Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

2016! how was your commute today?

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

2016! how was your commute today?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-29-16 | 11:52 AM
  #726  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 223
Likes: 10
From: NW, WI

Bikes: Salsa Fargo, Surly Disc Trucker, Surly ECR, Cannondale Cujo, Rocky Mountain Blizzard

A pleasant 30 degrees with clear skies. Moon was amazing with the blue sky as daylight was beginning. First ride in 3 months so I was feeling it. Didn't push it, just cruised steady. Should be low 40s for the ride home.
Wolfhaven is offline  
Old 03-29-16 | 12:29 PM
  #727  
Tundra_Man's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,690
Likes: 431
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

43 degrees this morning so I got up early and went for a run, which was the 1st time in a couple years (decided I wanted to get back into it.)

Then I rode to a client's office. Then I rode across town to our company office, fighting a brutal head wind the whole way.

By the time I ride back home tonight I'm probably going to be quite sore.
Tundra_Man is offline  
Old 03-29-16 | 12:37 PM
  #728  
RidingMatthew's Avatar
Let's Ride!
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA

Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B

36F with no wind thank goodness. The wind last night brought cooler temps today high of 65For so
RidingMatthew is offline  
Old 03-29-16 | 12:46 PM
  #729  
PedalingWalrus's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 481
From: Maine, USA

Bikes: Corvid Sojourner, Firefly Fat Bike, Co-Motion Divide, Co-Motion Java Tandem, Salsa Warbird, Salsa Beargrease, Carver Tandem

Very windy today. Perfect day to choose an e-bike :-) So I did.
PedalingWalrus is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 04:50 AM
  #730  
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 1,477
From: Merrimac , MA
A very nice uneventful commute this morning with the temp at 28f degrees and the wind at only 5 mph.
essiemyra is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 05:42 AM
  #731  
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 6
From: Kansas City, KS
High 50's with the wind out of the SE. Wearing shorts once a week it seems. Wind wasn't bad despite riding into it. Was going to ride every other day but said screw it, lets go for it! Have been riding the Trek with the 700's pumped up to the 80's. Quite a bit of difference from the Specialized. Not falling over dead yet.
esmith2039 is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 06:15 AM
  #732  
jrickards's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA

Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike

Mild -2C/28F, very little breeze, nice sunrise, what could be better. I wore my DeFeet wool gloves which I thought might not have been enough but within about 10 minutes, I never thought about my hands again.

The forecast is for torrential rain this afternoon with rain continuing to tomorrow morning. I have a ride home tonight but I won't be able to avoid any rain tomorrow morning.
jrickards is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 06:41 AM
  #733  
tarwheel's Avatar
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

Another chilly but clear morning with lows in the upper 30s. Didn't want to overdress, however, because the high is supposed to reach about 70 this afternoon. Pollen is still the big story here and everything is coated in yellow dust. It can't be good to breathe all that stuff.
tarwheel is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 06:54 AM
  #734  
PedalingWalrus's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 481
From: Maine, USA

Bikes: Corvid Sojourner, Firefly Fat Bike, Co-Motion Divide, Co-Motion Java Tandem, Salsa Warbird, Salsa Beargrease, Carver Tandem

Went early today, in the dark, chilly but otherwise very pleasant commute. :-)
PedalingWalrus is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 07:45 AM
  #735  
Tundra_Man's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,690
Likes: 431
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

This morning's commute was completely uneventful.

However, last night's commute home was epic. At 5 PM when I was scheduled to leave, we were in the midst of a huge storm. Pouring rain, lightning, wind, etc. A co-worker who rides decided to try to make it home but turned around and retreated back to the office after a 1/2 mile.

I looked at the radar and it appeared that most of it would pass by 5:30. I decided to hang out at work until it all blew over. My son had jazz band practice so I needed to be home by 6:15 to get him there on time. I figured if I left by 5:30 I'd have 45 minutes to make the 8 mile ride home.

Sure enough, at 5:30 the brunt of the storm had passed. The rain and lightning was over, but unfortunately the wind had increased ferocity on the tail of the storm, and even more unfortunately had shifted so that I would be riding straight into it. I'd have to push hard to be home in 45 minutes, but it was still do-able.

Then as I was getting ready to walk out the door my boss returned to the office and grabbed me for a few minutes to discuss an idea he had. So now I was down to about 37 minutes to make it home.

As soon as I broke away from that conversation my wife called in a panic. It seems that during the school day my son's instrument had accidentally gotten loaded into a trailer by well-intentioned individuals in preparation for a concert series they were performing today. They didn't realize he had planned to take it home yesterday evening so he would have it for use for his jazz band practice, then bring it to today's performances himself. Unfortunately by the time it was discovered where his instrument was, the trailer was packed full and was now at some unknown (to us) location. The nature of the evening's jazz band is an invite-only ensemble group, and attendance at all practices is mandatory which meant just skipping practice wasn't an option. So I talked through the logistics of where we could secure a temporary instrument for him to play that evening.

By the time I got off the phone I now had 30 minutes to make it 8 miles home straight into a 30 mph wind. There was nothing I could do but crank for all I was worth. I was on my hybrid, but I bent over as far as I could in an attempt to cheat the wind. I pedaled and pedaled as fast and as hard as I could, trying to block the pain from my thoughts. When I came to hills instead of gearing down and slowly spinning up them like I normally do, I stood up and cranked even harder.

I rolled into our driveway exactly 30 minutes after I left, completely exhausted and nearly unable to speak because I was breathing so hard. Not sure what my heart rate was but I'm sure it was higher than that which my cardiologist would recommend. I was completely drenched in sweat. But I made it and was able to get my son to practice on time.

Today my legs are paying the price for that trip home. I have a feeling though that once the discomfort passes I'll probably look back on that trip home with some fond memories.
Tundra_Man is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 07:54 AM
  #736  
arsprod's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis

Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral

A chilly 41F. Decided to take my #2 route and part of that MUP was under construction and about 30' or so was blocked. The construction guys were incredibly nice - walked me up to the road, made sure I understood that oncoming traffic was blocked in the lane I was using, and kept apologizing for my inconvenience. I checked and they work for a private company not the city
arsprod is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 08:06 AM
  #737  
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 23
From: Thornton, CO

Bikes: 2003 Orbea Orca, 2003 Bianchi Imola, ? Waterford

Been doing a little over 30 miles per day this week. I'm in a training class in a building at the southern tip on Manhattan (across from Staten Island Ferry). So have been using a lot of the Hudson Greenway lately from Lenonia, NJ to training and back. Today was 38F and not windy. Yesterday was ok except for the trip home (uptown). Got a good beating from the wind so was glad I held back a little. Was still pretty tired after finishing that ride. Today should be easier going home.
ptempel is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 08:29 AM
  #738  
PatrickGSR94's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area

Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)

Uneventful commute home yesterday, although wind was definitely NOT in my favor like it was last week. Last Tuesday's afternoon commute with 25+ MPH tail winds took 1:00 hour exactly (moving time). Yesterday it took 1:13 and change (moving time), a 22% difference.
PatrickGSR94 is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 09:52 AM
  #739  
groovestew's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 82
From: Edmonton, AB
First time this year on a road bike. I was all set to go with my fixed gear, but when I saw the wind forecast for this afternoon, I thought something with lower gears might be a better idea.

Spring road cleaning has started, sort of: all the grit that was kicked up into the grassy boulevards has now been swept into the bike lanes. Spring sure seems early this year.
groovestew is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 09:52 AM
  #740  
GATC
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,840
Likes: 186
From: south Puget Sound
35F and sunny!
HardyWeinberg is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 10:03 AM
  #741  
joeyduck's Avatar
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=175954]Tundra_Man[/MENTION] that was an epic story of your commute, I'm glad this morning was better.
joeyduck is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 10:21 AM
  #742  
baron von trail's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,509
Likes: 2
From: SW Ohio

Bikes: 3 good used ones

Rode my first commute of the year this morning. All in all, it went well. Weather was prefect: no wind, 40 Degrees. The trip home will be even better--70 Degrees, wind at my back.
baron von trail is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 10:56 AM
  #743  
RidingMatthew's Avatar
Let's Ride!
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA

Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B

It was cooler this morning low 30's. I just figured I would take the weight penalty to be comfortable this morning since it will be 70 this evening. I will carry most of what wore this morning home in my panniers.
RidingMatthew is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 11:11 AM
  #744  
rhm's Avatar
rhm
multimodal commuter
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI

Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...

Yeah, kinda cold this morning! I thought I could do without my thermal hat under the helmet, and my ears complained. Beautiful sky, though.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
rhm is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 11:15 AM
  #745  
Darth Lefty's Avatar
Disco Infiltrator
Titanium Club Membership
10 Anniversary
Community Builder
Active Streak: 30 Days
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,332
Likes: 3,520
From: Folsom CA

Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem

This weekend I got Dad's Paramount out from behind the tandem and yesterday I rode it in to work. I'm pleased to be reminded what a great bike it is, and after a couple of years on other drop bar bikes, the fit feels more natural. Still, it also reminds me why I don't ride it too much... although the quality of it is amazing, it isn't what I like best. It always wants to go fast (high gearing, handlebars that prefer the drops), and it's kind of primitive (friction shifting, single pivot brakes).
__________________
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."
Darth Lefty is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 11:51 AM
  #746  
caloso's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

On the elevator this morning a woman got on, noticed my backpack and cycling clothes, and said "Oh, looks like you survived!"


I guess some people think it's a death-defying act to ride a bike to work.
caloso is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 04:41 PM
  #747  
noglider's Avatar
aka Tom Reingold
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,193
Likes: 6,428
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

[MENTION=175954]Tundra_Man[/MENTION], bravo! I hope one of your family members appreciated your effort. And you have to learn to brush your boss off respectfully and say gotta go.
__________________
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.
noglider is offline  
Old 03-30-16 | 07:31 PM
  #748  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 95
Likes: 1
I thought my ride today would have to be better than yesterday's (50mph gusts of wind). Well, we didn't have gusts, just a 20mph headwind that I got to ride into the entire way home. Whew!

Rant: I'm getting kind of tired of folks telling me I can't be on the road. I can't very well cycle on the sidewalk! Shout-out to the homeboy who blared his horn, wagged his finger, and made sustained eye-contact with me all while not allowing me to merge with traffic as I was coming off a bridge. And yet, I'm the one that's a danger to traffic.

Not going to complain too hard! Because tomorrow will be warmer, I have good food, and clean socks. No need to allow some (obviously very angry and miserable) person ruin my day.

Last edited by bfuser284953024; 03-30-16 at 07:35 PM.
bfuser284953024 is offline  
Old 03-31-16 | 04:57 AM
  #749  
rhm's Avatar
rhm
multimodal commuter
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI

Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...

The wind let up, and it was warmer. No critters seen. Nice morning, all in all.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
rhm is offline  
Old 03-31-16 | 06:24 AM
  #750  
baron von trail's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,509
Likes: 2
From: SW Ohio

Bikes: 3 good used ones

Wind certainly was not at my back last night. Tough two hour ride home. I hate the first ride of the year. lol...my butt is even sore. My butt is never sore.
baron von trail is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.