Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.RonH
07-06-01, 09:33 AM
I finished gathering everything (wider tires, panniers, shoes, etc.) and started riding my bike to work this week (14.7 miles one way). I've ridden three days. It was just what I expected - very enjoyable - except for a 1 to 2 mile stretch of road with a little more traffic than I'd prefer.
Many thanks to everyone who offered advice on panniers, shoes, speed, and route planning.
:beer:
Pete Clark and RainmanP who sent PMs and offered encouragement, :thumbup: thanks a bunch.
The first day went well. No problems.
Yesterday (day #2) was another story. I guess I got my "official initiation" as a bicycle commuter going home. About half way home the rains decended. I stopped under a store awning hoping it would pass. After waiting 20 minutes with no sign of the rain letting up I decided to bite bullet and ride in the rain. Why not, I won't melt. ;) I rode for a few miles and then it finally stopped.
About 2 miles from home, just as I was drying off, I had a feeling something was wrong. Pedalling got a little harder on a flat road. I looked at my tires and the rear was flat. Great!! I had never changed a wet, grimey tire. Dry tires, lots of times. I knew this would be fun. :(
I found a spot at the side of the road that was almost dry and began removing the wheel. Twenty minutes later and a lot dirtier, I put the wheel back on the bike. I forgot to mention I have never changed a rear tire on a bike with panniers.
Reading everyone's posts has given me the boost I needed to finally break out of my "let's drive the car and fight the traffic" rut.
I am really enjoying the "peace", even with cars and trucks passing me.
Here's to all of you. :beer:
Ron
Many thanks to everyone who offered advice on panniers, shoes, speed, and route planning.
:beer:
Pete Clark and RainmanP who sent PMs and offered encouragement, :thumbup: thanks a bunch.
The first day went well. No problems.
Yesterday (day #2) was another story. I guess I got my "official initiation" as a bicycle commuter going home. About half way home the rains decended. I stopped under a store awning hoping it would pass. After waiting 20 minutes with no sign of the rain letting up I decided to bite bullet and ride in the rain. Why not, I won't melt. ;) I rode for a few miles and then it finally stopped.
About 2 miles from home, just as I was drying off, I had a feeling something was wrong. Pedalling got a little harder on a flat road. I looked at my tires and the rear was flat. Great!! I had never changed a wet, grimey tire. Dry tires, lots of times. I knew this would be fun. :(
I found a spot at the side of the road that was almost dry and began removing the wheel. Twenty minutes later and a lot dirtier, I put the wheel back on the bike. I forgot to mention I have never changed a rear tire on a bike with panniers.
Reading everyone's posts has given me the boost I needed to finally break out of my "let's drive the car and fight the traffic" rut.
I am really enjoying the "peace", even with cars and trucks passing me.
Here's to all of you. :beer:
Ron