I’ve been on a new project for a couple of months now. The commute’s a lot further than my previous site, and at 34 miles each way it’s too far to commute by bicycle. I’ve ridden the full route once but the amount of time it takes requires fair weather and a very quiet day at work, things which rarely seem to arrive together. Fortunately I’ve discovered a Park & Ride facility along the route.
Whilst the facility essentially exists to reduce the number of cars looking for parking within the city centre, the website positively encourages cyclists to park their cars for free and complete the rest of their journey by bicycle. It just happens that this particular cyclist completes his journey by cycling 18 miles beyond the city.
From Bath there’s a long climb out of the city, almost 2 miles of constant uphill. But from there I’ve found a relatively direct route along quiet B-roads and country lanes. And the return journey obviously involves a rewarding, long descent to the city.

I’m not quite sure what makes a regular country lane a “cycleway”, but part of my route is along one
Free Park & Rides are a boon to commuting cyclists. I plan to make good use of this one.
What make a cycle route? A little blue sign of course. It’s one of my beefs with Sustrans that they think that putting a sign up makes a cycle route. (They do many good things though.)
Agreed. I do support Sustrans but tend not to get too excited if I find myself cycling on a designated “cycle route” with fast cars flying past
By the way, I got to thinking about the premise for your blog… I’m thinking that rather than mileage you should go by time… You’re currently unfairly weighted when it comes to the vehicle. Noble for certain, but unfair nonetheless.
Yeah I think the Challenge may need to be reviewed at some point. I’m thinking of comparing 2012 v 2013 at some point …
How awesome. We have some informal park n rides about 15-20km from Brisbane city that cyclists use to ride the bikeways into the city. (Not me though bc I don’t work in the city). Great that you can still find a way to get your riding in 🙂
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way”