2016! how was your commute today?
#2576
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Norman, OK
Bikes: IZip E3 Path+, Specialized Diverge A1, GMC Denali, Roadmaster Quarry Ridge
Mid-70s this morning with heavy cloud coverage and lightning to the north-northwest, but no rain in the area. Chance of a storm this afternoon, so I rode the beater bike (Schwinn) that way if I have to I can leave it at the office and catch a ride home with a co-worker without worrying about it. Passed the pack of ninja cyclists again on my way to work, and I'm happy to report that they are starting to use good lights on their bikes, and are more visible. There's a sport complex I cut through as well and my mind began to remember the recent stories about clown sightings happening in several states, and I realized the area I was riding through was perfect for someone to pull some kind of scare like that. Have y'all heard about this? I am now considering carrying some kind of weapon on me, but is that just being paranoid?
#2577
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 184
From: south Puget Sound
50F, clammy. Rainy week. Today is my only day riding due to work scheduling, and it turns out this is a week the city counts cyclists. I hate underrepresenting myself in those weeks.
#2578
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
#2579
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
82F clear blue skies and a slight tail wind. Don't get much better than this.
__________________
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#2580
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,172
Likes: 6,404
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
It was cool this morning, around 57šF. The forecast says the high will be 73šF, so I wore a polo shirt and a pair of shorts. I packed a jacket, just in case. I was cool at first above my waist, but my legs don't seem to get cold so easily. Eventually, I made enough heat to feel warm.
My favorite bike is in pieces, ready for me to rebuild it, so I'm back on my Bianchi Volpe. I rode it last week and didn't like it. First, my new shoes didn't clip into the old pedals, so I rode without using the cleats. Secondly, it had a temporary yucky saddle. Today I took the trouble to put my new pedals on the bike and my favorite old Brooks saddle. It made a huge difference. My lesson is that I have to take comfort seriously, especially for my feet and butt.
My upper body workouts are really paying off. I'm stronger and more flexible. It feels really good.
I really love dynamo lighting systems. I just jump on and go. Both bikes have dynamos in the front hubs. Nothing to check or adjust or charge.
My favorite bike is in pieces, ready for me to rebuild it, so I'm back on my Bianchi Volpe. I rode it last week and didn't like it. First, my new shoes didn't clip into the old pedals, so I rode without using the cleats. Secondly, it had a temporary yucky saddle. Today I took the trouble to put my new pedals on the bike and my favorite old Brooks saddle. It made a huge difference. My lesson is that I have to take comfort seriously, especially for my feet and butt.
My upper body workouts are really paying off. I'm stronger and more flexible. It feels really good.
I really love dynamo lighting systems. I just jump on and go. Both bikes have dynamos in the front hubs. Nothing to check or adjust or charge.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#2581
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,328
Likes: 3,518
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
One week past my little surgery. Conservatively, five weeks til bike. Optimistically, three :-)
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#2582
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 0
From: Nanaimo, BC
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
[MENTION=348526]HydroG33r[/MENTION] and [MENTION=333933]timvan_78[/MENTION] Ride dry this damp and windy day. I suspect the wind gave you a brutal push as you headed home [MENTION=333933]timvan_78[/MENTION] and a nice push home for you [MENTION=348526]HydroG33r[/MENTION]
#2583
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX8, Caad10, Marin BearValley, WTP BMX, Norco Tandem
Broke a shift cable wed. Rode single speed home, and realized just how frequently I shift!!! It was harder mentally than physically. Replaced the cable that night.
Got wet tonight but it was Thing1's 8th bday so it's all good. Gonna play with his new toy now that he's asleep--mini RC heli.
Got wet tonight but it was Thing1's 8th bday so it's all good. Gonna play with his new toy now that he's asleep--mini RC heli.
#2584
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,328
Likes: 3,518
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Good luck to the Floridians tomorrow. We need you to survive to hang your chads next month
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#2585
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
[MENTION=348526]HydroG33r[/MENTION] and [MENTION=333933]timvan_78[/MENTION] Ride dry this damp and windy day. I suspect the wind gave you a brutal push as you headed home [MENTION=333933]timvan_78[/MENTION] and a nice push home for you [MENTION=348526]HydroG33r[/MENTION]
#2586
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 1,469
From: Merrimac , MA
The commute this morning was pleasant with the temp at 42f degrees and dark starry skies. I could not see the moon on my ride in but I know it was in the sky last night when we were driving home from the halloween parade in Salem Ma. I have no idea where it went!
#2587
Six years of commuting. First 5 were from Capitol Hill to work in DC, now from South Alexandria up North to DC. Went that first 5+ without a break until the big blizzard hit earlier in 2016.
No charge in my headlamp this morning coming in...it's dark out there!
No charge in my headlamp this morning coming in...it's dark out there!
#2588
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 6
From: Kansas City, KS
Took my time this morning and had a beer.. Filled it faster than I expected. Have the wife drop by today for a dinner date!
#2589
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 514
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City, MO
Bikes: Klein Quantum Race; Cannondale Supersix EVO Di2; Trek Crossrip LTD; Trek Boone 9 Disc
Mid 40's this morning with a strong NW wind... but overall a nice commute.
#2590
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,688
Likes: 428
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Bikes: '81 Panasonic Sport, '02 Giant Boulder SE, '08 Felt S32, '10 Diamondback Insight RS, '10 Windsor Clockwork, '15 Kestrel Evoke 3.0, '19 Salsa Mukluk
Rained pretty good last night, but stopped by morning. There were damp spots and puddles on the road but thankfully nothing coming down.
The big story was the temp. 34 degrees. I actually had to ride across some ice patches as I crossed the river. Brrrrr.
I don't have my winter skin on yet. In a couple months this will be t-shirt and shorts weather.
The big story was the temp. 34 degrees. I actually had to ride across some ice patches as I crossed the river. Brrrrr.
I don't have my winter skin on yet. In a couple months this will be t-shirt and shorts weather.
#2591
When will I learn? It was cold (-5C/23F) with a possibility of snow this morning, so I wussed out and decided to drive. Well, the freeway I usually take to work was closed due to a serious incident, and the other freeway was a parking lot. The river that bisects the city and a dearth of bridges means there's only two choices for me by car. So I went back home, and will work from home today, I guess.
I was in my car for almost 1/2 hour and was never more than a couple miles from home. I could have cycled to work in that time.
I was in my car for almost 1/2 hour and was never more than a couple miles from home. I could have cycled to work in that time.
#2592
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Hurricane Matthew's outer bands are already soaking NC, and it's likely to get worse as the day goes on, so I drove today. Tomorrow is supposed to be nasty.
My dynamo light system is giving me trouble, so I plan to work on it over the weekend and hopefully figure out what's wrong. I had removed the system in spring when I no longer needed lights and reinstalled it a few weeks ago. It was working fine at first, but earlier this week the rear light quit working and the front light started shutting off intermittently. Fortunately, I have an excellent LED rechargeable light that I was able to use as a backup. However, the attachment strap for the rechargeable light broke yesterday morning, so that makes it imperative for me to fix the dynamo system. Whoever says that dynamo lights are trouble-free apparently has had different experiences from mine. In contrast, my LED rechargeables have been more reliable -- assuming that I remember to recharge them (and the mounts don't break). I ordered a new strap for my rechargeable light and hopefully it will arrive soon.
My dynamo light system is giving me trouble, so I plan to work on it over the weekend and hopefully figure out what's wrong. I had removed the system in spring when I no longer needed lights and reinstalled it a few weeks ago. It was working fine at first, but earlier this week the rear light quit working and the front light started shutting off intermittently. Fortunately, I have an excellent LED rechargeable light that I was able to use as a backup. However, the attachment strap for the rechargeable light broke yesterday morning, so that makes it imperative for me to fix the dynamo system. Whoever says that dynamo lights are trouble-free apparently has had different experiences from mine. In contrast, my LED rechargeables have been more reliable -- assuming that I remember to recharge them (and the mounts don't break). I ordered a new strap for my rechargeable light and hopefully it will arrive soon.
#2593
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
72F and cloudy. Slight drizzle a couple of times on the way in. I work till midnight so Matthew will probably be here before I get home, but I am off till Tuesday so all my stuff will dry out by then.
__________________
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#2594
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Norman, OK
Bikes: IZip E3 Path+, Specialized Diverge A1, GMC Denali, Roadmaster Quarry Ridge
50F this morning!! That's cold for me! No clown encounters, so that was good. Clouds were low and a cold front from the north had moved in. Thank goodness I was on the ebike, but even then it was a struggle going northbound, which is the direction I have to go. Picked up donuts for my crew, and finished off the ride. Hoping now that if the winds stay as they were, I should have a strong tailwind going home.
#2595
Limped home on a totally shot back rim. Spoke broke at mile 5, and it began to wobble by mile 10. After mile 15, she began to rub and the bike shook like a milkshake machine. The last 10 miles were uphill, so I babied it and made it home without walking it---barely.
Oh well, I have been waiting for an excuse to put my new racing rims on the bike this year instead of waiting for next. So, no loss.
Oh well, I have been waiting for an excuse to put my new racing rims on the bike this year instead of waiting for next. So, no loss.
#2596
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Bikes: Velo Orange Pass Hunter Disc, Marin San Quentin, Rocky Mountain Blizzard
It's definitely Autumn on the North West Coast. It was pouring pretty hard on the way in to work at 4:00 AM, it's obvious I need to re-proof my rain pants, and bring a spare shirt and pair of socks for work. It was still, as always, a great ride to work this morning.
#2597
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 0
From: Nanaimo, BC
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
Hell that musta been a nice ride. Good on you.
#2598
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Had some days off last week, so first ride to work since Tuesday. I did get a couple of fun rides in though.
48 degrees when I left so actually wore long sleeves and half-finger gloves. High of 70 so should be a nice ride home.
48 degrees when I left so actually wore long sleeves and half-finger gloves. High of 70 so should be a nice ride home.
#2599
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 6
From: Kansas City, KS
Started raining as soon as I left and got harder as I went. Didn't really prepare for it and now that it's getting cooler harder to ride in the rain. Have 3 cars I could take, talk about a mental debate.
#2600
Put on a new rear rim yesterday, replaced the chain and cassette while I was at it. The result was a very nice ride in this morning.
Temps were perfect: 42 degrees, no wind and dry weather. Light jacket and shorts, along with some ear protection did the trick. I'm probably within 5 degrees of needing leggings and full-finger gloves.
Temps were perfect: 42 degrees, no wind and dry weather. Light jacket and shorts, along with some ear protection did the trick. I'm probably within 5 degrees of needing leggings and full-finger gloves.





