Extreme Commute Club: Week 5, 2007
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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
Extreme Commute Club: Week 5, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!
I missed a couple of weeks with the holidays, I hope that didn't leave anyone foundering without motivation
Well here we are on the cusp of 2008 and I thought maybe we could continue a tradition Mars started back in the day -- awards for noteworthy contributors to this thread. As always they can be for anything and everything that strikes your imagination. What about best crash, or weirdest thing seen on the comute or most improved or whatever you can think of.
I'm thinking "Best Response to A Major Near Miss" to the guy who was right at the bridge in Minneapolis when it collapsed and helped to lead motorists who could get out of their cars to the safety of solid ground. I'll have to look up his nickname.
I missed a couple of weeks with the holidays, I hope that didn't leave anyone foundering without motivation
Well here we are on the cusp of 2008 and I thought maybe we could continue a tradition Mars started back in the day -- awards for noteworthy contributors to this thread. As always they can be for anything and everything that strikes your imagination. What about best crash, or weirdest thing seen on the comute or most improved or whatever you can think of.
I'm thinking "Best Response to A Major Near Miss" to the guy who was right at the bridge in Minneapolis when it collapsed and helped to lead motorists who could get out of their cars to the safety of solid ground. I'll have to look up his nickname.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 1,654
Bikes: SS Surly Crosscheck; '91 Cannondale 3.0
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 award-worthy, but I really rocked some of my co-workers' minds on Monday with my commute. Woke up and started pedalling on a cold and windy day. For some reason I just never got that warm. It was 20 mph headwinds the entire 15 miles in, and man was I worked. As I walk in decked out jaws just drop. I didn't know it, but it was 12 degrees out without windchill when I arrived! That's why I wasn't as warm as usual.
Mind you I tolerated it, but it was on the verge of being too uncomfortable.
Not as extreme as the blizzard commute a few weeks back, but has it's own place in the annals of my memories.
Mind you I tolerated it, but it was on the verge of being too uncomfortable.
Not as extreme as the blizzard commute a few weeks back, but has it's own place in the annals of my memories.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,556
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
"You must be nuts" award to all the EXCC members for doing what we do, when we do it. LMAO
Hey guys been a while seens I last checked so thought I drop in and take a look around. Mars is still AWOL I see. How's every one elas? Good I hope.
Hey guys been a while seens I last checked so thought I drop in and take a look around. Mars is still AWOL I see. How's every one elas? Good I hope.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 909
Bikes: Kona Jake (2006)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My first opinion on commuting for 2008...
RealFeel is a joke. It was 28 and windy this morning, with a RealFeel of ~10.
28 is 28, no matter how awed my co-workers are by this useless secondary stat.
RealFeel is a joke. It was 28 and windy this morning, with a RealFeel of ~10.
28 is 28, no matter how awed my co-workers are by this useless secondary stat.
#5
Geezer Clyde
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bristow, VA
Posts: 154
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Specialized Sirrus, Specialized StumpJumper, Giant Cypress,
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm curious about this thread - what is the criteria for an "extreme" commute?
#6
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
Howdie gang... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I hope everyone has a safe and puncture-free '08. I hope you get lots of long distance commuting miles under sunny blue skies and nothing but downhills and tailwinds.
I rode to ou new year's celebrations early as I had the job of preparing and cooking the barbecue. You should have seen the reactions I got! everyone that didn't know me well enough to know I ride everywhere thought I was nuts.... and it was only a 45 mile ride, nothing to get excited about.
So Cig, are you still on the Denali?, how's that going for you?.... or did you finish your other road bike?
I hope everyone has a safe and puncture-free '08. I hope you get lots of long distance commuting miles under sunny blue skies and nothing but downhills and tailwinds.
I rode to ou new year's celebrations early as I had the job of preparing and cooking the barbecue. You should have seen the reactions I got! everyone that didn't know me well enough to know I ride everywhere thought I was nuts.... and it was only a 45 mile ride, nothing to get excited about.
So Cig, are you still on the Denali?, how's that going for you?.... or did you finish your other road bike?
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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
It was a full on winter gear ride this AM. I even broke out the goggles to deal with the windchill. They still fogged up a bit as I remember from last year, but it was worth it to keep my eyes from watering and freezing up. No snow and not record temps, but the windchil did make it kind of nasty. Should be a short lived cold spell with temps pushing 50 by the weekend. It was nice to be back in the saddle again after almost a week off.
#8
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Lenexa, KS
Posts: 2,400
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
6 Fahrenheit this morning with a wind-chill of 6 below zero (and probably more, since I had to ride into the wind).
I kept warm except for my toes. I could have maybe used another thin layer (flannel, perhaps?) on my legs, but they didn't get too chilly.
I kept warm except for my toes. I could have maybe used another thin layer (flannel, perhaps?) on my legs, but they didn't get too chilly.
#9
Laid back bent rider
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Burien, WA
Posts: 1,134
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It was positively balmy around here! Steady rain the whole way, but no wind to speak of and temps around 35 or so. It's even supposed to clear up this afternoon and get up into the 40s! However, they also say that the wind will return with the warmth. I hate wind.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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 its been 3 days of full on winter gear for the ride. Since I've got all the layers its been pretty comfortable, but the windchills have been seriously nasty on any part of my face left bare. Then of course there is the fun of defrosting the beard at the end of the ride.
I've noticed that you can put on all the right layers and shoes (or throw some toe warmers in shoes) to stay nice and warm, but there seems to be no way to solve the cold weather runny nose problem. This is now my third winter commuting and there seems no way to stop it -- the best I can come up with is the periodic topical use of a fabric device coupled with a sharp exhalation to evacuate the offending material. Anyone solved the runny nose problem?
I've noticed that you can put on all the right layers and shoes (or throw some toe warmers in shoes) to stay nice and warm, but there seems to be no way to solve the cold weather runny nose problem. This is now my third winter commuting and there seems no way to stop it -- the best I can come up with is the periodic topical use of a fabric device coupled with a sharp exhalation to evacuate the offending material. Anyone solved the runny nose problem?
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 909
Bikes: Kona Jake (2006)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just let the nose run, and wipe w/ back of glove occasionally.
Two near misses last night- both by idiots turning left across me as I went straight. One lady stopped short at the last second, as did I, and less than a mile later another a-hole blew right in front of me (BMW, natch) causing me to lock up my brakes on a 40mph road. I hope someone runs his kids over one day. Had my Minewt X2 on blink on both occasions- how people miss this is beyond me.
There was some karmic balance, as 3 or 4 different cars stopped at road crossings to let me by- at places where cars usually just blow by repeatedly. At one of them, the car behind the courteous stopper leaned on his horn the entire time. Screw you too buddy- sorry if you got home to your fat wife and kids 8 seconds later than usual.
Two near misses last night- both by idiots turning left across me as I went straight. One lady stopped short at the last second, as did I, and less than a mile later another a-hole blew right in front of me (BMW, natch) causing me to lock up my brakes on a 40mph road. I hope someone runs his kids over one day. Had my Minewt X2 on blink on both occasions- how people miss this is beyond me.
There was some karmic balance, as 3 or 4 different cars stopped at road crossings to let me by- at places where cars usually just blow by repeatedly. At one of them, the car behind the courteous stopper leaned on his horn the entire time. Screw you too buddy- sorry if you got home to your fat wife and kids 8 seconds later than usual.
#12
Zinophile
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Vienna, Virginia
Posts: 865
Bikes: Spectrum Ti, Spectrum Track and Lemond Propad
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well it was 16f this am and my water bottle froze after 12 miles.
__________________
Tibikefor2
Tibikefor2
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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
Tibike -- Carry a thermos of coffee like I do and it won't freeze. Actually, I had a similar problem the other night where water on the outside of the thermos seemed to freeze.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,556
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Cyclaholic, I am still riding the Denail. I like the Denali so much that I finshed the Peugot and gave it to a friend. The Peugot Cost me less then 70.00 to rebuild and only 10.00 to buy. So this friend of mine whated to start bike commute So I gave it to him. But now the Denali BB is DOA. So I'll have to replace it very soon. Other then that I have had very good luck with the Denali. I have been checking out the Denali pro. But I think i'll just upgrade the rest of the Denali.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Spencer, IN
Posts: 689
Bikes: Trek 5200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It's been really cold here in Indiana lately, and there's salt all over the roads. I'm still commuting, but the road salt is getting to me... it's like I have a sore throat, and my nose is clogged, but very dry - so I can't get the mucus out (sorry if this is too graphic). Anyone have any advice on how to cope?
#16
Blasted Weeds
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,182
Bikes: Trek 1200C, Specialized Rockhopper, Giant Yukon FX, Giant Acapulco
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hmmm to the 5th eh.
Only commuted once - 6 big ole miles - but I prefer to ride safely where I live and when I don't feel good about icy sidestreets without a snow covering - and a horrible sidewalk that I use to avoid a center of the city entrance/exit spew from the interloop highway - and 2-3 three lanes of traffic traveling my lane/way totally understanding that what was perhaps a parking lane, and two other lanes that are now just 1-1/2 lanes at the most now with the snow/plow yuck and cinder grabbing piles - ugh. So I try and not ride the dangerous stuff in the am at this time of year - however when I get home - no problem - I'm on the road/off the road - fun.
It's the fact that I'm heading to the very center of the city to work. It ain't even pretty riding even in the Summer time. I always test the waters - but that icey heavy traffic "WE HATE YOU BICYCLIST" kinda stuff - hell - I'm riding that bus - cause I do have that option. Now if I didn't i'm sure my attitude and/or living area may be quite different ...
Gots to feel safe - foremost important thing!
Only commuted once - 6 big ole miles - but I prefer to ride safely where I live and when I don't feel good about icy sidestreets without a snow covering - and a horrible sidewalk that I use to avoid a center of the city entrance/exit spew from the interloop highway - and 2-3 three lanes of traffic traveling my lane/way totally understanding that what was perhaps a parking lane, and two other lanes that are now just 1-1/2 lanes at the most now with the snow/plow yuck and cinder grabbing piles - ugh. So I try and not ride the dangerous stuff in the am at this time of year - however when I get home - no problem - I'm on the road/off the road - fun.
It's the fact that I'm heading to the very center of the city to work. It ain't even pretty riding even in the Summer time. I always test the waters - but that icey heavy traffic "WE HATE YOU BICYCLIST" kinda stuff - hell - I'm riding that bus - cause I do have that option. Now if I didn't i'm sure my attitude and/or living area may be quite different ...
Gots to feel safe - foremost important thing!
__________________
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've been commuting since beginning of Dec, 2007 about 75 miles per week. On 1/2/08, it was 6F in northern New Jersey! That's pushing it (24 mile round trip). My goal is to ride all year at least 3x per week...
#18
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
Cyclaholic, I am still riding the Denail. I like the Denali so much that I finshed the Peugot and gave it to a friend. The Peugot Cost me less then 70.00 to rebuild and only 10.00 to buy. So this friend of mine whated to start bike commute So I gave it to him. But now the Denali BB is DOA. So I'll have to replace it very soon. Other then that I have had very good luck with the Denali. I have been checking out the Denali pro. But I think i'll just upgrade the rest of the Denali.
How many miles have you put on that Denali now?
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,556
Bikes: Schwinn Empire XL
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
For the year of 07 I put 8165.8 miles on the Denali. Would have had more if not for the reck in Sept. So that with the 1465 miles the year before gives me 9630.8 miles on the Denali. Not bad for a $158.11. That's about 1.6 cents a mile. And all that's failed so far is the BB. I have put a new chain on it every 1000 to 1500 miles or so.
Last edited by CigTech; 01-05-08 at 12:21 AM.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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
Tude -- my sympathies for commuting in Rochester. I spent part of my formative years there and winter is a real b***h there and the terrain not all that ideal for icy conditions There is great wisdom in skipping the bike commute when conditions are just too dangerous for you to feel safe.