Describe Your Commute
#26
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Glad you didn't get hurt. Even though I don't have a mirror, I have sort of developed a decent sense of when someone is about to pass without leaving much room, versus when they are giving space. I guess it sounds different..and granted it's probably like a 1 second warning, not nearly as good as a mirror. Whenever I hear that sound though, I do a little swerve toward the edge of the road, if it's safe, and tuck my elbow in. I have no idea if that actually makes me any safer, but it's what I do.
Also, as a side note..I figured out something useful about those reflective leg band things (supposed to be for keeping your pant leg from your chainring). If you wear one on your left leg, it must make you appear further to the left, for someone looking from behind. As soon as I started wearing one of those on my left leg, I started getting buzzed a LOT less often.
I would LOVE to figure out how to get some LED / laser type thing to shine a colorful light down on the road, a foot or so to my left. If someone could figure out how to do that, I think cars would give more room.
Also, as a side note..I figured out something useful about those reflective leg band things (supposed to be for keeping your pant leg from your chainring). If you wear one on your left leg, it must make you appear further to the left, for someone looking from behind. As soon as I started wearing one of those on my left leg, I started getting buzzed a LOT less often.
I would LOVE to figure out how to get some LED / laser type thing to shine a colorful light down on the road, a foot or so to my left. If someone could figure out how to do that, I think cars would give more room.
I too wear the reflective bands because I think the up-and-down motion is distinctive to indicate a bicyclist. I have seen posts about such laser type things. Maybe they could be found on the Electronics Forum. I think this thread could be a good place to exchange such information, though my recollection was there was not much interest in general, including by me. However I do recall one intriguing product, but I have no idea where I saw it.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 01-25-15 at 05:15 AM.
#27
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Sorry, but I missed that you rode with separate bike lanes most of the way. However, But the bike lanes are often blocked by parked cars, delivery trucks, pedestrians and other shenanigans. so I presumed you took to the streets. Most of my bike lanes are on the street, marked only by a white line, and sometimes disappear at intersections, requiring filtering. (A fun aspect of reading these commuter descriptions is trying to visualize them compared to my own.)
#28
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Title: Jacksonville, Florida -- 7 years (not as regular as I'd like )
Route: 11.5-mile commute
Road conditions / surfaces: Mostly side streets, some busier streets heading into downtown, 2 to 4 lane streets (30 mph)
Traffic: Minimal in the morning; fairly heavy on the ride home; one small overpass.
Environment: Residential/Urban to Downtown.
Hills: None.
Frequency: daily when not raining or below freezing temps.
Departure time: 6:00AM
Bike: 2009 Bianchi Axis (cx) with rack and fenders, 700x32c Panaracer RibMo tires
Cargo: Trunk bag with lunch/snacks, spare innertube and tools, wallet and cell phone, clothes.
Sometimes a backpack with laptop.
Helmet / Mirror: Helmet
Destination:
Parking: Outside inside secure gated facility
Cleanup: Change from commuting clothes to work clothes (pants/polo type shirt usually) I keep my office shoes at work.
Amenities: My own office to change/get ready in, Cafe in the building, other than that.. nothing.
Departure time: 6:00PM
Alternative Transportation: Drive
Last edited by chrism32205; 01-25-15 at 12:57 AM.
#29
Two H's!!! TWO!!!!!
#30
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For those who might be reading this thread from last to first post, this is a suggested template to describe your commute.
Route:….
Just Reply With Quote, Copy, Remove "[ /QUOTE ]," insert into ….(spaces), and post.
Further suggestions welcome.
Title
Route:….
Road conditions / surfaces:….
Traffic:….
Environment:….
Hills:….
Frequency:….
Departure time:….
Bike:…. Bike name:.…
Cargo:….
Illumination (to see and be seen):....
Helmet / Mirror:….
Destination:Parking:….
Cleanup:….
Amenities:….
Departure time:….
Alternative Transportation:….Just Reply With Quote, Copy, Remove "[ /QUOTE ]," insert into ….(spaces), and post.
Further suggestions welcome.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 02-05-15 at 06:54 AM. Reason: Added Illumination (to see and be seen)
#31
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Title
- A Short, Flat Ride through the countryRoute: . 7.5 miles each way. My House is in a rural area outside of a 12,000 person City. I work about a mile into the city-fied area. Usually 40 minutes on the way in, since I'm trying to avoid sweating... I can do 30 minutes on the way home.
Road conditions / surfaces:
.
Mostly Blacktop in decent condition, but about a mile of "chip n seal" which is pretty rough, but tolerable. Traffic:
.
pretty sparse until I reach the business area, about a mile from workEnvironment:
.
Mostly Country Roads, riding by corn fields and houses, then riding by walmart, kroger, and a few other stores before I get to work. (This lastsection has a wide shoulder, so it may actually be safer than the narrow country roads).Hills:
.
None to speak of, a few small ups and downs (by small, I mean, down 5-10 seconds, then back up 5-10 seconds and back to flat for a while). There is one place that is a steady incline of 1 or 2% for almost a mile. (both ways...it comes back down)Frequency:
.
Usually twice a week. Work and family schedules prevent more, since I need to be able to drive home quickly in the middle of some days, or drive to a lunch meetingDeparture time:
.
8am, leave work around 4pm. Bike: . 2013 Walmart Schwinn Varsity 1200 (21 speed flatbar hybrid). 28mm tires.
Bike name:.
"MY Bike"Cargo:
.
Under saddle bag with bike repair needs. Work clothes in a small drawstring backpack strapped to a rear rack with bungee cords. Pump, water bottle, LightsHelmet / Mirror:
.
Yes, BlackDestination:
Parking:
.
Bike gets parked in my officeCleanup:
.
Ride slow on the way to work so I don't sweat too much. Wipe off with a microfiber rag.Amenities:
.
Shower if I want it, but I rarely use it. If I shower before I leave in the morning, it's just a light amount of "clean sweat", so it doesn't stink. Departure time:
.
4 pm ish.Alternative Transportation: .Car, 10 minute drive.
#32
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Ballsy.....
Me personally, would have a helmet before a mirror.
Me personally, would have a helmet before a mirror.
#33
Senior Member
As a semi retired business something, I teach part time in a couple of local school districts. Consequently I change my commuting pattern depending on the location.
Route:….6-8 miles each way
Road conditions / surfaces:…. City streets, MUP
Traffic:….Reverse commute, I usually have the busiest retail artery in town to myself in the morning, and use an MUP a few blocks away in the afternoon.
Environment:….Urban
Hills:….No, it's all south of the river valley and flat as a lumpy pancake.
Frequency:….2-3 days per week
Departure time:….6:45
Bike:…. Soma Buena Vista, Nuvinci CVT, Phillips Dyno hub, BM Eyc Senso plus headlight, Topline Brake Plus rear. 38-584 (650b) Soma Express tires, Nokian A14 studs in winter.
Bike name:.…Byron
Cargo:….Shoulder bag briefcase
Helmet / Mirror:….Lazer O2, Handlebar mirror
Destination:
Parking:….bike rack at front door
Cleanup:…. Yes, I comb my hair
Amenities:….Coffee Shop in the school
Departure time:….3PM
Alternative Transportation:….Canceling assignment and sleeping in. Last resort, car.
other place
Route:….14 miles each way
Road conditions / surfaces:….City street, Mup, county highways
Traffic:….reverse commute. Occasional traffic going to outlying small town, but most in opposite direction
Environment:….Urban/rural/small town
Hills:….nope
Frequency:….1-2 weekly
Departure time:….6:15AM
Bike:…Touring bike. 50mm Schwalbe Big Ben tires, traditional drivetrain. BM tire driven dyno, BM Eyc headligh, Topline light rear. Nokian W106 studded tires in winter
Bike name:.…Rivendell Hunqapillar
Cargo:….Shoulderbag/briefcase
Helmet / Mirror:….Lazer O2/handlebar mirror
Destination:
Parking:….I chain it to the sign designating police parking.
Cleanup:….Yes, I comb my hair.
Amenities:….Coffee shop in school
Departure time:….3pm
Alternative Transportation:….cancel assignment and sleep in.
Marc
Route:….6-8 miles each way
Road conditions / surfaces:…. City streets, MUP
Traffic:….Reverse commute, I usually have the busiest retail artery in town to myself in the morning, and use an MUP a few blocks away in the afternoon.
Environment:….Urban
Hills:….No, it's all south of the river valley and flat as a lumpy pancake.
Frequency:….2-3 days per week
Departure time:….6:45
Bike:…. Soma Buena Vista, Nuvinci CVT, Phillips Dyno hub, BM Eyc Senso plus headlight, Topline Brake Plus rear. 38-584 (650b) Soma Express tires, Nokian A14 studs in winter.
Bike name:.…Byron
Cargo:….Shoulder bag briefcase
Helmet / Mirror:….Lazer O2, Handlebar mirror
Destination:
Parking:….bike rack at front door
Cleanup:…. Yes, I comb my hair
Amenities:….Coffee Shop in the school
Departure time:….3PM
Alternative Transportation:….Canceling assignment and sleeping in. Last resort, car.
other place
Route:….14 miles each way
Road conditions / surfaces:….City street, Mup, county highways
Traffic:….reverse commute. Occasional traffic going to outlying small town, but most in opposite direction
Environment:….Urban/rural/small town
Hills:….nope
Frequency:….1-2 weekly
Departure time:….6:15AM
Bike:…Touring bike. 50mm Schwalbe Big Ben tires, traditional drivetrain. BM tire driven dyno, BM Eyc headligh, Topline light rear. Nokian W106 studded tires in winter
Bike name:.…Rivendell Hunqapillar
Cargo:….Shoulderbag/briefcase
Helmet / Mirror:….Lazer O2/handlebar mirror
Destination:
Parking:….I chain it to the sign designating police parking.
Cleanup:….Yes, I comb my hair.
Amenities:….Coffee shop in school
Departure time:….3pm
Alternative Transportation:….cancel assignment and sleep in.
Marc
Last edited by irwin7638; 01-25-15 at 10:13 AM.
#34
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The best part of the day.
#35
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Indeed.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
#36
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Road conditions / surfaces:
. MUP, roads with bike lanes, neighborhood streets, roads without bike lanes
Distance:.... 7.5 miles shortest route each way - can be as long as I would like after that
Traffic: . Depends on the season
Environment: . Urban, pleasant, college campus
Hills: . 0 - less than 50 feet of elevation for the whole commute
Frequency: . As long as it isn't raining, icy or below 10°
Departure time: . 13:45
Bike: Summer: 2013 Felt TK3 fixed gear & brakeless, 2009 Jamis Sonik fixed gear & brakeless. Winter - 2012 Framed Minnesota 2.0 fat bike 2x9 w/disc brakes
Bike name: N/A
Cargo: Chrome Metropolis messenger bag with work clothes, dinner, spare tube, patch kit, pump, and any necessary supplies.
Helmet / Mirror: Helmet - Bell Slant or Giro snowboard helmet w/Oakley goggles (for winter)
Destination: Work
Parking: Bike rack in parking ramp in high foot traffic area with 24 hour video surveillance and on site security
Cleanup: Bathroom and I believe that I could have shower facilities although no place to store my stuff w/high risk of theft
Amenities: place to hang my clothes to dry if needed, ample places to charge lights
Departure time: 23:30
Alternative Transportation: . Drive my car, bus to work (would have to catch a ride home since the bus stops at 2200)
Distance:.... 7.5 miles shortest route each way - can be as long as I would like after that
Traffic: . Depends on the season
Environment: . Urban, pleasant, college campus
Hills: . 0 - less than 50 feet of elevation for the whole commute
Frequency: . As long as it isn't raining, icy or below 10°
Departure time: . 13:45
Bike: Summer: 2013 Felt TK3 fixed gear & brakeless, 2009 Jamis Sonik fixed gear & brakeless. Winter - 2012 Framed Minnesota 2.0 fat bike 2x9 w/disc brakes
Bike name: N/A
Cargo: Chrome Metropolis messenger bag with work clothes, dinner, spare tube, patch kit, pump, and any necessary supplies.
Helmet / Mirror: Helmet - Bell Slant or Giro snowboard helmet w/Oakley goggles (for winter)
Destination: Work
Parking: Bike rack in parking ramp in high foot traffic area with 24 hour video surveillance and on site security
Cleanup: Bathroom and I believe that I could have shower facilities although no place to store my stuff w/high risk of theft
Amenities: place to hang my clothes to dry if needed, ample places to charge lights
Departure time: 23:30
Alternative Transportation: . Drive my car, bus to work (would have to catch a ride home since the bus stops at 2200)
#37
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Btw, Jim, before I moved back to the Midwest, I would bike commute from just north of Harvard Square, to either Copley square or Beacon Hill...during BOston's rush hour...that is an exciting ride...
#38
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Now, it just so happens that my wife and I (to the best of my recollection) have cycled in Madison. We were on our cross-country honeymoon in 1977 from Los Angeles to Washington DC, and I'm pretty sure we arrived in Madison on a Saturday, and stayed over in a Motel on the Ohio River that had a wide Southern plantation style porch with high columns (? The Madison Inn). Maybe it had a large sign overlooking the River. We arrived just before a thunderstorm and enjoyed watching it from the porch.
On the Indiana segment of the ride, I believe we entered from Mt Carmel, Ill, and I think we stayed over an extra rest day in Huntingburg because they had a motel with a pool (we camped and moteled). I recall on that Friday we stopped in a little town with "English" in the name to pick up some traveler's checks with money wired to us there.
On Sunday we left Madison, and on one of our longest days, we rode across Kentucky to Maysville, a picturesque town also on the Ohio River. My recollections about the Ohio River was the sense of early 19th century history, riverboats and such, and architecture so different than the West of the later 19th century that we had previously passed through.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 01-25-15 at 05:10 PM.
#39
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Been hit 2x while on bicycles, and crashed due to junk in road/trail 4x, and hit a wash out 1x - honestly helmet wouldn't have helped in any of them, and I'm used to having mirrors. (I did manage to work out a mount for the left one today - will get the right one mounted later this week).
#40
Senior Member
Well, lets start with the first bike commute:
Route: Three city blocks….
Home to Christ the King Elementary School 1973-1978
Route: Three city blocks….
Road conditions / surfaces:….
Residential, classic city grid.Traffic:….Very light.
Environment: Pleasant….
Hills: Downhill on the way to school, uphill coming home….
Frequency:….as often as mom would let us.
Departure time: 10 minutes before the first bell….
Bike: Holiday Station Stores Stingray knockoff…. Bike name:.…
Cargo: ….School uniform
Helmet / Mirror: They'll be invented someday soon….
Destination:Parking: ….Bike rack that stretched all the way across the playground. Handlebar hanger type rack
Cleanup: …. Bath once a week whether it was needed or not
Amenities:… Security provided by women dressed in black wielding sharp edged crucifixes attached to rosary chains. Large expanses of asphalt allowing for the constant practice of wheelies. Traffic control provided by 6th graders armed with large florescent flags..
Departure time: ….After last bell, unless you had to do detention.
Alternative Transportation: .….Your own two feet
Last edited by loky1179; 01-25-15 at 08:56 PM.
#41
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Route: 9.5 miles or so one way
Road conditions / surfaces: Road the whole way with bike lanes most of the way. I can also take a gravel trail 2/3 of the way, which has fewer hills but takes more effort to bike
Traffic: minimal to heavy. generally respect bikes and aren't too aggressive
Environment: suburban to downtown urban. Nice views of the lake
Hills: I'm in the Puget sound area - are there any flat sections is a better question. The answer is only about a quarter-mile. According to Google maps I only climb 500 ft or so (and drop almost the same), but it feels like more. On the other hand, I get to spend a good chunk of time going 20-30 mph down a hill without even pedaling.
Frequency: as often as I can/want to - seems to work out to 2-3 times per week
Departure time: 8-10 AM
Bike: Trek 4500 converted to hybridCargo: Topeak MTX trunk bag with food, clothes, and miscellaneous other items. I try to keep it light by leaving stuff at work/home. Plus an additional under-seat bag with repair items.
Illumination (to see and be seen): Cygolite Metro 550 front light, Solas taillight, Flea 2.0 tail light (on helmet), reflective jacket or safety vest
Helmet / Mirror: helmet (law here) and safe zone mirror
Destination:Parking: indoor, secure parking, employee access only, I lock my bike but crime doesn't seem to be a major problem
Cleanup: shower and lockers
Departure time: 5-7 PM
Alternative Transportation: walk 10 min to bus stop and take 15-30 minute express bus that drops me off across the street from my office building. Being this close to the bus makes it hard to bike when the weather is bad, but biking is still nicer than the bus.
#42
screw campy & shimano
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From home to work: Cary, NC to Durham, NC
Surfaces: All paved, good condition, good shoulder. ~1/3 (6 miles one way) of my cyclocommute is on a paved MUT (the American Tobacco Trail), whichfor memakes this whole cyclocommuting thing possible.
Motorized traffic level: Light first half, moderate second half, and vice versa heading home.
Non-motorized traffic level (MUT): Pretty quiet in winter months; other seasons are relatively busy with peds, runners, cyclists, equestrians, etc.
Road environment: Mainly quiet country roads, with some small-city roadways (which do include interspersed bike lanes closer to downtown Durham)
Hills: Several short, quick climbs but my route is primarily rolling terrain, with the MUT on an old rail bed
Frequency: I aim for my full work week, which is Monday through Friday
Home departure time A.M.: Sept May, 5:30(ish); June-August, 5:15(ish)
Bike: Homebrew fixedgear
Cargo: Rear pack (with tools) on a rack, and a rear pannier (with clothes, food, thermos, wallet, any other personal essentials) thrown over top of that
Office parking: Dedicated indoor-bicycle parking space
Cleanup: Her/his bathroom sink
Amenities: Small-city downtown area with lots o stuff within walking
Work departure time P.M.: 4:15(ish) year round (I am annal about being on the roads at the same time consistently during the work week. I am recognized by the other road users. Leaving home or work at a different time really screws up the traffic rhythm.)
Alternative transportation: Motorbike or car
Surfaces: All paved, good condition, good shoulder. ~1/3 (6 miles one way) of my cyclocommute is on a paved MUT (the American Tobacco Trail), whichfor memakes this whole cyclocommuting thing possible.
Motorized traffic level: Light first half, moderate second half, and vice versa heading home.
Non-motorized traffic level (MUT): Pretty quiet in winter months; other seasons are relatively busy with peds, runners, cyclists, equestrians, etc.
Road environment: Mainly quiet country roads, with some small-city roadways (which do include interspersed bike lanes closer to downtown Durham)
Hills: Several short, quick climbs but my route is primarily rolling terrain, with the MUT on an old rail bed
Frequency: I aim for my full work week, which is Monday through Friday
Home departure time A.M.: Sept May, 5:30(ish); June-August, 5:15(ish)
Bike: Homebrew fixedgear
Cargo: Rear pack (with tools) on a rack, and a rear pannier (with clothes, food, thermos, wallet, any other personal essentials) thrown over top of that
Office parking: Dedicated indoor-bicycle parking space
Cleanup: Her/his bathroom sink
Amenities: Small-city downtown area with lots o stuff within walking
Work departure time P.M.: 4:15(ish) year round (I am annal about being on the roads at the same time consistently during the work week. I am recognized by the other road users. Leaving home or work at a different time really screws up the traffic rhythm.)
Alternative transportation: Motorbike or car
#43
commuter and barbarian
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Route: 30 to 7 miles each way, depending on starting point. From home it's 30 miles but normally I drive part way, park and ride the rest.
Road conditions / surfaces: Mostly wide shoulder of MT200. Then MUP and city streets.
Traffic: Low volume/65mph speed limit morning. Higher volume/70mph speed limit afternoon.
Environment: Mostly rural.
Hills: Nothing serious. Some gradual. Elevation difference is ~ 1000ft.
Frequency: Every working day
Departure time: 6:00am.
Bike: See signature.
Cargo: Lunch. Clothes.
Helmet / Mirror: No/No.
Destination: Work in Missoula, MT.
Parking: In office building basement.
Cleanup: Wash rag in bathroom sink.
Amenities: Nothing bicycle commute specific.
Departure time: 4:00 pm.
Alternative Transportation: Haven't used anything, but I could ride a bus part way.
Road conditions / surfaces: Mostly wide shoulder of MT200. Then MUP and city streets.
Traffic: Low volume/65mph speed limit morning. Higher volume/70mph speed limit afternoon.
Environment: Mostly rural.
Hills: Nothing serious. Some gradual. Elevation difference is ~ 1000ft.
Frequency: Every working day
Departure time: 6:00am.
Bike: See signature.
Cargo: Lunch. Clothes.
Helmet / Mirror: No/No.
Destination: Work in Missoula, MT.
Parking: In office building basement.
Cleanup: Wash rag in bathroom sink.
Amenities: Nothing bicycle commute specific.
Departure time: 4:00 pm.
Alternative Transportation: Haven't used anything, but I could ride a bus part way.
#44
Senior Member
Omaha, Ne. 7 years
Route: . 8KM each way
Road conditions / surfaces: . Normal urban streets
Traffic: . From heavy to near none
Environment: . Urban
Hills: . about 250 meters of climb to work and over 300 going home.
Frequency: . 4 times a week, every week, every month.
Departure time: . 10-11am
Bike: . Modified Trek Belleville. More like a Dutch bike now.
Bike name:. Who names their bike? Insane.
Cargo: . Food for the day, briefcase / laptop bag.
Helmet / Mirror: . Why? I'm riding to work, not in a race.
Destination: Work
Parking: . Inside mail room.
Cleanup: . None. I ride as the dutch do, so no prep time leaving or arriving.
Amenities: . Again, none. Not necessary for dutch style riding.
Departure time: . 8pm
Alternative Transportation: . None. Not needed.
Route: . 8KM each way
Road conditions / surfaces: . Normal urban streets
Traffic: . From heavy to near none
Environment: . Urban
Hills: . about 250 meters of climb to work and over 300 going home.
Frequency: . 4 times a week, every week, every month.
Departure time: . 10-11am
Bike: . Modified Trek Belleville. More like a Dutch bike now.
Bike name:. Who names their bike? Insane.
Cargo: . Food for the day, briefcase / laptop bag.
Helmet / Mirror: . Why? I'm riding to work, not in a race.
Destination: Work
Parking: . Inside mail room.
Cleanup: . None. I ride as the dutch do, so no prep time leaving or arriving.
Amenities: . Again, none. Not necessary for dutch style riding.
Departure time: . 8pm
Alternative Transportation: . None. Not needed.
#45
Dart Board
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Title
Route: . Rural road to MUP to business intersection to side street.
Road conditions / surfaces: . Rainy asphalt, concrete
Traffic: . busy but not at its worst for the day.
Environment: . URBAN,
Hills: . 360 FT of climbing one way
Frequency: .3 to five days a week
Departure time: .4:45 AM to 6:45 AM
Bike: . Cannondale six13 Ultegra 6800
Bike name:. Bike
Cargo: .Back pack with the days necessities
Helmet / Mirror: . yes Helmet No mirror
Destination:
Parking: . At My desk
Cleanup: . Shower and locker room
Amenities: . cafeteria, coin ops
Departure time: . 4:50 PM
Alternative Transportation: . Car, light rail, skate board, walking
Route: . Rural road to MUP to business intersection to side street.
Road conditions / surfaces: . Rainy asphalt, concrete
Traffic: . busy but not at its worst for the day.
Environment: . URBAN,
Hills: . 360 FT of climbing one way
Frequency: .3 to five days a week
Departure time: .4:45 AM to 6:45 AM
Bike: . Cannondale six13 Ultegra 6800
Bike name:. Bike
Cargo: .Back pack with the days necessities
Helmet / Mirror: . yes Helmet No mirror
Destination:
Parking: . At My desk
Cleanup: . Shower and locker room
Amenities: . cafeteria, coin ops
Departure time: . 4:50 PM
Alternative Transportation: . Car, light rail, skate board, walking
#46
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 4
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Route:…. 2.81 miles each way
Road conditions / surfaces:…. Decent streets
Traffic:…. If I go in early, nobody; if I go in at normal time, not horrible but there are cars
Environment:…. Small city
Hills:…. hill leaving the neighborhood and two hills getting back into it
Frequency:…. as often as possible (5 days a week if it doesn't rain)
Departure time:…. 5:30-7:30 am
Bike:…. stock Specialized Sirrus
Bike name:.…
Cargo:…. lunch, laptop sometimes, sometimes a week's worth of undershirts and work pants
Helmet / Mirror:…. helmet yes - wife's prescription
Destination: Work, grocery, board game nights, etc.
Parking:…. at work, in my cube
Cleanup:…. just change my clothes. Such a short ride I rarely sweat enough to need much cleaning.
Amenities:…. None needed. Just hang my stuff up in my cube or drape it over the bike.
Departure time:…. 3-5 pm
Alternative Transportation:…. 2000 Dakota
Road conditions / surfaces:…. Decent streets
Traffic:…. If I go in early, nobody; if I go in at normal time, not horrible but there are cars
Environment:…. Small city
Hills:…. hill leaving the neighborhood and two hills getting back into it
Frequency:…. as often as possible (5 days a week if it doesn't rain)
Departure time:…. 5:30-7:30 am
Bike:…. stock Specialized Sirrus
Bike name:.…
Cargo:…. lunch, laptop sometimes, sometimes a week's worth of undershirts and work pants
Helmet / Mirror:…. helmet yes - wife's prescription
Destination: Work, grocery, board game nights, etc.
Parking:…. at work, in my cube
Cleanup:…. just change my clothes. Such a short ride I rarely sweat enough to need much cleaning.
Amenities:…. None needed. Just hang my stuff up in my cube or drape it over the bike.
Departure time:…. 3-5 pm
Alternative Transportation:…. 2000 Dakota
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,980
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
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Lexington to Columbia, SC
Route: secondary roads amd main roads - from the suburbs to downtown. About 11 miles
Road conditions / surfaces: varies. As soon as I leave my subdivision I have a half mile on a 4 lane with no shoulder. Usually have to wait in the suicide lane before I can get going. If I leave at the wrong time, I sit in traffic behind cars. The road I thrn off on is terribly paved, but aftee that i have smooth tarmac and most of the rest of the commute has a bike lane. Rough RR crossings
Traffic: Usually not great, but once I turn off the main road it is smooth sailing until I get close to downtown. Then I have to deal with students at a major university.
Environment: can be very hot here in sc
Hills: a few annoying ones - mostly crossing an overpass
Frequency: 2 to 3 times a week
Departure time: ideal is 0745
Bike: Bianchi volpe
Bike name: i call her the Millenial Falcon...bc I am a millenial, and the bike is the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
Cargo: panniers on a rack. I carry clothes, shoes, lunch and standard repair stuff
Illumination (to see and be seen): 2 rear lights and 1 in the front
Helmet / Mirror: Helmet...yes. unless I am being multimodal and doing 3 miles from the wife's office
Destination: work...bar
Parking: inside my office
Cleanup: shower, fresh clothes, cup o joe
Amenities: i leave my clothes in the shower area...bc I am the only one who uses it
Departure time: 1630
Alternative Transportation: drive, or multimodal and carpool with the wife and ride from her office to mine
Route: secondary roads amd main roads - from the suburbs to downtown. About 11 miles
Road conditions / surfaces: varies. As soon as I leave my subdivision I have a half mile on a 4 lane with no shoulder. Usually have to wait in the suicide lane before I can get going. If I leave at the wrong time, I sit in traffic behind cars. The road I thrn off on is terribly paved, but aftee that i have smooth tarmac and most of the rest of the commute has a bike lane. Rough RR crossings
Traffic: Usually not great, but once I turn off the main road it is smooth sailing until I get close to downtown. Then I have to deal with students at a major university.
Environment: can be very hot here in sc
Hills: a few annoying ones - mostly crossing an overpass
Frequency: 2 to 3 times a week
Departure time: ideal is 0745
Bike: Bianchi volpe
Bike name: i call her the Millenial Falcon...bc I am a millenial, and the bike is the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
Cargo: panniers on a rack. I carry clothes, shoes, lunch and standard repair stuff
Illumination (to see and be seen): 2 rear lights and 1 in the front
Helmet / Mirror: Helmet...yes. unless I am being multimodal and doing 3 miles from the wife's office
Destination: work...bar
Parking: inside my office
Cleanup: shower, fresh clothes, cup o joe
Amenities: i leave my clothes in the shower area...bc I am the only one who uses it
Departure time: 1630
Alternative Transportation: drive, or multimodal and carpool with the wife and ride from her office to mine
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: mars
Posts: 759
Bikes: 2015 synapse
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My typical commute involves going to the gym, then work, then home.
Title: Weekday Commute
Route: Start out in suburbs. Take a few backroads out onto a rural style 2 lane 45mph speed limit road. Ride 200' to an intersection to a less populated 35 mph road. Ride 1/2 a mile and turn into another neighborhood, with a long 30mph straight shot broken up with multiple stop signs so I can outpace most drivers. Some are hellbent on passing me, even if it means going 45mph, slamming on their brakes at the next stop sign as I catch up to them and laugh etc. 30mph road takes me directly to gym parking lot. Total distance roughly 3.5 miles.
Next I go to work. I go straight from the gym to a busy 4 lane 45mph road that's the main route through town. I ride this for about 2 miles, first half flat, second half downhill, claiming the far left lane towards the end of this stretch so I can make a left turn into the plaza where I work. This is usually a pain in the ass because drivers don't think bikers have a right to either merge or claim a lane, so I'm getting passed on my left and right and it's a mess. Oh well. Total distance about 3 miles.
Going home I shoot straight across the main road, go behind some businesses, and come out on the first busy 45 mph road I mentioned. Ride slightly uphill in the dark and hope someone doesn't kill me in the 1.5 miles to the light, where I take a left and reach a nearly deserted 45 mph rural road that goes back into the neighborhoods where I live. Total distance about 3.5 miles.
Daily commute distance estimate: 10-12 miles.
Hills: Some very mild uphill sections on the way to the gym and my way back home, but barely worth mentioning. Nice downhill section between gym & work. Very flat overall.
Frequency: 5 or 6 days a week.
Bike: Ridley Fenix 7005 with an Ibera mini commuter bag & rack.
Bike name: I haven't named it but I guess Ridley will do. I'm a huge fan of the series Metroid, and Ridley is one of the main characters. That may or may not of been a factor in my purchase
Cargo: Work uniform, gym clothes, snack for between gym & work (Banana/creatine/whey smoothie & 30g protein bar), headphones, phone, bluetooth speaker, water bottle, riding clothes (Hat, gloves, headband, hi-viz jacket etc.), keys, money clip, pocket knife, lip balm, leatherman micra, USB chargers, extra flashlight batteries, sometimes a 3DS.
Helmet:…Never
Title: Weekday Commute
Route: Start out in suburbs. Take a few backroads out onto a rural style 2 lane 45mph speed limit road. Ride 200' to an intersection to a less populated 35 mph road. Ride 1/2 a mile and turn into another neighborhood, with a long 30mph straight shot broken up with multiple stop signs so I can outpace most drivers. Some are hellbent on passing me, even if it means going 45mph, slamming on their brakes at the next stop sign as I catch up to them and laugh etc. 30mph road takes me directly to gym parking lot. Total distance roughly 3.5 miles.
Next I go to work. I go straight from the gym to a busy 4 lane 45mph road that's the main route through town. I ride this for about 2 miles, first half flat, second half downhill, claiming the far left lane towards the end of this stretch so I can make a left turn into the plaza where I work. This is usually a pain in the ass because drivers don't think bikers have a right to either merge or claim a lane, so I'm getting passed on my left and right and it's a mess. Oh well. Total distance about 3 miles.
Going home I shoot straight across the main road, go behind some businesses, and come out on the first busy 45 mph road I mentioned. Ride slightly uphill in the dark and hope someone doesn't kill me in the 1.5 miles to the light, where I take a left and reach a nearly deserted 45 mph rural road that goes back into the neighborhoods where I live. Total distance about 3.5 miles.
Daily commute distance estimate: 10-12 miles.
Hills: Some very mild uphill sections on the way to the gym and my way back home, but barely worth mentioning. Nice downhill section between gym & work. Very flat overall.
Frequency: 5 or 6 days a week.
Bike: Ridley Fenix 7005 with an Ibera mini commuter bag & rack.
Bike name: I haven't named it but I guess Ridley will do. I'm a huge fan of the series Metroid, and Ridley is one of the main characters. That may or may not of been a factor in my purchase
Cargo: Work uniform, gym clothes, snack for between gym & work (Banana/creatine/whey smoothie & 30g protein bar), headphones, phone, bluetooth speaker, water bottle, riding clothes (Hat, gloves, headband, hi-viz jacket etc.), keys, money clip, pocket knife, lip balm, leatherman micra, USB chargers, extra flashlight batteries, sometimes a 3DS.
Helmet:…Never
#49
Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 47
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Dolce Elite, 2013 Diamondback Insight
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Commuting in the Atlanta suburbs - 2 months
Route: About 4 miles one way on a MUP along 4 lane parkway. Connect at a bus stop and ride about another mile to the office.
Road conditions / surfaces: Paved MUP, moderate number of neighborhood cross streets. It's pretty clean of debris, good for about 8mph avg.
Traffic:
Traffic is generally moving 30-40mph, some stalling as we approach the schools. They are generally well behaved since I'm up on the MUP and not competing for their road space. The latter half of my commute involves an intersection I don't feel safe navigating on a regular basis, so I ride the bus down that road.
Traffic is generally moving 30-40mph, some stalling as we approach the schools. They are generally well behaved since I'm up on the MUP and not competing for their road space. The latter half of my commute involves an intersection I don't feel safe navigating on a regular basis, so I ride the bus down that road.
Environment:Pleasant suburban
Hills:The ride in has an elevation gain of 150 ft and the return has about 300. I pay the toll on the ride home - hardest hill is about a 3-5% incline for about a mile right before I get home.
Frequency:
Fair weather rider - no fenders yet.
2 days/wk in winter (3 if I don't telework on Fridays), hoping for 2-3 days in warmer weather.
Fair weather rider - no fenders yet.
2 days/wk in winter (3 if I don't telework on Fridays), hoping for 2-3 days in warmer weather.
Departure time:About 7:30am to meet the bus at 8:10, later if I decide to ride that busier road
Bike: Diamondback Insight Bike name:Ginger (its red)
Cargo:Topeak rack and basket with cargo net. I'm usually toting a purse, a lunch bag, and a stack of a fresh shirt and base layers.
Illumination (to see and be seen):I aim to be my own stage show, complete with flashy costume and jazz hands. I have a headlight, tail light, and a reflective neon yellow vest. I wave and go for eye contact for any car I cross in front of and generally wave to thank them if they've acted cautiously around me.
Helmet / Mirror:I wouldn't feel safe traveling along the MUP without my Take-a-look mirror. I think it's a must for MUPs that have a fair amount of cross streets.
Destination:Parking:Up the elevator and to my office. Our landlord is a medical doctor so he is pretty supportive.
Cleanup:No showers. Creative use of wet wipes and change clothes in the bathroom stall.
Amenities:Grocery store, 5 restaurants, and drug store in same complex, mall 1/2 mi down the street.
Alternative Transportation:Drive
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Willamette Valley
Posts: 105
Bikes: Giant Defy Comp, M60 gravel grinder
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Title: hills
Route:….
Road conditions / surfaces:….paved
Traffic:….moderate
Environment:….rain and sun mostly rain
Hills:…yes, down hill going in, up hill going home. 5-8%
Frequency:….4 days a week
Departure time:….6:00 am
Bike:….Bike name:.…Giant Defy Comp
Cargo:….backpack
Helmet / Mirror:….yes and yes
light: 2500 lumen serfas head light ,red tail light
Destination:light: 2500 lumen serfas head light ,red tail light
Parking:….my office
Cleanup:….showers avaiable
Amenities:….coffee pot and refer, food and such is off site
Departure time:….3:00 pm
Alternative transportation : car