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After a 5 year period of cycle commuting into London followed by 2 years of WFH I have a new job that will involve significant car time travelling round the M25. I don't like driving unless it is going on hols! Any top tips to relieve the boredom. (New job is not an option). The car is standard STW issue Audi A6 so nice environment for a car (new car is not an option either)
thanks
Get the train, Reggie Perrin had the right idea. Commuting the M4/M25 broke my soul!
To the point I started riding the 25miles each way because I knew it took 1h40min, whereas the car was anywhere between 40min and 1h40 min. And I could save the "extra" time by just enjoying the ride (so no need for mid week rides) and not going to the gym.
I considered a motorbike, but I doubt it's surviveable dealing with the standard of half asleep commuter driving on the motorway.
Just randomly mess on your phone seems to be the standard way of entertaining yourself behind the wheel.
Upgrade the stereo. Had a decent aftermarket system in the last car and it made a big difference.
Apply for another job that doesn't involve wasting your life?
Is part drive, part cycle an option at all?
Failing that, find some decent podcasts to listen to.
Bike/train combo?
(New job is not an option).
Why ever not?
Funny podcasts. I’m lucky to have a lot of commuting variety (train, car, WFH, etc.) but when in the car I always try and listen to something funny. Bill Burr and the Off Menu podcast both have me howling in the car. Helps pass the time and keep things nice and chill while observing the utter madness on the roads.
(New job is not an option)
New house then
Any top tips to relieve the boredom
You're driving a near 2 tonne car, can I suggest (gently) that boredom is also not concentrating, and not concentrating is why accidents happen.
Having done 1hour plus commutes all my working life (until I gave up working last year) I would recommend audio books, plus keep a can of red bull in the car for when you are really tired and the traffic is at a standstill, so stopping for a nap isn't an option.
oh and stop for a nap when you are tired - 10 minutes does wonders.
You’re driving a near 2 tonne car, can I suggest (gently) that boredom is also not concentrating, and not concentrating is why accidents happen.
Are you seriously saying that you don't get bored driving a motorway commute in a modern car?
I'd say the opposite of your statement is true in a way, the more entertained you keep yourself, the more you'll concentrate, so the OPs question is pretty valid.
Driving a commuter route these days is about as fun as sitting operating your tumble dryer for 2 hours. As in, it isn't.
My commute is 90 miles on the occasion that I do it. I'd echo sentiments that the train is better if at all possible. You can then either watch TV, read or get ahead on work so you can go home earlier. If you have to drive, line up enough podcasts to get you through the whole journey before you leave - learn something new during the wasted time! I do like to switch to radio 4 in time to get angry at whatever politician they're interviewing that day too
Radio 4 is the only thing that helps me if I have to do a rush hour journey. Also, get a car with an automatic gearbox and adaptive cruise control that works in traffic queues.
Use all lanes,undertake, overtake,shave,eat breakfast.DO NOT MOVE TO LET OTHER DRIVERS IN. Flirt with other road users,drift slowly between lanes at speed. It's almost summer ,have those windows down with some BANGIN TUNES blasting. Or ..take out loan and buy a railway season ticket. 😉 😀😃
oh and stop for a nap when you are tired – 10 minutes does wonders.
Stopping for a nap on your daily commute??
Not sure about other people, but I've always tended to sleep before I head off for work.
In the car I mostly listen to podcasts and audiobooks. Can't abide most of the stuff on the radio. Makes it feel like a more productive use of time.
Are you seriously saying that you don’t get bored driving a motorway commute in a modern car?
If you're applying yourself to driving safely and anticipating hazards there's no time to be bored. If one arrives home feeling refreshed may I suggest one has not been concentrating hard enough and next time try harder.
Audible! Pick all the books you ever wanted to read but didn't have time or inclination and buy copies of them on Audible and listen to them in the car.
My office is 70 miles from home so sometimes a twice weekly commute. Mainly M1. Radio 4 is fine for me with some podcasts.
Was going to say audio books - a colleague did spend 90 minutes each way commute, and found audio books were excellent way of passing the time.
Was going to say audio books – a colleague did spend 90 minutes each way commute, and found audio books were excellent way of passing the time.
I've learned almost as much from audio books as I have on both my degree courses!
If you can’t use public transport and cycling’s out, then a Direct Access course and a maxi scooter would be my advice. Commuting on the M25 is a total lottery in a car it can take X amount of time, 2X or even 3X (if you’re unfortunate enough to have to do any of the m4 to m23 section).
If you’re applying yourself to driving safely and anticipating hazards there’s no time to be bored. If one arrives home feeling refreshed may I suggest one has not been concentrating hard enough and next time try harder.
Mate you're not flying a 747, it's a car. Or are you driving a 100 year old car with manual spark advance?
I take it you never ever switch your radio on in the car then as a) you shouldn't be getting bored and b) it's a distraction from your advanced drivers skills?
I'd like to +1 the "you shouldn't be bored" comments, on the M25 more than anywhere.
Driving should be hard work. If it's not, you're not paying enough attention.
Could you adjust your working hours, so you're not travelling at peak times?
APF
You know you can be working hard and also be bored, the two things aren't mutually exclusive.
You know you can be working hard and also be bored, the two things aren’t mutually exclusive
^^too true^^
Closest I’ve been to falling asleep “at the wheel” was about 9pm on the A1, on a very windy evening, on my motorbike. I was tired, riding workload was high dealing with the wind, the tedium of the motorway combined with being warm and snug in my gear made me very sleepy indeed.
thanks all - good suggestions.
I have just accepted this job so another new one is out the question. Big mortgage, young kids and a boat and bike habit to pay for!
I would love to train it but traveling in and out of London is actually slower than a bad day on the M25. I will be based at two offices one at 12.00 and one at 18.00 of the M25. I am considering part cycle but the faff of getting out the car having done the worst of the traffic makes me think it will be occasional at best!
Any good cycling / sailing audio book / pod cast suggestions? Would learning French / Yachtmaster be feasible?
thanks
it’s a distraction from your advanced drivers skills?
If anything my skills are average at best, but driving to the best of my ability is mentally tiring due to the number of bored people on the road.
#backatcha
I'm a stickler for committing to driving but it is possible to drive well and still be bored. There are lots of ways to be bored, it's a fairly vague term in reality.
In fact, when my mind is relaxed and something is taking the tension away then I can actually concentrate on better driving. It's a complex subject.
There's been a study:
It says that if the driving is boring then audiobooks help, but if it's complex which presumably would mean busy etc then they don't. Which makes sense - I often need to stop conversations when it's difficult. However, listening to Radio 4 doesn't affect me because I find it easy to ignore it when it's difficult, my listening switches in and out as conditions demand.
Young family? Audiobooks and enjoy one hour of your day where you get left alone for more than 5 mins?! I actually don’t mind my commute and like the work/home separation it gives.
If you can’t use public transport and cycling’s out, then a Direct Access course and a maxi scooter would be my advice
Three wheel big scooter on a car license might be easier.