Ben's Blog

A biking we will go….

I rode my bike to work for the first time today. From Monsey to Rockleigh (at least the way I went) was 14.74 miles. Here are the stats:

Update: I re-measured my wheel circumference, and discovered that the cycle computer thought my wheel’s circumference was 3.7% less than it really is. I’ve updated all the statistics for the “go to work” rides.

Elevation change: 450 foot drop (0.58% average grade)
Time: 55:28
Average Speed: 16.72 MPH 17.34 MPH
Max Speed: 40.8 MPH 42.3 MPH

I used my linear recumbent (mine was originally an underseat steering model like the one on the left, but I converted it to overseat steering so it looks more like the one on the right) with my Zzip fairing (shown on my tandem, “rolling thunder“). The ride went well, despite it being 80 degrees with 95% humidity. Blech. The ride home will be even nastier, I suspect.

Update: Here are the stats for the return trip:

Distance: 14.64 15.18 (I went back a slightly different way)
Time: 1:10:00
Avg Speed: 12.81MPH 13.28 MPH
Max Speed: 35.8 MPH 37.1 MPH

It was really hot and wet going back, and I definitely noticed the elevation gain! For a 15 mile ride, I think eating something, or at least drinking a Gatoraide-type drink instead of water, would make a big difference.