longer than expected commute

[uk elephant]

I usually take the train most of the way to work, and only cycle the 2 miles from the station. Some days I plan on a training ride after work and cycle half way home, then take the train, but yesterday I was just going straight home. I had a splitting headache and just wanted to get home for a nap. Unfortunately the train had different plans. Due to a derailed freight train, there were no trains running past my half-way-home station and they don't usually let you take bikes on the rail replacement busses. So rather than wait for hours for enough busses to turn up to get on one and have to plead for them to let me take the bike on the bus, I just got on my bike and started pedalling. I had no cycle gear with me as I had not planned on riding. I was in jeans and trainers, with no water bottle or extra food. I picked up a little bottle of gatorade from the gas station and headed off. And I made it all the way home, probably quicker than if I had waited for the busses, and in a far better mood than waiting in long queues and crowded stations. Not sure I could do this for a commute every day though. Took me three hours to get home and I was quite exhausted by the end of it. But today I come prepared in case the trains are still down on the northbound line.

[Duck on Wheels]

Way to go, UK! I think you deserve some chocolate.

[Geonz]

Awesome adaptation

Isn't it great to have hte freedom???

[uk elephant]

Exactly! It was very liberating to know I wasn't stranded like everyone else. I could just hop on my bike and start pedalling and enjoy the sunshine and still get home before all the people stranded at the station.

[mimitabby]

how far did you ride? how was the headache when you got done?

[uk elephant]

I didn't have my garmin with me, but I think it was about 24 miles. It felt like my usual plodding pace of 12mph average and it took me two hours so that would make it 24 miles. And the fresh air definitely helped ease the headache.

[mimitabby]

wonderful!