Memoires of a commuter

I decided that this year I need to cycle into work and save a few pounds where I can.

Random things that I've realised thus far:

1. It is harder to get up when you have to ride to work than when you want to ride for fun on a weekend

2. There is annoying people on bikes the same as on the tube (maybe I'm one of them)

3. There is always that one person who gets to the lights last, stand on the outside to pull away in front of you, you overtake them in a few seconds or on the next straight, they push in again at the next traffic light (repeat). This behaviour inspires me  to ride faster so I can just shake them off for good

4. There is always a few strays that think by jumping a light or moving in front of the pedestrian crossing will give them an advantage whilst 30 others stand behind the white line like well behaved school children, this is not acceptable behaviour, please report to the head masters office immediately

5. It takes longer to get dressed than what you think, just as you think you are ready to go, you realise it might be best to put on your overshoes so that your precious tootsies are nice and toastie!

6. Then you remember ag my waterbottle, oh and my helmet AND you end up forgetting your pass for work anyway...

7. There is no sweeter thing than to get your timing right with a few consecutive green traffic lights (I think the timing gets better as you get fitter)

8. Getting to work becomes a race from one traffic light to another

9. You get a puncture within 2km from home, you lock your bike & walk to the nearest station

10. The last 500m from your final destination is the most dangerous

11. You see drivers swerving at you, you see drivers taking their foot of the brake whilst standing still so that their van can deliberately push cyclists who are trying to cross into the entry he is blocking with the whole length of his van

12. It takes you the same time to cycle to work and shower as it would to shower at home and travel to work by train

13. Somehow you forget the annoyances of your commute much easier than the ones on the train

14. FREEDOM - You are free to pick your own route

15. You see cyclist pushing past HGV's - why? Do you read the papers? If not, you will soon be in there too!

16. Commuting helps for homesickness. Coming back from SA has made me wanted to just go home and sleep, on the days I commute I feel that I want to do more

17. Last minute underwear purchases becomes routine

18. Brushing your teeth with a perfume infused toothbrush is never nice, toothpaste and perfume have each their own purpose and should never be mixed!

19. Commuting takes you through different suburbs, from the trendy upmarket Clapham through the hustle & bustle of Tooting! In the morning you see all the neatly arranged fruit & veg, where in the evening you are seduced by the tantalising flavours of Tooting High Street

20. It is 2 birds with one stone, saving money & getting fit

21. Like Gerhard van Niekerk says, I ride so I can eat more!

22. You feel great afterwards! :-)

Tango Commuting Tips/Rules:

1. Don't under dress in winter, you will feel the cold to your bones even if it's only an hour

2. Don't squeeze past on the inside of vans, HGV's or busses - arrive alive

3. Don't push in at traffic lights or jump red lights, you give yourself and the rest of the cycling community a reputation