This challenge is aimed at people who don’t cycle commute, and the principle is very simple: commute to work at least once per month, every month.
Habits
Science tells us it takes most people 66 days to form a new habit, though some can do it in as little as 21 days. Clearly, cycle commuting just one day per month won’t become a habit for a long time, but it’s a great start.
Instead of looking at this as forming a new habit, I’d suggest a different perspective. Start by seeing it as a challenge. Because it’s only one day per month, you’re free to choose days with the best weather.
All year round, including winter?
Well, yes! Most people who start cycle commuting (however often per month) do so in summer. When autumn starts, the bikes go back in the shed, where they might end up staying for years. Let’s try and avoid that!
Winter commuting is certainly different from summer commuting. For starters, winters in the UK tend to be wet. When you add in the cold, and the fact that you’ll probably commute in the dark, most people give up quickly.
But wait – this is a challenge, remember? Also, nobody is saying you have to commute the full distance to work.
After my second run-in with Covid, I struggled a great deal trying to recover my fitness. My full commute is roughly 15 very hilly miles each way, and there was simply no way I was able to ride that. As a result, at first, I drove most of the way, then cycled the last two or three miles. From that point, I gradually increased the cycling distance, and decreased the driving distance, till I was once again capable of cycling the whole way.
Cold weather commuting
Winter commutes are different, but they’re also rewarding. The challenge with cold weather commutes is to maintain your body temperature. I have some excellent tips in my Cycle Commuting For Beginners article, with more info on staying warm in this article.
Different people handle cold differently, but here is some general advice:
1) Invest in neoprene overshoes. Your toes will thank you! I prefer Sealskinz, but other brands are available.
2) Invest in neoprene gloves. These are the ones I use, but be warned – they need washing regularly.
3) Invest in a merino wool base layer.
4) Consider a heated gilet, if you really suffer with the cold.
Warm weather commuting
When it’s warm, it’s a bunch easier. However, you also need to ensure you remain hydrated. Don’t forget about sunscreen in summer.
In summer, there are more insects about. Horseflies particularly like me, and seem to hunt me out in a crowd, so I carry antihistamine, which counters any reaction to their bites. Unrelated, but very interesting nonetheless, there’s startling new scientific evidence showing that taking H1 antihistamine daily can vastly reduce your risk of catching Covid!
Hygiene
Nobody wants to work with someone smelly, and personal hygiene is important.
He simplest way to avoid being a sweaty mess is to cycle far slower. On long commutes, that’s less of an option though. However, do apply anti-perspirant before setting off.
If you can’t shower at work, consider using biodegradable wipes to wipe your body down, before getting changed into fresh clothes.
Physical safety
I’m not talking about road safety here, no matter how important that is. I wrote about physical safety when cycle touring before, and much of that applies to commuting.
Especially if you’re a woman, choose a route that won’t leave you isolated. On dark winter commutes, this is even more important.
As a man, all I can say is I’m genuinely sorry that is men are such a threat to women. Men, let’s always call out other men when their behaviour makes women feel unsafe, or threatened.
Safety in numbers
Starting any challenge is always easier when you’re not alone in doing so, and there’s comfort in knowing others are doing it, too. Let others know that you’re doing this challenge, by tagging posts on your favourite social media with the #12x12ride hashtag.