A bigger commute - West & Central Auckland

[English Kiwi]

So I've found the perfect house but the only problem is that it would mean;

• a bigger commute to work
• riding the motorway during peak traffic
• figuring out how long it would take me during the morning and afternoon rush
• getting blown around a bit more

I currently ride rain or shine for 15 minutes but now worry that this new commute may drive me to taking the car during the miserable months

I'm 60kgs so I find I get blown around quite easily on a windy day. I've riden over the Te Atatu Peninsula part a few times already during good but windy and less trafficy days and found that a little daunting as is. My partner thinks I'll be fine but then again he'd be working from home..

How do you find your commute from out West riding towards the City? Love/hate? Any tips/tricks?

I've heard going faster (not the wisest thing to do in peak traffic though) and making your thighs hug your tank tightly helps reduce you getting blown around so much. Any others?

Anywho, looking forward to your replies

Hey,

I live out in Te Atatu and commute to work (city) everyday, come rain or shine That spell of bad weather we had with really, really strom winds...yep I was on the bike.

It's a little daunting at first, and personally if the wind is too strong I only filter if I get annoyed with the Queues Just relax and you can always stick a knee out into the wind which will help a little bit.

I only filter when the traffic is going slower than about 45kms. Even then if they are travelling at 20kms I only go up to 50kms myself, just so you see the douchebags pulling out with no indicators.

I'm about the same weight, honestly...the wind is nothing to worry about, If you want more advise PM me

[cursivelogic]

heh your complaining of doing west to city?
I currently do West-City-South every day.

It sucks when on a good day takes 30 min, bad days 2-3 hours. Each way.

FYI school holidays suck shit. Contrary to popular belief I end up with more traffic as the Soccer mums cause carnage on the roads.

That's harsh! I guess you get an enjoyable long ride on quiet days though? I agree with your assessment of school holidays. Especially since I tend to travel at off-peak times.

[baptist]

The roundabout on Te Atatu Road is an absolute bloody nightmare from 7am onwards... So be warned if this is your planned route! This part of the journey is actually the longest stretch for me...Sun strike definitely an issue as previously stated both morning and evening.

Not wrong, I live near that roundabout, not good, had a few interesting moments there!!!

Thanks to all who have replied. I've definitely picked up some good tips except the eating more pies part hahahaha. Missed out on the house I want but still very keen to move out west

FBMC = try the pies you know you want to

When I first came to NZ I lived on the shore and hated it. For the last six years we have been Westies and I love it... some good rides close by as well

[cursivelogic]

When I first came to NZ I lived on the shore and hated it. For the last six years we have been Westies and I love it... some good rides close by as well

Too true! When I moved from Waitakere -> Shore, I was shocked at how bike-unfriendly it was in comparison. Much better rides out West

[Spuds1234]

Just relax and you can always stick a knee out into the wind which will help a little bit.

This. A million times this.

For what ever reason it works and works pretty well.

Cross wind from your left making life interesting? Poke your left knee out away from the bike and your bike will go in a straight line again.

Likewise if its coming from the right.

Or if your like me, you get used to the feeling of going in a straight line with a funny lean on your bike and you start to like it lol.