Commuting - How was the commute today?

I thought it would be interesting to have a thread where commuters might post the results of their daily commute.

So far we've had three days of commuting. They're 30 to 33 miles in length. All three days we have had head winds. I rode my single one day in the reverse direction....figured I'd out smart the wind....nope, it had changed direction overnight just for me. Then in the afternoon (bike was on top the car for the ride home...there was no wind)! :confused:

Hmmm, I think I have it figured out.....if I want no wind all I have to do is purchase a kite! :p

I rode Tues and Thurs this week (rain forecast for the other days). 28km each way.

Tues mist/low morning slight tail wind. Evening temp 27C, strong headwind and had a flat in the front tire.

Thurs went in the middle of the morning because I had worked late Wed evening, no traffic. Evening slight headwind reasonable temperature.

I did my first commute on Thursday!

Headwind of 15 mph most of the way. Still averaged 13 mph, and was motivated by a storm cloud and sprinkles of rain.
I work an overnight shift, and the commute home was difficult, probably due to being tired.

It is so nice to have a 12 mile ride done before the day starts.

Originally posted by IowaParamedic
I did my first commute on Thursday!


Congratulations! :thumbup:

I rode to work yesterday. Chilly but dry, and I made excellent time (for me, anyway -- no onboard computer and no interest in one). I have an easy commute, a straight shot with only three turns. Unfortunately a change in dinner plans with a friend necessitated my wife picking me up after work, so regretably Tank Jr. had to be lashed to the rack for the trip home. Rats! I'm making it up on the trail today and then some.

-Rob

Had an interesting day in Arlington, VA yesterday. About 25C/68F on the morning trip to work, humid, light winds from the south. I left my jacket at the ofice and rode in slacks, short sleeve shirt, and tie -- with my rain togs on the back rack. Cool and comfy.

A bit after 2, a thunderstorm blew into the area. I work in a corner office in a high-rise, and the subsequent special effects were about like being inside a flashcube. Lightning struck a power pole just across the street. The transformer glowed briefly, then poured out smoke. Power and phone were shot, so I let everyone out of the office at 3:30.

When I started home, the rain had mostly stopped. I left my rain pants on the rack and wore my raincoat for just the first few miles. Broken branches and standing water had brought auto traffic to a halt on part of the route, so I made quite good time.

Paul

Originally posted by PaulH

A bit after 2, a thunderstorm blew into the area. I work in a corner office in a high-rise, and the subsequent special effects were about like being inside a flashcube. Lightning struck a power pole just across the street. The transformer glowed briefly, then poured out smoke. Power and phone were shot, so I let everyone out of the office at 3:30.

Paul

I miss a good thunderstorm. The missus and I spent most of our lives in Texas and so saw some real bangers over the years. Here in Portland we're protected to the east and west by mountain ranges. We've heard a handful of rumbles in the nearly 11 years we've been here. Bah!

Not that I'd relish being on the bike in the middle of a real frog-floater!

-Rob

Thursday was surreal. Thunderstorms came into the area during evening rush, and for whatever reason I wasn't prepared -- no rain gear, and I'd ridden my lightweight, no-fenders bike.

I set out anyway, of course, and incredibly I never got hit with more than a few drops during the entire 13 miles home. There was lightning to my left, thunder to my right, pitch-black sky in my mirror, big puddles and wet roads in front of me, every vehicle passing me from every direction was dripping... but somehow I was always where the rain wasn't. It was fabulous. I felt like a ghost.

Friday I rode Rainbike. The morning commute was one of those perfect rides -- cool air, sunny skies, gentle breeze. In the evening I got stuck finishing an edit and didn't get out until after 8pm. Again it had rained, but this time it was all over by the time I hit the road. It was chilly, though. I was glad I had socks.

RichC

I rode in 3 days last week Mon, Tues, Thurs, clear blue sky's no wind, about 10ºC/50F warming up to 25ºC/77F during the day. I ride along the foreshore as there is very little traffic and the roads are nice and wide, plenty of people walking, running and riding.
It's 40.5km/25.3ml one way then I get a lift home, traffic too busy at night, and too dark also.
Normally takes about (elapsed time) 1hr13min, best of 1hr9min, worst of 1hr25min, on a road bike with no luggage. If I was to ride the direct way to work it would be 32km/20ml RT, so I would rather have a longer ride once instead of two shorter rides.

It's the best option for my considering I work full time and that daylight savings has now ended.

CHEERS.

Mark.

This morning (Monday) was my second commute this year. Great weather, although somewhat chilly. +4C when I left home, but dry and sunshine and a slight tail wind. A pleasant ride (16kms / 10 miles). I usually don't have any extra time during my morning commutes so I'm pretty much limited to the straightest route. This morning I did not mind, as the route follows the sea shore for about 5 kms. I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent views during the trip. What a way to start the week! I'll remember this morning when I struggle with the strong headwinds and chilly rains later this summer.

--J

well i commute 10km by bike to work almost every day, maybe twice a month riding the subway instead.

yesterday i had a big MTB race (50km, 1000m vertical - i placed 124th from about 400 in the general age group 20-40) and my legs are sore and i decided today would be a rest day and i would ride the subway...

but then i looked out the window - sunny and warm - maybe 18C/65F and just had to RIDE. so i kept it in lo low gear and did spinning soas not to strain my muscles... wow, what a great beautiful day! took me about 5 minutes longer than usual but who cares...

So far this April missed a day's commute due to a day off (won't count Easter Monday) but I've had the full gamut of cycling weather: downpour (only one thank goodness) hail (I hate hail) and mostly cold, but dry.

This morning, after replacing a front tube, I had a wonderful, warm (8C) fast ride in to work. It's days like this that make up for days like last Friday (got home 5 mins down on time, and totally soaked)

The best part is, it looks like beautiful weather for the beginning of the week! Yea!

ride safely,
tt

Commuted every day last week (130 ish miles) but not this morning as was blowing a gale and rainy. (I'm getting over a chest infection so felt a bit poorly ...........Violins please)

It's beautiful weather here as always, although it did take a bit longer to warm up this morning now there's a bit of a chill in the air early in the AM. Still, good ride both ways today. I broke my record each way wide open today. Going in I averaged a smidge under 33km/h. Coming home I did the just over 19km in 32m46s, averaging 34.8km/h. That's about a minute and a half better than my previous best time, and I had a tailwind on that day. I usually average in the high 20s or 31 at most.

I'm feeling pretty stuffed now though.

My commute today was so-so.

Saturday I started my new training program. It has me running 45 miles a week now and working my way up to 80 miles per week by July. That wore my legs out a little (I took a few weeks off of running...not good).

Yesterday I participated in a bike race. My legs are still a little sore and tired from that experience.

Today, I had a nice headwind for my entire trip.

Hopefully by Wednesday or Thursday I will have full strength in my legs. Until then, I'll have to just do what my legs feel comfortable doing during my commutes.

Last week I only did 2 days, 15 miles round trip. I was having trouble convincing myself to ride my commuter after having spent the weekend on my fun, light fixed gear. I actually did the first commute on the fixed gear since I left my lunch at the office the day before. Going in was great, coming home was fine until I hit the wind. Two miles into the wind, one of them uphill. It probably doesn't sound bad to some people, but for me it was a little tiring. The next day was basically the same ride, only on my commuter bike.

andy

Bright sunny morning, and warm enough for a short sleeved jersey and bib-knickers. I took a slightly roundabout route to go past some apple orchards, that are in full blossom. Many of the coppices and woods I passed were carpeted in bluebells, sometimes mixed with pink campion, or white queen anne's lace. The hedgerows are packed with wildflowers at the moment, many of which I can't name. :)

I don't pass much pasture on the route I took this morning, but there are still a few lambs about. The first nine miles of the commute were very pleasant.

One I reached the main road, the ride is a little dull until I get to the outskirts of Canterbury - Thanington-Without to be precise. Traffic here was stop start and at that annoying speed where it hardly seems worth overtaking, but is still slowing you down.

Canterbury traffic was busy, so I came off the ring-road temporarily cutting round the side of the bus-station (cyclists, Taxis and buses only) and rejoining at the next roundabout.

Not a bad commute.

Richard

I rode a lot in Korea both in 1983-84 and later in 1998-99. Those years of riding were extremely rewarding to me. I lived in England from 1979-82, unfortunately I wasn't riding then. I did have a sports car and enjoyed the driving. My commute to work everyday was about 40 miles from Fakenham (East Anglia) to RAF Lakenheath. A good portion of it was over some backcountry roads. In retrospect, I think it would have been fantastic to have ridden some parts of that commute in those years.

I read the posts from you’ all from England, Scotland, Europe and Australia and they really set me to thinking about your everyday rides. I would love to experience your commutes.

We do plan to visit N. Ireland in a year or so, and we'll have our tandem in tow then. We're looking forward to that.

I left a little later from work this morning to return to home following my overnight shift. The traffic was less. I kept feeling disappointed because there weren't lines of cars to breeze past. That makes me smile knowing I am free on my bike and they are stuck in the cage.

Coming home I did the just over 19km in 32m46s, averaging 34.8km/h.

Hey Allister, from memory you ride an MTB, that's an impressive speed, you must have had some serious aggression just waiting to be expelled. I just love those days when you go absolutely flat-out for the whole ride, feeling invincible. Of course that feeling ends when you stop and try to walk after the ride.:D

I'm glad we don't ride the same route, you would be impossible to drop.:D

CHEERS.

Mark

Originally posted by Dutchy


Hey Allister, from memory you ride an MTB, that's an impressive speed, you must have had some serious aggression just waiting to be expelled. I just love those days when you go absolutely flat-out for the whole ride, feeling invincible. Of course that feeling ends when you stop and try to walk after the ride.:D

I'm glad we don't ride the same route, you would be impossible to drop.:D

CHEERS.

Mark

Hehe. It wasn't so much aggression as ambition. I'd had a fast ride in, so I figured it was the right day to go for the record.

I've dropped back to my more typical speed since then, averaging about 29-31km/h. Yes I do ride an MTB, but it is a reasonably light Cannondale, with 1.25" slicks pumped to 100psi. My top gear is about 104 gear inches. I'm not sure I'd be much faster on a road bike, although I'd love to try.

Actually right up until about 2 kay from home when I hit a couple of small hills, my average was sitting on 35.7, and it was still over 35 right up until I decellerated to stop at my house. I was playing a little game that I sometimes play with myself where I try to keep that little comparator arrow pointing upwards as much as possible ie. always ride at above the average speed. Of course as you go, the average gets higher, and it gets tougher to keep it in the positive, but that's part of the game. It certainly makes for fast riding, but I made it especially hard for myself on Monday by hitting 61km/h within the first couple of kay of the ride, which put the average up pretty high right off the bat.

Yes I do ride an MTB, but it is a reasonably light Cannondale, with 1.25" slicks pumped to 100psi. My top gear is about 104 gear inches. I'm not sure I'd be much faster on a road bike, although I'd love to try.

I also have a Cannondale MTB with 1.5" slicks, no suspension, and it is <10% slower than my road bike, so I will usually ride it on longer rides because it is a bit more comfortable, takes more of a beating on bumpy country roads and is less susceptible to flats. I just love this bike, it is a large size frame so I can ride in a more stretched out position than an upright position.

My next road bike will be a Cannondale also, just have to convince Anna that a bike is more important than fencing, landscaping, pergola etc.:D

CHEERS.

Mark

My commute today was lovely. Average 14 mph fine Scottish spring morning (sunny but not warm!)

Might be a bit windy going home though.

I've only commuted for three days now, but I'm starting to get the pieces together: I felt a bit chilly during Mon-Tue commutes so I wore a more windproof coat Tuesday evening as well as this morning. Much better!

The saddle of my new commute bike and my backside are getting to know each other surprisingly fast. I expected a couple of weeks of agony there, but that doesn't seem to happen. I don't mind.

My metabolism also seems to get a boost, as I'm ravenously hungry most of the time. The plan is to lose some weight ("some" = 10kgs or so in my case:)), so I try to watch what I eat. Normal home food, mostly, but only reasonable amounts of it.

Allister: your speed is awesame from my point of view. I don't have a shower here at work, so I have to be a bit conservative in the mornings. My net average currently hovers somewhere around 24km/h. Riding back home I've averaged 29-30 km/h, but it would be very difficult for me to do anything remotely productive for an hour or so after such a ride.

--J

You guys aren't helping my frustration; it's been windy around here recently, and my commuter has a very upright riding position, giving me the full force of whatever headwind I happen to be facing. My average speed last October was around 30-33 km/h, and now I'm around 22-25 km/h, and feeling like a squished toad. ;)

(Probably doesn't help that I've added a rack, trunk, panniers, heavier tires, and Slime liners since then, too...)

Today's commute was great; warm-ish morning, no traffic, and I found a much more pleasant route to work. That, and of all things, I had a *tailwind* today! I haven't had one of those in a long time...

I had a big 20+ mph tailwind today. I got to fly past 5 blocks of cars backed up at a stop light (for no apparent reason). The bike lane was clear. I guess an bike lane has some advantages.

Headwind for the way home tomorrow.

We brought the Tandem and the BOB trailer (on top the car) into school today. At the end of the day, we climbed on it and rode the 33 miles home. It was pretty breezy. But all TAIL WIND today!!!! Whoo HOOO! Temp was around 60, not bad! We even stopped at a small village tavern along our route, used their facilities then bought a Mountain Dew and sat at the bar and talked with some of the locals. They couldn't believe we were riding that far. Then we told them we were riding a tandem...."What's a tandem?" Oh well it was nice talking with 'em. Good ride today. :beer:

Last night was perfect for commuting! :)

It was only my second time, actually, but those strong winds which have been blowing all month finally died down to a gentle breeze. It was 60 degrees f (about 15c) which was great, and it was partly sunny on the way in. Big fluffy clouds, and the trees starting to show a bit of green. On the way home, rain clouds had moved in, but I only got hit with about 3 drops. :P

To make it all that much better, my butt seemed to hurt less this time (finally!) and the length of the ride (8miles) seemed easy compared to the nasty ride I had on Sunday!

(Sunday--now remember, I'm not that fit and have only had my bike for about 3 weeks--I planned a 21-miler, which would have been just a little over the longest ride I've taken yet. The first 7-mile section was against powerful head winds, but I didn't worry because I knew I'd be out of them on the next part, and they would blow me home. The second 7-mile section was on the Mountain Bay trail....and never having ridden trails before, I hadn't realized how that brown stuff sucks at your wheels when it's wet--I had to do almost the entire 7 miles in the gears I usually only use for hill-climbing against the wind!!! The last seven miles wouldn't have been bad except that I was tired and had a bad leg cramp from the time my chain slipped off and I fell over. :/ Thanks for listening to me whine....)

I rode in yesterday on wet roads just after a rain. As long as I keep the speed under 15 mph, the water stays on the tires. Rode home in the rain, it was warm for new england though and I enjoyed the ride.
Today I left the hose on mostly dry roads, but they got wetter as I neared my job, the sky was clear and as I passed a man in a small boat fishing in the middle of a glass smooth fog covered pond. I though, this is what it's all about, what a peaceful pretty sight. Looks like it's going to be a great ride home this afternoon. My ride is 19 miles each way and weather never stops me.

Keep crankin

This morning I got up. Checked the winds and discovered I had a tail wind into school. No morning class, so off I went. I was flying! I ended the 33 mile ride with a 19.5 mph average, but I'm bushed! More training, more training! My endurance is down!

sometimes I wake up, and just decide today will be a commute day. (but it really ends up being most days :p ) So I run around trying to get dressed, pack my clothes, grab my helmet, gloves, lock, chain, and books (for college) and head out. Lately it's been a bit windy and cool, this morning was no exception. I started in a real easy gear, to warm my legs up and then quickly arrive at a nice hill. By the end of the hill I'm awake enough to really get into a nice spin, and keep myself focused. I make a left, and head to the first stop light, as I get passed by a few cars along the way. This is always an indication of how the drivers are going to respond to me during my ride, and today they are actually pulling over a bit and making room :eek: First light, and I make my right hand turn, it will be three more lights until I have to turn again, so I get into a nice cadence and check out the secenry. My commute takes me by one of the larger parks here in vegas, and I always enjoy seeing what is going on there for the day.

Today it seems some sort of event is going to take place as they are setting up tents, and bleechers. I pass by the park, and hit a few more lights, nothing really spectacular to speak of on this leg, except I get to pass by the noisy Macarren International Airport. Soon after I make a left, and ride another mile until I take a right, then a quick ride through a neighborhood, and I arive at UNLV, one thing I always do (guess I'm a show off) is ride through campus with no hands :p

It is a six and a half mile ride, nothing much but it is always fun to do. Most of the time, like this morning is uneventful, and so I get a little time to relax while on my bike. :D

Hi all,

Let's see..today's commute:
Going there was easy since a lot of it is slightly downhill. Coming back in the rain was not so fun. One driver honked at me, like I was in the way or something (4-lane road). A big, fat minivan.
Have a nice day!
Brian

Well All, good morning.
No ride in to work today for me. I have to bring a large box of bike shorts to the post office, they are comming apart at the seams before their time, besides, it's going to rain like crazy here in new england, although as I've posted before, weather never stops me. As far as the shorts go, isn't great that performance bike stands behind their products so well, how can you not buy from them. I ride a lot therfore I wear things out. Whenever I have an issue with a product that was purchased from Performance Bike, they take care of it and make it good without hassle. well I can't wait till tomorrow, you can bet I'll be on the bike. I have very slow starts on mornings that I don't ride.

Keep Crankin out the miles

I failed today too. An 8:00 am mandatory meeting coupled with thunderstorms made me fear not being able to get cleaned up in time. As for Performance, I agree. I went through three Nite-Rider lights this winter. Each time I sent one back they gave me a better price.

Frog floater this morning in Washington, DC. After the first quarter mile, I decided it would be good to have the lights on, even though it was 8 AM. By the next quarter mile, I could not imagine riding without them on. The street lights were all on -- it really looked like 9 PM. However, the rain was very light for the next few miles. When it finally did hit, within a few minutes there was a foot of standing water in some spots. Fifteen minutes later, it had stopped.

Gor-tex and lights are your friends.

Paul

Paul - you're a braver man than me - I took one look outside this morning and started looking for my dogeared Metro ticket!

Today there were big, fat, scattered rain clouds pouring down water, and fierce, gusty winds.....I looked at the weather and "Ride of the Valkyries" started playing in my head--I knew I had to ride it! :)

The wind was a crosswind over my route, but just a LITTLE slanted in my favor--it seemed to actually suck me along like the wind sucks a sail. I used my downhill gears most of the way in! About a mile from home it started to snow on me, and that wind was blowing slushy gobs right into my right ear. But I got out from under that cloud after about 5 minutes, and the sun shone on me the rest of the way. I did my fastest time ever, the 8 or 9 miles (gotta measure) in 35 minutes! (Yeah, I know you're faster than me. So what? :D)

When it was time to go home, the clouds were almost all gone and the wind had died down a bit. I decided not to wear my jacket. I didn't exactly regret the choice, but it did get a bit nippy on my biggest downhill. When I was about a mile from home, big, sparkly stars started to come out.

I hugged my bike today. Gah! Am I becoming a bit of a loony? :D

well, the weather's been gloriously warm here in Munich the last week and i've ridden home 3 times this week in only a short-sleeve jersey (and pants and helmet and gloves of course)... we've had sun and intermittant clouds but no rain!

but this morning i went to the dentist before work which is only 1km away from home, so i didn't bring my gear or anything with me b/c i had planned to come back home after the dentist...

well, i left my keys inside and didn't notice b/c i didn't lock up b/c my girlfriend was still getting ready...

so i get home from the dentist, my girlfriend's already at work and my keys were locked inside...

so today i'm at work in a t-shirt and cycling shoes - my winter offroad ones with the dirt spikes in front... - fortunately i didn't change into my full commuting gear before going to the dentist, so i have jeans and a t-shirt on! and after realizing i would have to wear the t-shirt i took it off to keep it dry and rode to work in only my jacket... anyway, it's Friday so no one really seems to notice...

anyone else ever forgotten you work clothes?? usually i keep an extra shirt here at my desk just for such an occaison (happened once 3 years ago), but not today :(

Had my FIRST commute today. 8 miles in 35-40 mins. Feel much better than having fought (and Fight I do) with traffic all all the way to work.

Its great how much mental stimulation you get from riding as opposed to driving. You see much more of the world. It reminded me of my childhood in a South Indian village where a 1 mile trip can show you so much diversity (no building codes, road standards, etc).

I dont feel much of a work out from having rode 8 miles tho. I was expecting it to be much worse. Will have to find some alternate routes :)

Eldho.

Mornin Everyone
I left the house this morning at 5:30, The streets were soaked from the night rain, and the thick clouds were just starting to break up. The first 13 miles were actually a nice ride, the air was still and I kept my speed to a max of 15 mph. to keep the water on the tires. At the 14 mile mark, the sky got really dark and it rained hard for about 15 seconds, the there was clear sky and high, high winds. I guess the cold front the weatherman promised got me.. I rode the final 5 miles at a wopping 10 mph. into extreme head winds. It was an interestinng ride to say the least. Once I arrived at work and washed the worms from my bike, I gave the ride some thought, all in all, it was a great ride, Mother Nature is full of surprises. The tires rolling on the wet roads produce a very soothing sound that gives you the desire to just keep on going, past my place of employment and make it an all day affair, The rain, cool on the exposed parts of my face, felt invigorating, and the wind, forces you to stay alert while riding along side of the steel boxes you share the road with.

I guess I just described life to all of you.

Tollerance: To cope with the wet roads, the wind, the rain and humans encountered throughout the day.

Acceptance: To allow you to enjoy the experiances presented by the surprises and unexpected situations that constantly arrise.

Patience: While riding at a slow speed into the wind.

Self discipline: To get up, get out and do it and to push on through successful completion making it all worth it.

The Ability to realize and accept change: You have no control over many things or the actions and reactions of others.

Someone once said "Everything You Need To Know About Life, You Can Learn From The Seat Of A Bike"

I can't wait for the ride home.

Originally posted by mrfix

Someone once said "Everything You Need To Know About Life, You Can Learn From The Seat Of A Bike"

I can't wait for the ride home.

I really liked the story of your ride! Very inspiring

I've experienced the same feelings of well-being on my commute. When it rains, you just accept it. It makes you feel powerful knowing that you are doing something that most people would consider insane.

Well said my man. I too can't wait for the ride home even though I know there will be a headwind and I only have a one-speed fixed gear bike. It will make me stronger.

Well my commute this morning was a whopping 12kms/7.5miles. Got my first flat for this year, a cut directly across the tyre from one side to the other. So I put in a new tube and pumped it up with Co2, but the hole was just too big and the tube stuck through the hole like a bubble. I deflated the tyre until the tube receded, but by that time the tyre was too flat to ride on. I had to drag out the mobile and call my wife at work to come get me, major drag.

From now on I will carry a spare foldable tyre, so my wife won't have to leave work and come and get me.

While waiting for her I had a nice chat with an elderly gentleman at the bus stop I was sitting at, talking how he wants to move house as he can't see the beach any more due to development over the past 30 years. These conversations just don't happen while driving, I have met plenty of people riding and they have all been interesting.:) It just seems a bike is always a good starting point for conversation, by total strangers.

CHEERS.

Mark

Mornin All
What a great day, clear sky and calm, no wind. I took the long way into work today, total mileage 26 miles, average speed 19.2.
Traffic was light and the air was just cool enough to me comfortable. Today is really the beat day I've had all year as far as the weather goes, the first day I could wear shorts without freezing.

Fantastic! Today was my first commute ever. It was a short 2.5 miles, and I got to work in 12 minutes instead of driving 15-20 minutes. Last week was my first week commuting from my new apartment, and I was annoyed to discover the amount of traffic that exists on my way to work.

On the commute I was able to pass a trash truck since the guys jumping off were looking out for me. Cars had to wait for a while because you couldn't see around them to determine if cars were coming at you in the other lane. It made the stretch past the truck mostly car-free for me.

I was nervous at the start but soon discovered that pedalling helps relieve anxiety quickly. :) I can't wait to go home!!!

Teresa

Cogratulations Teresa on beating the cars to work ! :) .. I also felt that drivers are not very careful - I find myself planning getaway schemes at every junction. I have a 7.5 mile one way commute.

Looks like the rest of the week is going to bring rain or at least a chance of it. I don't really mind riding in the rain, but our comany does not have a rain shelter for the parked bikes ! :( And I am not sure how good it is for the bike to be exposed to water like that.

I got wet!

It had to happen sometime. I jumped the gun and made the fateful error of thinking I could beat the storm. I should have waited an hour, like the forcast said, and it would have been dry and beautiful.

It was warm, there was no wind, & nothing short of a wonderful ride.

BOOM! BOOM!
Slipped between two THUNDERBOOMERS. Steady drizzle all the way in. IT WAS GREAT!

I saw this a few posts back....


Its great how much mental stimulation you get from riding as opposed to driving. You see much more of the world.

and I had to comment on how true that is. On my way in to work today (I was also experiencing the common theme here...BIG OL' cross wind, threatening clouds, but a nice temp) I decided that every day I was going to try to notice something that I hadn't noticed before. And voila....I see a rainbow! And I was thinking, wow, if I was still driving to work I would probably still be in bed, and I would have missed that. Cool. Then, I felt the first big raindrop....and suddenly I was in the middle of a huge rainstorm, winds, lightening...between panicking and trying not to blow over I felt like I was somehow initiated into some sick and twisted club of people who will take on this crap. I felt totally awesome. So, all in all, the ride in was fantastic.:thumbup:

Sounds great. :)

Sigh.....

My bike's in the shop....took it in for the 30-day first tune-up, and the mechanic was out sick so I had to leave it. :( No commuting till probably Thursday or so.....

Originally posted by beetlebaby
...On my way in to work today (I was also experiencing the common theme here...BIG OL' cross wind, threatening clouds, but a nice temp) I decided that every day I was going to try to notice something that I hadn't noticed before. And voila....I see a rainbow! And I was thinking, wow, if I was still driving to work I would probably still be in bed, and I would have missed that. Cool. Then, I felt the first big raindrop....and suddenly I was in the middle of a huge rainstorm, winds, lightening...between panicking and trying not to blow over I felt like I was somehow initiated into some sick and twisted club of people who will take on this crap. I felt totally awesome. So, all in all, the ride in was fantastic.:thumbup:

Who is this masked "Newbie?"

:D

I really am a newbie! Newbie to the board, newbie to commuting...Its Steph from good ol' Kansas City, MO. The most biking unfriendly city in the world. Oh, and the ride in today? Sweeeeeeeeet!:beer: