2017! The how was your commute thread!
05-01-17 | 11:47 AM
#1026
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...
Cool and foggy this morning. Most exciting thing was: as I approached the intersection with traffic light at Princeton Pike, I had a green light; but I saw a car approaching from the right, and though he clearly had a red light, did not seem to be slowing down. So I slowed down. The car blew through the light right in front of me. It was a police car.
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www.rhmsaddles.com.
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05-01-17 | 01:23 PM
#1027
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 23
From: Thornton, CO
Bikes: 2003 Orbea Orca, 2003 Bianchi Imola, ? Waterford
Cool and foggy this morning. Most exciting thing was: as I approached the intersection with traffic light at Princeton Pike, I had a green light; but I saw a car approaching from the right, and though he clearly had a red light, did not seem to be slowing down. So I slowed down. The car blew through the light right in front of me. It was a police car.
Was a nice cool morning ~51F. Looking forward to 70F this afternoon. I only rode one day last week. Started getting sick from Tuesday on and went to the doc to get an antibiotic on Thursday. Just coming off of another bout of bronchitis. Was fun coughing up green goo in the morning late last week.
05-02-17 | 06:00 AM
#1028
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
Cool, 6C/43F, overcast morning ride in. Although the roads were wet from overnight showers, the air was dry when I left so I wore shorts and my rain jacket. However, about 5 minutes into the ride, a very light shower (really just spray) came down for the rest of the ride. Fortunately, by that point, my legs were warm from the 5 minutes of riding so for the remaining 25 minutes of the commute, I was fine but a bit cold on the last segment before my office where I'm coasting down a hill for about 500m/yd and then I got a bit cold.
Similar conditions are forecast for the ride home.
Similar conditions are forecast for the ride home.
05-02-17 | 06:20 AM
#1029
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Although I had to bail on the ride home yesterday. A bad storm hit right at 5pm. My wife came to rescue me and the rain was coming down big time. They put down the back seats in the minivan while I waited with my bike under the building's front awning. Then I quickly put the bike in and jumped in the car, but still got soaked in less than 30 seconds. It was mostly done about 20 minutes later, so I could have just waited it out.
This morning's ride was quite nice though. I left about 10 minutes early and took a longer route for 17 miles total. Although I was at one stop light that I had to wait two cycles for because I didn't get a left arrow. A school bus was behind me but wouldn't pull up close enough to trigger the left arrow due to railroad tracks. Not sure if he can normally get past the tracks but didn't because of me or what.
Last edited by mgw4jc; 05-02-17 at 06:47 AM.
05-02-17 | 07:23 AM
#1030
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...
Headwind this morning! I left a minute late, and had to hustle, and the wind did not help. But I didn't miss my train, so it's all good.
And today, for the first time in 2017, I am wearing shorts to work. It must be summer.
And today, for the first time in 2017, I am wearing shorts to work. It must be summer.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
05-02-17 | 08:07 AM
#1031
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 426
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
After yesterday, today's commute was a complete non-event.
35 degrees, sunny and barely any wind. The 4 inches of snow we got yesterday had mostly melted off, so I was back on the summer commuter. Should be 60 degrees by the time I head for home this evening.
35 degrees, sunny and barely any wind. The 4 inches of snow we got yesterday had mostly melted off, so I was back on the summer commuter. Should be 60 degrees by the time I head for home this evening.
05-02-17 | 08:33 AM
#1032
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)
Nice ride this morning, around 48-50 F, so I wore my jacket. I took the newly-completed road connector near my house, which cuts 1/2 mile and nearly 3 minutes off my commute distance and time. I've been waiting on that road to be connected for over a decade now. It will also cut the distance to get to my son's school from as much 3 miles down to 1 mile, and should also greatly reduce through traffic going through the city park next to my neighborhood.
05-02-17 | 08:39 AM
#1033
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 4
From: Oregon City, OR
Yesterday was gross. Just muggy and rainy. I got dressed and walked out the door of my building and realized that a cold front moved in overnight. 50 degrees when I left, wasn't really expecting it, but not much would have changed except maybe a baselayer. Bit chilly till I got warmed up and had a good ride otherwise. Dry roads, no wind, ran a bit late but still got into the office at 745 after a shower.
05-02-17 | 08:48 AM
#1034
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 440
From: Toronto, CANADA
Bikes: ...a few.
Yesterday's ride home in the rain wasn't quite as miserable as one might think. Yes, it rained, sometimes quite heavily, but once you accepted the fact that you were going to be wet it wasn't so bad. Anyway, I was soaked all the way through. Even the shoe covers did nothing to keep my feet dry. The problem was that the rain on my lower leg seeped into the shoe covers and then down my socks, so wet from the inside out.
This morning was much better, but having woken up later than usual so I had to push the pace a tad.
This morning was much better, but having woken up later than usual so I had to push the pace a tad.
05-02-17 | 08:59 AM
#1035
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
Wind, wind, wind, you damn wind. 45F, grey, wet, and did I mention it was windy? 20mph SW winds (mostly headwind for me) and the forecast is for the wind to reverse to NW around 3p. I'm hoping to leave at 2!
05-02-17 | 10:04 AM
#1036
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 3,517
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Yesterday I drove in with the commuter bike and rode it home.
This morning I brought the MTB. It's been a while. The trails are not that nice - all the low points got completely chewed up with hoof craters and bike ruts in our record-setting, drought-busting winter. I was actually surprised there were no blockages. There was a big blow in March that obviously knocked down a ton of trees, but they've all been cleared. The high & dry areas are overgrown with something shin-stabbing - nettles? sowfoot? I'm not that versed in plants
This afternoon I'll be visiting the Energizer Station in Folsom.
This morning I brought the MTB. It's been a while. The trails are not that nice - all the low points got completely chewed up with hoof craters and bike ruts in our record-setting, drought-busting winter. I was actually surprised there were no blockages. There was a big blow in March that obviously knocked down a ton of trees, but they've all been cleared. The high & dry areas are overgrown with something shin-stabbing - nettles? sowfoot? I'm not that versed in plants
This afternoon I'll be visiting the Energizer Station in Folsom.
__________________
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."
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 05-02-17 at 10:10 AM.
05-02-17 | 10:21 AM
#1037
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 23
From: Thornton, CO
Bikes: 2003 Orbea Orca, 2003 Bianchi Imola, ? Waterford
Forecast was off today. I know it would be ~69F so debated on wearing a baselayer under the jersey. Turned out I didn't need it but wore it, anyway. The forecast claimed that it was only going up to 71F or so but that's already been exceeded. Its all good. Warmer is ok as long as its not 100F with over 80% humidity. 
05-02-17 | 10:44 AM
#1038
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Rode with my son to his middle school and then on to work. It's nice to grab a few minutes with him now and then. We talked about soccer and homework. I think he tells me stuff when we're riding that he wouldn't tell me otherwise.
05-02-17 | 11:52 AM
#1039
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)
Yesterday I drove in with the commuter bike and rode it home.
This morning I brought the MTB. It's been a while. The trails are not that nice - all the low points got completely chewed up with hoof craters and bike ruts in our record-setting, drought-busting winter. I was actually surprised there were no blockages. There was a big blow in March that obviously knocked down a ton of trees, but they've all been cleared. The high & dry areas are overgrown with something shin-stabbing - nettles? sowfoot? I'm not that versed in plants
This afternoon I'll be visiting the Energizer Station in Folsom.
This morning I brought the MTB. It's been a while. The trails are not that nice - all the low points got completely chewed up with hoof craters and bike ruts in our record-setting, drought-busting winter. I was actually surprised there were no blockages. There was a big blow in March that obviously knocked down a ton of trees, but they've all been cleared. The high & dry areas are overgrown with something shin-stabbing - nettles? sowfoot? I'm not that versed in plants
This afternoon I'll be visiting the Energizer Station in Folsom.
05-02-17 | 12:02 PM
#1040
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 3,517
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
This year is not a drought. We've had near-record rain and snow and the snowmelt is still coming. But it's winter-to-winter here. The "water year" starts in October and dries out by May. No telling if next winter will be small again.
__________________
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."
05-02-17 | 12:17 PM
#1041
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)
I see, well good to know there's finally some relief over that way. Hopefully lower forest fire risk also.
05-02-17 | 12:32 PM
#1042
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,127
Likes: 6,343
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
I rode into work for the first time in over a week. No more excuses. I lifted weights at home first to get me going, and then I rode hard. It was very rewarding. The weather is almost summery but not hot yet. I rolled up my pants to make cheap knickers, because Jan Heine wants $189 for his knickers. (Brits call them plus fours, they are not underpants.) I'm sure they're very nice, but I'm not spending that much. I wore a t-shirt, and when I got to work, I put my dress shirt on over the t-shirt.
I took a fun ride with friends on Sunday and my shoulders hurt. My new observation is that I need to do some upper body work frequently or at least before a ride. When I do, then I feel good.
I took a fun ride with friends on Sunday and my shoulders hurt. My new observation is that I need to do some upper body work frequently or at least before a ride. When I do, then I feel good.
__________________
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.
05-02-17 | 01:03 PM
#1043
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 3,517
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
I'm not sure there's a 1:1 correlation. The trees that made it aren't dried out and dying any more but there's a lot of new dead ones and there's way more undergrowth that will turn into kindling after it dries out for five or six months
__________________
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."
05-02-17 | 01:32 PM
#1044
Full Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 479
Likes: 35
[...] when my chain started skipping. Ice had built up in the cassette and derailleur and quickly turned my 21 speed drivetrain into a 0 speed. I pulled over under an overpass and tried to clean it out the best I could with a stick. I managed to get one really low gear working and continued on towards work. About every mile and a half the ice would build up again and I'd have to stop and use the stick to try and unjam the cassette again to get this granny gear working. Slow going. I made it within two blocks of the office and was waiting at a stop sign, when some yahoo in a car thought it would be funny to swerve over through a deep puddle as he crossed in front of me and completely soak me with a tsunami of slushy water. Idiot.
I was tempted to work from home this morning, but I had a meeting scheduled so I decided to brave the ride to the office. The way this day has been going so far I suspect the person I'm meeting with is going to cancel on me anyway.
Most days, bicycle commuting really isn't that hard. Today, not so much.
I was tempted to work from home this morning, but I had a meeting scheduled so I decided to brave the ride to the office. The way this day has been going so far I suspect the person I'm meeting with is going to cancel on me anyway.
Most days, bicycle commuting really isn't that hard. Today, not so much.
And then one has to start cleaning. Pff... But I share your optimism! Can’t be afraid of the wind so to speak.
05-02-17 | 11:30 PM
#1045
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 3,517
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
I hit up the Bike Month Energizer Station in Folsom after MTB'ing the south side of Lake Natoma.
__________________
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."
05-03-17 | 06:27 AM
#1048
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 4
From: Oregon City, OR
Yesterday I checked my tire pressures since I hadn't ridden in a few days. Added some to the rear, front felt ok. A bit soft but passed the thumb test. Get on in the afternoon, and checked again. Front was a bit soft. Well, the front doesn't take the big load, so I'll just be careful and ride light.
First intersection I get stuck between cars and the curb, pile of gravel in the road. Well, pinch flat. Pull out my spare (which was a patched spare anyway, as I was having crap luck with flats), and realize my flat kit (levers, co2) was at home. Sigh. I have my mini pump buried deep in my bag so I pull that out, and start pumping away. Get it to a decent pressure, and install it. Think.. well maybe a BIT more wouldn't hurt. PSSSSSSSSS the patch wasn't as good of a patch as I thought. So now I walk the 3 miles to the closest shop. buy two tubes. Get rolling. Home about an hour later than expected.
This morning was nice and brisk, no real issues. No wind to speak of, just chilly.
First intersection I get stuck between cars and the curb, pile of gravel in the road. Well, pinch flat. Pull out my spare (which was a patched spare anyway, as I was having crap luck with flats), and realize my flat kit (levers, co2) was at home. Sigh. I have my mini pump buried deep in my bag so I pull that out, and start pumping away. Get it to a decent pressure, and install it. Think.. well maybe a BIT more wouldn't hurt. PSSSSSSSSS the patch wasn't as good of a patch as I thought. So now I walk the 3 miles to the closest shop. buy two tubes. Get rolling. Home about an hour later than expected.
This morning was nice and brisk, no real issues. No wind to speak of, just chilly.
05-03-17 | 06:49 AM
#1049
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
A little cooler this morning at 52F, but clear and going to warm to 80. These nice morning just make me want to keep on riding. "Where was I going? Work? Oh, right."
05-03-17 | 06:52 AM
#1050
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Yesterday I checked my tire pressures since I hadn't ridden in a few days. Added some to the rear, front felt ok. A bit soft but passed the thumb test. Get on in the afternoon, and checked again. Front was a bit soft. Well, the front doesn't take the big load, so I'll just be careful and ride light.
First intersection I get stuck between cars and the curb, pile of gravel in the road. Well, pinch flat. Pull out my spare (which was a patched spare anyway, as I was having crap luck with flats), and realize my flat kit (levers, co2) was at home. Sigh. I have my mini pump buried deep in my bag so I pull that out, and start pumping away. Get it to a decent pressure, and install it. Think.. well maybe a BIT more wouldn't hurt. PSSSSSSSSS the patch wasn't as good of a patch as I thought. So now I walk the 3 miles to the closest shop. buy two tubes. Get rolling. Home about an hour later than expected.
This morning was nice and brisk, no real issues. No wind to speak of, just chilly.
First intersection I get stuck between cars and the curb, pile of gravel in the road. Well, pinch flat. Pull out my spare (which was a patched spare anyway, as I was having crap luck with flats), and realize my flat kit (levers, co2) was at home. Sigh. I have my mini pump buried deep in my bag so I pull that out, and start pumping away. Get it to a decent pressure, and install it. Think.. well maybe a BIT more wouldn't hurt. PSSSSSSSSS the patch wasn't as good of a patch as I thought. So now I walk the 3 miles to the closest shop. buy two tubes. Get rolling. Home about an hour later than expected.
This morning was nice and brisk, no real issues. No wind to speak of, just chilly.
