Esher - down the hill, along the road / river to Kinsgton - into richmond park at Kingston gate, across / round the park to Roehampton - along past the tennis centre to Barnes. Then across To Putney - over the bridge turn right and follow the cycle superhighway all the way into town.
I now do Surbiton to Farnborough which is a little more tricky in the dark - possible, just not if its too cold and likely to be icy.
Route wise i'd avoid any of the A3 before Wandsworth as you're on the pavement / cycle path and its all broken up with side roads and very slow.
I'd go to Esher - down the hill, along the road / river to Kinsgton - into richmond park at Kingston gate, across / round the park to Roehampton - along past the tennis centre to Barnes. Then across To Putney - over the bridge turn right and follow the cycle superhighway all the way into town.
I do a similar route so can help with the first part if you're not familiar with the area. It's not necessarily the fastest but I have tried to use quiet roads. If it's not clear then I can make a Strava route to explain.
From Walton I would go across Hampton Bridge then follow the A308 to Kingston.
At Kingston you can go along Skerne Rd and Skerne walk.
Then lower Ham Rd, Bank Ln, Latchmere Rd, Latchmere Ln, Church Rd then into Richmond Park via Ham gate. (Check opening times due to culls at this time of year).
When you get to the top of the hill go straight on and head along to Pen Ponds cafe.
Turn left at the end, past the ballet school and down Sawyers Hill. Turn right at the roundabout, exit via Roehampton gate and head along Priory Ln.
After this you'll have a much better idea than me about a good route to the City.
From Walton I would go across Hampton Bridge then follow the A308 to Kingston.
At Kingston you can go along Skerne Rd and Skerne walk.
Then lower Ham Rd, Bank Ln, Latchmere Rd, Latchmere Ln, Church Rd then into Richmond Park via Ham gate. (Check opening times due to culls at this time of year).
When you get to the top of the hill go straight on and head along to Pen Ponds cafe.
Turn left at the end, past the ballet school and down Sawyers Hill. Turn right at the roundabout, exit via Roehampton gate and head along Priory Ln.
After this you'll have a much better idea than me about a good route to the City.
19 miles door to door. First 5 miles on my own, then I join up with some club members for around 10 miles together, then split off on my own for the remaining.
Good kit makes a difference, along with shower facilities there
P1ssing it down, freezing rain? Not a problem with decent layering.
Good kit makes a difference, along with shower facilities there
P1ssing it down, freezing rain? Not a problem with decent layering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/849665460
That's mine, and the best way from where I am, you would go down Kings Road by Kingston Gate of Richmond Park, down the bottom passed TGI Friday then down Hampton Court way then right down by Hampton court to Walton.
Easy. Routes through Park optional, the easiest is going through the middle which I do most of the time.
Here I basically went out the way I said above from work - https://www.strava.com/activities/844184610
That's mine, and the best way from where I am, you would go down Kings Road by Kingston Gate of Richmond Park, down the bottom passed TGI Friday then down Hampton Court way then right down by Hampton court to Walton.
Easy. Routes through Park optional, the easiest is going through the middle which I do most of the time.
Here I basically went out the way I said above from work - https://www.strava.com/activities/844184610
Edited by okgo on Wednesday 1st February 12:54
esuuv said:
I'd go to Esher - down the hill, along the road / river to Kinsgton - into richmond park at Kingston gate, across / round the park to Roehampton - along past the tennis centre to Barnes. Then across To Putney - over the bridge turn right and follow the cycle superhighway all the way into town.
That's the way I'd go unless you are the river side of Walton, then I'd go Molesey / Hampton Court / Kingston Gate... vxsmithers said:
That's the way I'd go unless you are the river side of Walton, then I'd go Molesey / Hampton Court / Kingston Gate...
I used to ride out that way quite a bit in the summer, and from Walton centre, I'd agree. Richmond park can be a bit eerie at night.An old colleague used to come in daily from Surbiton, and had another route via Wimbledon into Kingston that avoided the Park and the A3, I wonder if I strava'd it when I joined him...
https://www.strava.com/activities/171104645#645054...
That is the best I found for Wimbledon and missing the A3, you could easily then continue to cut down through thames ditton, over the railway to Hampton Court that way, but its slower.
RP at night is fine if you buy a decent light.
That is the best I found for Wimbledon and missing the A3, you could easily then continue to cut down through thames ditton, over the railway to Hampton Court that way, but its slower.
RP at night is fine if you buy a decent light.
Can't help with the route, but can you do it? Yes absolutely but it will be much easier if yo don't try to do it all at once.
I was in the same position about 18 mths ago - old commute about 8 miles, new office meant new commute 16 miles each way.
Started out with a clapped out old folding bike (Dahon) courtesy of Gumtree, got the train half way initially, then all the way there/train half way back etc. Worked up slowly so now I am on grown up bike doing there and back 4 times a week usually. Genreally one day where my movements preclude using the bike.
You may be able to train it part of the way, or only cycle one way a few times a week to start with. However you do it, just keep trying to do a bit more every week or two. Now is probably a great time to start - with the spring not too far away as you get better the weather will also improve!
Now with a regualr 130miles a week under my belt I can even surprise the odd earnest roadie away from the lights.
If I can do it anyone can - I am nobody's idea of a cycling god. Mid 40s, still a stone overweight although lighter than I was, I am one of those dorks covered in lights and clad head-to-toe in dayglo/reflective clothing. Zero sporting pretensions but I do love cycling as a mode of transport that is quick, stress-relieving and also keeps you reasonably fit.
Good luck!
I was in the same position about 18 mths ago - old commute about 8 miles, new office meant new commute 16 miles each way.
Started out with a clapped out old folding bike (Dahon) courtesy of Gumtree, got the train half way initially, then all the way there/train half way back etc. Worked up slowly so now I am on grown up bike doing there and back 4 times a week usually. Genreally one day where my movements preclude using the bike.
You may be able to train it part of the way, or only cycle one way a few times a week to start with. However you do it, just keep trying to do a bit more every week or two. Now is probably a great time to start - with the spring not too far away as you get better the weather will also improve!
Now with a regualr 130miles a week under my belt I can even surprise the odd earnest roadie away from the lights.
If I can do it anyone can - I am nobody's idea of a cycling god. Mid 40s, still a stone overweight although lighter than I was, I am one of those dorks covered in lights and clad head-to-toe in dayglo/reflective clothing. Zero sporting pretensions but I do love cycling as a mode of transport that is quick, stress-relieving and also keeps you reasonably fit.
Good luck!
London isn't Wimbledon for most folk though, its the burbs, fair bit further to town from Wimbledon.
It will be 17 or 18 miles to Walton from Central London, its 16 from Surbiton and Surbiton is closer than Walton.
Personally I would avoid Portsmouth Road, especially now they've f
ked it all up towards Kingston, still reckon your best bet is Resevoirs road to Hampton Court, then To Kingston Bridge and up from Lower Kings Road. Its what most people I know who do it daily do.
It will be 17 or 18 miles to Walton from Central London, its 16 from Surbiton and Surbiton is closer than Walton.
Personally I would avoid Portsmouth Road, especially now they've f
ked it all up towards Kingston, still reckon your best bet is Resevoirs road to Hampton Court, then To Kingston Bridge and up from Lower Kings Road. Its what most people I know who do it daily do.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff