Extreme commute club: week 7
#1
coitus non circum.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,495
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Extreme commute club: week 7
Worked on my bike a bit today, getting ready for the week ahead. It is now that time of year when tire selection for the day/week starts to weigh on my mind. I have 2 front wheels, one with a studded tire and one with a treaded tire. I have a treaded back tire, which is on the rim, and a studded that I can put on if I need it. I don't like running the studded tires if I don' t have to because they are so slow. The weather is calling for some, but not a lot, of snow. That will normally mean the treaded will be fine.... but what if there are icy roads or packed snow to worry about? Guess I'll just wait to the morning and see what it all looks like then. My default will be the studded front and the treaded back. It's WAY worse to lose control of the front tire than the back and if there is no snow, at least I will be able to ride around 15 mph with that combo on.
Someone asked me about cars and riding in the winter - didn't I worry about them sliding into me? I do, of course, but my experience the last 3 winters is that the cagers are extra careful around me in the winter. Maybe they think that I might tip over under their tires, but they are giving me way more space than in the other seasons. How about the rest of you? Does the winter months affect cager behavior?
Someone asked me about cars and riding in the winter - didn't I worry about them sliding into me? I do, of course, but my experience the last 3 winters is that the cagers are extra careful around me in the winter. Maybe they think that I might tip over under their tires, but they are giving me way more space than in the other seasons. How about the rest of you? Does the winter months affect cager behavior?
#2
On your left fatty
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 380
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Snow, that's that white stuff yeah? I'm told we get that in the mountains here
You guys have bigger (smaller afterwards?) balls than me to ride in those temps.
You guys have bigger (smaller afterwards?) balls than me to ride in those temps.
#3
♋ ☮♂ ☭ ☯
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Posts: 7,902
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
This is only nominaly related just because of the two wheel aspect
of it, but before I bicycle commuted I motorcycled year 'round in PA.
Cars definately respected me more. They were out-and-out civil.
As soon as the weather turned warm, it was business as usual......
Getting left turned in front of, cut off, moved out of my lane, etc...
I think people are almost scared into civility. If this person is on an
unheated, twowheeled vehicle in THIS weather, they most assuredly
are a psycho !
Drivers in my area of VT. are pretty tolerant of byclists so I dont know if I
will notice that much of a difference between this week with measurable snow
and last week with just the freezing cold wind.
of it, but before I bicycle commuted I motorcycled year 'round in PA.
Cars definately respected me more. They were out-and-out civil.
As soon as the weather turned warm, it was business as usual......
Getting left turned in front of, cut off, moved out of my lane, etc...
I think people are almost scared into civility. If this person is on an
unheated, twowheeled vehicle in THIS weather, they most assuredly
are a psycho !
Drivers in my area of VT. are pretty tolerant of byclists so I dont know if I
will notice that much of a difference between this week with measurable snow
and last week with just the freezing cold wind.
__________________
☞-ADVOCACY-☜ Radical VC = Car people on bikes. Just say "NO"
☞-ADVOCACY-☜ Radical VC = Car people on bikes. Just say "NO"
#4
CRIKEY!!!!!!!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: all the way down under
Posts: 4,276
Bikes: several
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 687 Times
in
365 Posts
I put nice new SKS chrome fenders on my bike on Saturday.... errrr, how does that even relate to the extreme commute club?.... ahhhhh, welllll.... my bike is now extremely pretty.. (IMHO ) and my commute is extremely pleasant!.... oh yeah, it's extremely warm at times so I dress extremely light
#5
CRIKEY!!!!!!!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: all the way down under
Posts: 4,276
Bikes: several
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 687 Times
in
365 Posts
Originally Posted by Gusboh
You guys have bigger (smaller afterwards?) balls than me to ride in those temps.
Hey Gus, you don't commute anuwhere near the southern beaches by any chance, do you?
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Cyclaholic
+1
Hey Gus, you don't commute anuwhere near the southern beaches by any chance, do you?
Hey Gus, you don't commute anuwhere near the southern beaches by any chance, do you?
#7
On your left fatty
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 380
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Cyclaholic
Hey Gus, you don't commute anuwhere near the southern beaches by any chance, do you?
This (Cronulla) has been coming for years though, that's the dodge thing about it, anyone who's spent time there knew it was coming.
If the group ride went to Kurnell instead of Cronulla it would have been beautiful, weather was tops yesterday.
[/thread hijack]
Cyclo - fenders from cecil's?
#8
CRIKEY!!!!!!!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: all the way down under
Posts: 4,276
Bikes: several
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 687 Times
in
365 Posts
[hijack]
I scored the fenders from The Cheeky Monkey, it was their last set in chrome. Apparently the distributor isn't bringing them in any more in chrome only in black.
Damian. Marrickville to Brighton group ride yesterday!.. yeah, that would have been 'fun' I think you made the right choice in giving it a miss.
Gus, watch your back out at Maroubra, the boys won't be happy with what went down last night.
[/thread hijack]
I scored the fenders from The Cheeky Monkey, it was their last set in chrome. Apparently the distributor isn't bringing them in any more in chrome only in black.
Damian. Marrickville to Brighton group ride yesterday!.. yeah, that would have been 'fun' I think you made the right choice in giving it a miss.
Gus, watch your back out at Maroubra, the boys won't be happy with what went down last night.
[/thread hijack]
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't think it's a hijack, riding your bike into a 5000 strong, angry, drunk, rioting mob counts as extreme
#10
CRIKEY!!!!!!!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: all the way down under
Posts: 4,276
Bikes: several
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 687 Times
in
365 Posts
Originally Posted by DamianM
I don't think it's a hijack, riding your bike into a 5000 strong, angry, drunk, rioting mob counts as extreme
#11
On your left fatty
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 380
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Cyclaholic
[hijack]Gus, watch your back out at Maroubra, the boys won't be happy with what went down last night.
[/thread hijack]
[/thread hijack]
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Originally Posted by Cyclaholic
[hijack]
I scored the fenders from The Cheeky Monkey, it was their last set in chrome. Apparently the distributor isn't bringing them in any more in chrome only in black.
I scored the fenders from The Cheeky Monkey, it was their last set in chrome. Apparently the distributor isn't bringing them in any more in chrome only in black.
#13
CRIKEY!!!!!!!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: all the way down under
Posts: 4,276
Bikes: several
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 687 Times
in
365 Posts
Originally Posted by jur
[more hijack]What did you pay for those SKS babies? I have them on 2 of mine, now my daughter also wants them. I got mine from Settle Cycles in the UK for about $40, paid no postage. Which must have been some mistake on their part.[/hijack]
#14
Survival of the Fitest
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PDX
Posts: 1,559
Bikes: 198? Univega Custom Maxima, 2009 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Here's the link to the pics of my "Geekiness" headlight. It adds about 9lbs. to my ride but I have total confidence in riding at night now. At 37.5 watts I'm sure to be seen by cagers and I can ride fairly fast.
#15
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Today I determined that the Planet Bike computer does display negative temps properly, at least single digits. Got to -2 (possibly lower, I had no light to see it by when in the country where it's typically colder). It'll lose the '-' sign at -10, but by then I won't need it to tell me it's not +10 :-)
First day back in the saddle after taking last week off due to a lingering cold virus giving me lots of hacking coughs. Very happy to be feeling the cold again!
First day back in the saddle after taking last week off due to a lingering cold virus giving me lots of hacking coughs. Very happy to be feeling the cold again!
#16
WebFoot on Wheels
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Keizer, OR
Posts: 46
Bikes: Jamis Coda Elite, Burley Rhumba (Our Tandem)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good Morning!
Thought I'd see if my ride makes the cut for this thread. Though the distance is only 9.2 miles one way with about a 450' elevation gain, this morning I rode by the first thermometer which read +26(F). From the looks of the weather forecast for the week, the fleece lined face mask is going to be an excellent addition to my "Suit of Armor."
This is my third winter doing this. It does make for an interesting paradigm; during the winter I lower my body fat percentage where summer riding is a holding pattern on the weight.
Thought I'd see if my ride makes the cut for this thread. Though the distance is only 9.2 miles one way with about a 450' elevation gain, this morning I rode by the first thermometer which read +26(F). From the looks of the weather forecast for the week, the fleece lined face mask is going to be an excellent addition to my "Suit of Armor."
This is my third winter doing this. It does make for an interesting paradigm; during the winter I lower my body fat percentage where summer riding is a holding pattern on the weight.
#17
coitus non circum.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,495
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by Gusboh
This (Cronulla) has been coming for years though, that's the dodge thing about it, anyone who's spent time there knew it was coming.
#18
coitus non circum.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,495
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by pctpaul
Good Morning!
Thought I'd see if my ride makes the cut for this thread. Though the distance is only 9.2 miles one way with about a 450' elevation gain, this morning I rode by the first thermometer which read +26(F). From the looks of the weather forecast for the week, the fleece lined face mask is going to be an excellent addition to my "Suit of Armor."
This is my third winter doing this. It does make for an interesting paradigm; during the winter I lower my body fat percentage where summer riding is a holding pattern on the weight.
Thought I'd see if my ride makes the cut for this thread. Though the distance is only 9.2 miles one way with about a 450' elevation gain, this morning I rode by the first thermometer which read +26(F). From the looks of the weather forecast for the week, the fleece lined face mask is going to be an excellent addition to my "Suit of Armor."
This is my third winter doing this. It does make for an interesting paradigm; during the winter I lower my body fat percentage where summer riding is a holding pattern on the weight.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posts: 1,701
Bikes: Fuji Supreme
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I had my first crash on the ice this AM. After three days of prettty nice temps I decided to take the studs off last night. Turned out to be a VERY BAD IDEA. Much of the trail was covered in packed snow and ice that were now frozen ruts. I made it over 5 mi. when crossing a bridge I caught a rut just wrong and went down. Second VERY BAD IDEA -- trying to stop your fall/slide by running your face into a chain link fence. Actually, that wasn't my idea, it was just physics in action. Fortunately the helmet visor took a lot of the abuse although my glasses did a job of cutting me 2-3 places.
A impromptu icepack made of snow stemmed the bleeding, but my front wheel needs some serious help. It has taken on a very noticable taco shape. After collecting myself and deciding I wasn't seriously hurt, I decided the best bet was to lock my bike to the fence that tried to eat my face and hoof it back to the nearest Metro. So after a 2 mi. stroll I was able to Metro into work. Once I saw the cuts on my face I understand why I was getting such odd looks from people I passed.
So from this we learn studs are GOOD and thinking that you're outsmarting Mother Nature is very DUMB.
A impromptu icepack made of snow stemmed the bleeding, but my front wheel needs some serious help. It has taken on a very noticable taco shape. After collecting myself and deciding I wasn't seriously hurt, I decided the best bet was to lock my bike to the fence that tried to eat my face and hoof it back to the nearest Metro. So after a 2 mi. stroll I was able to Metro into work. Once I saw the cuts on my face I understand why I was getting such odd looks from people I passed.
So from this we learn studs are GOOD and thinking that you're outsmarting Mother Nature is very DUMB.
#20
coitus non circum.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,495
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Pretty great ride in today. The forecasters said only a couple of inches of snow, spread out over 24 hours. So I left the treaded tire on the rear wheel and the studded on the front. Well, it has snowed at least 4 inches this morning. I LOVE riding through fresh, dry snow. So peaceful and lovely. Unfortunately, the last half of my commute is in the city, where everything gets stirred up by the traffic. Now, I'm dealing with ruts, packed snow, and slush. I really could have used teh studded rear today in the city part of the commute...
#21
coitus non circum.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,495
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by Marylandnewbie
Well I had my first crash on the ice this AM. After three days of prettty nice temps I decided to take the studs off last night. Turned out to be a VERY BAD IDEA. Much of the trail was covered in packed snow and ice that were now frozen ruts. I made it over 5 mi. when crossing a bridge I caught a rut just wrong and went down. Second VERY BAD IDEA -- trying to stop your fall/slide by running your face into a chain link fence. Actually, that wasn't my idea, it was just physics in action. Fortunately the helmet visor took a lot of the abuse although my glasses did a job of cutting me 2-3 places.
A impromptu icepack made of snow stemmed the bleeding, but my front wheel needs some serious help. It has taken on a very noticable taco shape. After collecting myself and deciding I wasn't seriously hurt, I decided the best bet was to lock my bike to the fence that tried to eat my face and hoof it back to the nearest Metro. So after a 2 mi. stroll I was able to Metro into work. Once I saw the cuts on my face I understand why I was getting such odd looks from people I passed.
So from this we learn studs are GOOD and thinking that you're outsmarting Mother Nature is very DUMB.
A impromptu icepack made of snow stemmed the bleeding, but my front wheel needs some serious help. It has taken on a very noticable taco shape. After collecting myself and deciding I wasn't seriously hurt, I decided the best bet was to lock my bike to the fence that tried to eat my face and hoof it back to the nearest Metro. So after a 2 mi. stroll I was able to Metro into work. Once I saw the cuts on my face I understand why I was getting such odd looks from people I passed.
So from this we learn studs are GOOD and thinking that you're outsmarting Mother Nature is very DUMB.
I hope that your bike is not too badly damaged and you get back on the road soon. I'm really sorry about your wreck and injuries.
#22
The Land of Living Skies
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
Posts: 307
Bikes: Kona Hahannah, Rocky Mountain RC-30
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Marylandnewbie
Well I had my first crash on the ice this AM. After three days of prettty nice temps I decided to take the studs off last night. Turned out to be a VERY BAD IDEA. Much of the trail was covered in packed snow and ice that were now frozen ruts. I made it over 5 mi. when crossing a bridge I caught a rut just wrong and went down. Second VERY BAD IDEA -- trying to stop your fall/slide by running your face into a chain link fence. Actually, that wasn't my idea, it was just physics in action. Fortunately the helmet visor took a lot of the abuse although my glasses did a job of cutting me 2-3 places.
A impromptu icepack made of snow stemmed the bleeding, but my front wheel needs some serious help. It has taken on a very noticable taco shape. After collecting myself and deciding I wasn't seriously hurt, I decided the best bet was to lock my bike to the fence that tried to eat my face and hoof it back to the nearest Metro. So after a 2 mi. stroll I was able to Metro into work. Once I saw the cuts on my face I understand why I was getting such odd looks from people I passed.
So from this we learn studs are GOOD and thinking that you're outsmarting Mother Nature is very DUMB.
A impromptu icepack made of snow stemmed the bleeding, but my front wheel needs some serious help. It has taken on a very noticable taco shape. After collecting myself and deciding I wasn't seriously hurt, I decided the best bet was to lock my bike to the fence that tried to eat my face and hoof it back to the nearest Metro. So after a 2 mi. stroll I was able to Metro into work. Once I saw the cuts on my face I understand why I was getting such odd looks from people I passed.
So from this we learn studs are GOOD and thinking that you're outsmarting Mother Nature is very DUMB.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,013
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Marylandnewbie: OUCH! So sorry to hear that. I just took my studs off last night, back to the slicks for now. I really don't want to put too much unneccesary wear on my nokians, plus they started getting too slow for my liking, and I have some errands to run at lunch today. Fortunately the weather is cooperating with me though, no ice/snow yet.
#24
WebFoot on Wheels
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Keizer, OR
Posts: 46
Bikes: Jamis Coda Elite, Burley Rhumba (Our Tandem)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Mars
Sure it does, and welcome! How do you find that fleece facemask in terms of comfort? Does it get wet after you ride for a while?
The facemask (made by Seirus) has a neopreme over fleece section for the mouth and nose areas, the rest is just fleece. For comfort, its pretty good. Yes, the fleece does get damp after a while, but the neopreme blocks the wind so the damp area stays relatively warm. My one complaint is that I need to enlarge the breathing holes so I can get more air into the lungs!
If I look ahead all the time my glasses don't fog up either.
Thanks for the welcome!
#25
On your left fatty
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 380
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Mars
Really? How come? What was happening? I'm really interested, but if you think it might attracted flames from the PC crowd, feel free to PM me...
I posted this in another forum (edited for bad words)
It's been coming for years. There are a whole bunch of 'middle eastern' people that come down to the beaches on the weekend and cause trouble. From theft to assault and battery to grievous bodily harm. It is always the same groups of people, but the cops do little - can't because witnesses don't tend to be forthcoming and the cops would just have to let them go if they caught them anyway, lest the police get accused off racism. Girls can hardly go to the beach without being called ***** or *****s. Some unlucky girls get spat on or stuff thrown at them because they are '*****' - Muslim guys who don't like how they are dressed essentially. Guys get bashed for being 'fArkin aussie scum' or some other moronic slag. The thing about those bashings is that it is never ever a fair fight, it is always at least 5 on 1, which the locals hate.
In other words, you've got about 100 - 300 f**ktards that come to the beach every weekend, steal ****, hit people, call girls names and sometimes hit them and basically cause ****. So the locals said enough was enough - could have done it in a better way though.
I said in 2000 to my school mates that Cronulla was going to be a war zone by 2010, i stand by that.
It is basically a whole group of idiots trying to prove that they have massive penises. Unfortunately for them, it just shows them up as cowards and idiots. The locals at Cronulla stooped to their level, which makes them look just as bad.
Last night the police stopped a serious fight, people *would* have been killed.