Absolutely shattered...

[Ping]

Hi guys.

As some of you know I've started commuting into town on my bike this week. I hadn't been getting out on my bike much until now but I'm finding after just 4 days of the 40 mile trip into london (and vice versa) is leaving me UTTERLY exhausted.

I'm falling asleep at night by 10pm if there's nothing I have to stay up for and having probs getting up in the morning even after all the sleep.

Has anyone else ever experienced this and does it wear off after getting used to the new journey?

It's so bad I've even got a headache today...

:?

[Mr Toad]

hmm, sounds a bit odd. Perhaps you're going down with something.
I used to commute on train/tube, and that used to leave me feeling completely washed out, sleepy, etc. I used to need a large mug of strong coffee to get going
On the bike I now arrive fresh & wide awake :D

Think of it as starting at a new gym - at first it's knackering, but you'll soon get used to it :lol:

[BillyC]

Where are you commuting from and to? Roughly what time of the day are you doing these journies, and how long is it taking you?

I was doing similar distances from Islington to Gatwick, but that was mid-winter, and coming home was entirely in the dark. That was particularly tiring - and after a while I gave up and started to use the train instead. It was absolute bliss, but that was mainly due to the Gatwick Express and a reverse commute.

[wolverine04uk]

I agree. Its probably just your body getting used to the stresses its being placed under from riding the bike regularly again.

[Cronos]

Old age plays a part too! :shock: :lol:

Seriously I find winter commuting a real drain, especially driving / riding in the dark. The long summer (sic) nights in Scotland mean even going home at 9pm it's still light!

[thor]

Two tips.

Stay warm and give yourself lots of time for the journey. Stressing about getting there in time can be very tiring. You'll be able to enjoy the ride better too.

[Ping]

Cheers for your replies guys.

The commute's from South Woodham Ferrers (Essex) via A13 into London (Brick Lane near Liverpool Street)

I tend to be of the train of thought that it's just because I'm not used to it and that hopefully after I've been doing it for a couple of weeks it won't be so stressful.

It's only stressful because I'm still getting to grips with my bike and not used to filtering through narrow gaps in heavy traffic yet. Out on the open road I love it.

I just can't believe how rubbish I feel today. :lol:

[BillyC]

Ping,

If you're not used to riding in heavy traffic, then it is going to knacker you out. Luckily it's something you'll learn and adapt to pretty quickly. Give it a few weeks - but ensure that you allow yourself to rest and recover until you're strong again - so take it easy at the weekends.

The daylight hours are going to be your friend... longer and brighter evenings make riding in traffic much easier. You'll get used to it too, and learn a lot about filtering.

Above anything - take it easy, don't put yourself in a situation you're not sure off, or endanger yourself weaving through heavy traffic. Build up your strength and observation, relax into the journey... and it'll get easier and easier.

[Iansv]

You'll get used to it Claire, like the others say its just adjusting...

I had the same thing with the train tiring me out, using the bike i'm fine

[Biker Biggles]

The traffic/filtering bit should get easier as you get used to the route.you get to know where the dodgy bits are and where the better bits are.Ive recently been traveling to odd places all over London for work and I find it quite tricky.I feel like an amateur being passed by all the local couriers and scooters who know exactly where the bus turns right and when you can or cant use the bus lane :oops: Practice gets you there.

[The Mass]

Hiya Ping,

Only started the long journey's myself the other week. And I too started to get headaches, don't know if it's down to the wind in your eyes or your head been bouned around with the wind?? also your ears, have you got plugs in? make sure you have them in properly, wind nosie will deffo give you an headache. My neck was sore for a few days also, but Ok now.

As for the tiredness, as the others have said, keep warm, the cold sets in and you will feel tired.
And most important, if it is getting too much, stop, have a break. If you're late for work - so what! at least you'll get there in 1 piece :wink:

Again, like the other lads have said, it's probably adjustment to conditions, take it easy. :thumbsup:

Mass

[Ping]

Cheers guys. :)
The traffic/filtering bit should get easier as you get used to the route.you get to know where the dodgy bits are and where the better bits are.Ive recently been traveling to odd places all over London for work and I find it quite tricky.I feel like an amateur being passed by all the local couriers and scooters who know exactly where the bus turns right and when you can or cant use the bus lane :oops: Practice gets you there.
I think I'm up to speed on all that now, I know which bit of the bus lane I SHOULDN't use ;) and where most of the pitfalls are. It's ridiculous that only a section of the buslane down commercial road is useable by bikes because the bit that we CAN use works really well.

This morning's ride went VERY smoothly so I think I'm finally getting into it. I can't wait 'til I'm totally at ease with it and it's not a struggle anymore. :lol:

Can we skip forward another week please? ;)

[Ping]

Hiya Ping,

Only started the long journey's myself the other week. And I too started to get headaches, don't know if it's down to the wind in your eyes or your head been bouned around with the wind?? also your ears, have you got plugs in? make sure you have them in properly, wind nosie will deffo give you an headache. My neck was sore for a few days also, but Ok now.

As for the tiredness, as the others have said, keep warm, the cold sets in and you will feel tired.
And most important, if it is getting too much, stop, have a break. If you're late for work - so what! at least you'll get there in 1 piece :wink:

Again, like the other lads have said, it's probably adjustment to conditions, take it easy. :thumbsup:

Mass
I always wear ear plugs as my lid is extremely noisy.. It's next on my list of upgrades... I get tension headaches that creep up from my shoulders and up my neck so I think I can put the headache down to that.

I've had my waterproofs on for the past couple of days so warmth isn't really an issue.. although the sniffling and cold wet hands bugs a bit. :lol: My heated grips are great... mostly... :D

As my other half said to me on tues morning 'Just shut up and get on with it.' :lol: So I will. :D

[Peter Henry]

I agree that is very probably a mental strain thing. This will be due to the possible higher degree of concentration needed on your daily commute.
I found that after our hoon to jerez at the weekend it took me until yesterday to start coming around a bit.The factors that created this sensation I believe where:
1.Several km of very slow negotiating of cars etc with other bikes moving in from all angles.
2.Needing to keep an eye open for a pal who had no idea where he was!
3.A beautiful but very taxing ride,(of about 2 1/2 hours) where you could not afford to let your mental defences down.
4.Having my son on board as pillion.
5.Being way too far along the road to old fartiness!
:lol: 8)

[Ping]

I agree that is very probably a mental strain thing. This will be due to the possible higher degree of concentration needed on your daily commute.
I found that after our hoon to jerez at the weekend it took me until yesterday to start coming around a bit.The factors that created this sensation I believe where:
1.Several km of very slow negotiating of cars etc with other bikes moving in from all angles.
2.Needing to keep an eye open for a pal who had no idea where he was!
3.A beautiful but very taxing ride,(of about 2 1/2 hours) where you could not afford to let your mental defences down.
4.Having my son on board as pillion.
5.Being way too far along the road to old fartiness!
:lol: 8)
Heheh! :) SO much to stay on top of! No wonder you were zonked! :D I reckon biking turns the mind to mush... I actually forgot my mobile phone this morning which is something I NEVER do. :lol: I got that nagging feeling at the back of my mind as I left that I'd forgotten something but just shoved it aside 'cuz I NEVER forget anything important... :lol:

[Wolf]

OK, I'm no scientist (in fact I'm not sure I can even spell it!), but there is a possibility that 40 minutes of commuting (80 there and back) through stagnant built up traffic, could potentially cause some poisoning?

There is going to be an awful lot of fumes about, which are known to cause drowsiness and headaches.

Perhaps you could try wearing some sort of mask to filter these fumes out?

[Ping]

OK, I'm no scientist (in fact I'm not sure I can even spell it!), but there is a possibility that 40 minutes of commuting (80 there and back) through stagnant built up traffic, could potentially cause some poisoning?

There is going to be an awful lot of fumes about, which are known to cause drowsiness and headaches.

Perhaps you could try wearing some sort of mask to filter these fumes out?
:D It's 40 miles not minutes (80 mile round trip).. :D only about the last quarter of the journey in is in heavy traffic/built up/smelly east end areas but you've got a good point there. The fact that my neck warmer smells of 'the road' is good evidence I guess... although the idea of having to wear yet MORE clobber makes me want to cry... :lol:

Will see if I'm still tired after a couple more weeks but I think it's more likely down to stress. :)

[Red ones]

I too started commuting by bike this week (30 miles each way into town) I only managed 2 days before resorting to the car again.

I have found it very taxing - headaches, sore back, sore eyes, fatigue. I put it down to the heavy concentration needed in heavier traffic (Tuesday it was 28 miles of filtering). I am going to have to build up to 5 days a week (see it as just like going to the gym - build up slowly). Fortunately for me the other half is a qualified masseuse.

When I got stuck in traffic yesterday in the car I found it quite relaxing!!

[Ping]

I too started commuting by bike this week (30 miles each way into town) I only managed 2 days before resorting to the car again.

I have found it very taxing - headaches, sore back, sore eyes, fatigue. I put it down to the heavy concentration needed in heavier traffic (Tuesday it was 28 miles of filtering). I am going to have to build up to 5 days a week (see it as just like going to the gym - build up slowly). Fortunately for me the other half is a qualified masseuse.

When I got stuck in traffic yesterday in the car I found it quite relaxing!!
I'll have to admit, the simple train journey looks tempting but I can't afford to take a 'day off' and leave the bike. I've got to keep the momentum going.

If I train it one day I'll find it easier to talk myself out of riding on other days... that and I'm impossibly stubborn. Getting the train now would be like letting the traffic win... :lol:

[Red ones]

I'm fortunate in having both a car and a bike at the moment, though that will change soon. I intend to ride once or twice a week until I have got used to the energy it saps, then use only the bike. I managed my 2 rides this week, but did find it almost stopped me from being able to think of anything other than sleep! What with that and a new job draining my energy, I had to resort to a car for my own preservation!

[Jelster]

Ping,

Have you now got a new one with a box on the back ??? As I keep seeing one of those in the yard...

.

[Ping]

Ping,

Have you now got a new one with a box on the back ??? As I keep seeing one of those in the yard...

.
Nah.. Mine'll be the tattiest, dirtiest black one with the skull'n'crossbones on the bellypan. :lol:

[Jelster]

Phew, I thought you'd lost your mind and gone and got a topbox :shock:

.

[Ping]

To be honest with you I can't EVER see that happening. :lol:

(The topbox bit, not the mind losing bit... :D )