Welcome guest, Login
Walsall to Birmingham Daily? how tough?
| FelixLiu | 07 Feb 13:20 |
|---|---|
|
Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 4 Bike: | Hello Guys, I am an average guy who does average job lives in an average place (WS2 8) in Walsall, My office in an average place in Birmingham (B12 0). I want to ride to work, the way to go by car was M6 or A34 right? After spoke to a few of my local bike shops I have to kill the idea of A34, as every time I mention that they seems to believe that I am considering suicide. Anyway, cut the long story short, I am thinking of going by Route 49. http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksCycle/birmingham-to-walsall-cycle-route just wondering if you guys think 1, is an average guy can do this every day 2, what kind of bike do I need for this any suggestions 3, is anyone out there doing this already so we can team up, I need to get in my office by 9:00 Thanks Felix |
smithie 
| 08 Feb 13:55 |
|---|---|
|
Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 13 Bike: My Profile | Hi You could probably do it all on canals which is obviously a traffic-free option. The canal out of Brum is excellent and very quiet. I agree that sections of the A34 would feel risky especially around Perry Barr. Distance-wise though it's certainly doable. |
|
dudley
| 09 Feb 09:10 |
|---|---|
|
Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 498 Bike: My Profile | the issue of commuting on cycle tracks / canal paths etc is an interesting one. By its nature, commuting is about getting there and back, usually as quickly as possible, and often in the dark. generally, a cycle friendly route is longer, and has a surface that is slower (canal path / old rail bed etc) This isn't an issue if your commute is 3-6 miles or so, but if you are aiming at 10 / 15 / 20 miles each way, a longer / slower route may well put you off on those more marginal days, and defeat the purpose. I find the cycle paths on offer for my 15 mile route into and out of Edinburgh add at least 5 to 10 minutes onto the journey, and are far tougher on my road bike than the pothole strewn roads. I take the main road - direct route. It's quicker, so i do it more often. It is not a safe, though. That's the balance, i suppose! |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular | |
|
smithie
| 09 Feb 09:25 |
|---|---|
|
Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 13 Bike: My Profile | I guess it's horses for courses. I try and take a relaxed attitude to cycling and have decided that an extra 5 or 10 minutes isn't a problem....especially if I feel safer using off-road routes. There are thousands of miles of under-used canal and dedicated cycle routes that make biking a pleasure. I can't say I get much pleasure out of road riding in Birmingham where I live. Everybody's on their mobile phone, thousands of uninsured vehicles driven by selfish drivers, I could go on..... Ultimately, you'll find a route you prefer. I might even come with you and try the route out if you want!!! |
| FelixLiu | 24 Feb 09:48 |
|---|---|
|
Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 4 Bike: | Hello Guys, thanks for the replies, a quick update: I got a Trck 7300 and a Defy 3 (2010 spec which is the same with Defy 2 2011 spec). I will try both routes and make my mind up. many thanks for your replies. P.S, I also got a few apps for GPS tracking on my iphone, will updates some routes I did and write up some notes for it. |
|
smithie
| 24 Feb 10:01 |
|---|---|
|
Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 13 Bike: My Profile | Splendid. And what a day for a ride today!! |
| FelixLiu | 24 Feb 12:10 |
|---|---|
|
Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 4 Bike: | Hi Smithie, I am in my car today :-( Felix |
| ms.creant | 20 Sep 19:09 |
|---|---|
|
Joined: 20 Sep 2011 Posts: 1 Bike: | so...how was it? and how long did it take. I am thinking of going in the opposite direction, once a week, (which means i'll be in less-good shape for it) but have no concept of how long it would take. |
Cycle Forum
Announcement
Find the latest cycle gear and who sells them within the UK. Share the experience you have with a product with others to help them make an informed choice.