2018! The “How was your commute?” thread!
#1926
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 679
Likes: 148
From: Plano, TX
Bikes: Fahrradmanufaktur Trekking Bike, Lightning Phantom, bikeE AT, Radwagon3, HP Velotechnik Scorpion
Rain, rain and more rain here in North Texas. And temperatures in the 40s. Not the most pleasant weather to ride but I am still doing it. lol
__________________
Not driving a stick but riding one.
Not driving a stick but riding one.
#1927
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Scary stuff [MENTION=175954]Tundra_Man[/MENTION]. Sounds like maybe she fell asleep while driving. I hope they both come out okay.
Still warm here at 66F, but tomorrow we get a taste of the cold everyone else is talking about. Like [MENTION=134924]RidingMatthew[/MENTION] said, it's definitely been darker in the mornings, especially if it is overcast.
Still warm here at 66F, but tomorrow we get a taste of the cold everyone else is talking about. Like [MENTION=134924]RidingMatthew[/MENTION] said, it's definitely been darker in the mornings, especially if it is overcast.
#1928
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
I rode home in a light rain. I have to get some fenders on my new commuter ASAP. I miss them.
Anything above 13mph and water is flinging up in my face, on my feet, and back. I drove today because I have to be somewhere after work but it is also calling for rain.
Tomorrow is supposed to be much cooler than today.
Anything above 13mph and water is flinging up in my face, on my feet, and back. I drove today because I have to be somewhere after work but it is also calling for rain.Tomorrow is supposed to be much cooler than today.
#1929
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 444
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
Sioux Falls Police Department charges woman involved in I-229 crash with attempted murder
As for this morning's commute, it was sunny, calm and 34 degrees. Overall was a pleasant ride to work. Certainly less eventful than yesterday.
#1931
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,639
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
This morning I packed winter gloves just in case. But I didn't need them. I wore a wool t-shirt and also my merino wool neck buff. I ended up being overdressed and got a little hot. I also had a superduper tailwind. What a treat. I saw faces of suffering in the opposite direction.
I like how when the weather turns, the variety of dressing styles is so varied. Today I saw a bald guy with no hat or anything. I don't understand that. I'm going bald, and I need a hat more than ever, sometimes even inside.
I like how when the weather turns, the variety of dressing styles is so varied. Today I saw a bald guy with no hat or anything. I don't understand that. I'm going bald, and I need a hat more than ever, sometimes even inside.
__________________
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.
#1932
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,639
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
That attempted murder story is very troubling. Remember Susan Smith in South Carolina? She tried to kill her four kids by driving into a river. Then she claimed it was a black man who did it.
__________________
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.
#1933
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Woke up this morning to learn that the story has gotten weirder. From putting the pieces together from multiple sources, it appears that the woman intentionally drove her car off the interstate in an attempt to kill the child. The car rolled and the child was thrown from the vehicle but survived. The woman then picked up the child and threw him in the river in an attempt to drown him. A note was found inside the vehicle indicating that the actions were premeditated. The woman has been charged with 1st degree attempted murder. Ironically, she's a psychologist.
Sioux Falls Police Department charges woman involved in I-229 crash with attempted murder
Sioux Falls Police Department charges woman involved in I-229 crash with attempted murder
#1934
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 444
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
It was her own child. They just had today's morning police briefing and they released that in the note found in the car that the mother feared the child had reactive attachment disorder, and because of that decided to commit suicide and take the child with her.
#1935
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 579
Likes: 285
From: Southern California
Bikes: Historical: Schwinn Speedster; Schwinn Collegiate; 1981 Ross Gran Tour; 1981 Dawes Atlantis; 1991 Specialized Rockhopper. Current: 1987 Centurion Ironman Dave Scott Master; 1992 Specialized Stumpjumper FS; 2026 Salsa Confluence.
Guess I didn't realize today was Race Day.
While waiting at a long light (3-way), three other cyclist-commuters caught up to me. Two were on road bikes; one of them with a boom box and a whistle. His boom box was turned off today, for which I was grateful. I've seen both of the road guys before, but I wasn't familiar with the third guy, on a fixie.
I pretty much rode the speed and way I always ride, but apparently the testosterone kicked in after the light changed. It was Whistle-guy, me, then the fixie. I passed Whistle-guy at one point, but then the second road guy took the lead. But then as traffic started gumming up, all three of them decided to lane-split. Which of course freaked out drivers, who then typically reacted by moving over to the right, where I was. Kind of annoying.
I lost track of them after Chinatown, leaving me to play in traffic all by myself. Fixie guy may have dropped off on a hill. It was an interesting ride.
While waiting at a long light (3-way), three other cyclist-commuters caught up to me. Two were on road bikes; one of them with a boom box and a whistle. His boom box was turned off today, for which I was grateful. I've seen both of the road guys before, but I wasn't familiar with the third guy, on a fixie.
I pretty much rode the speed and way I always ride, but apparently the testosterone kicked in after the light changed. It was Whistle-guy, me, then the fixie. I passed Whistle-guy at one point, but then the second road guy took the lead. But then as traffic started gumming up, all three of them decided to lane-split. Which of course freaked out drivers, who then typically reacted by moving over to the right, where I was. Kind of annoying.
I lost track of them after Chinatown, leaving me to play in traffic all by myself. Fixie guy may have dropped off on a hill. It was an interesting ride.
#1936
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Coolest morning since last winter at about 47F. I wore a long sleeve shirt and light gloves. I was fine for the ride but am now a bit chilly at my desk. Supposed to be a nice day though.
#1938
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 579
Likes: 285
From: Southern California
Bikes: Historical: Schwinn Speedster; Schwinn Collegiate; 1981 Ross Gran Tour; 1981 Dawes Atlantis; 1991 Specialized Rockhopper. Current: 1987 Centurion Ironman Dave Scott Master; 1992 Specialized Stumpjumper FS; 2026 Salsa Confluence.
I took a slightly different route today. Last month, Los Angeles DOT messed up what used to be my regular route by installing a left-side "protected" (bollards and parking) lane on a one-way street. I was able to avoid a hill going that way, but I've decided it's better to take my chances on a regular street.
So today I took the hill route. No real difference in time, and in fact it's better than another street I was using - much wider right lane, and no construction. Came across one other commuter, riding a Soma. Nice bike. Oh, and another guy with panniers at the top of the hill. I see so few of us who ride with bags.
Only one "stupid ass" encounter on the way, not bad for a Thursday.
My "cold" morning was yesterday. SoCal cold. - mid-50s, haven't felt that in quite a while. May have to graduate to tights soon.
So today I took the hill route. No real difference in time, and in fact it's better than another street I was using - much wider right lane, and no construction. Came across one other commuter, riding a Soma. Nice bike. Oh, and another guy with panniers at the top of the hill. I see so few of us who ride with bags.
Only one "stupid ass" encounter on the way, not bad for a Thursday.
My "cold" morning was yesterday. SoCal cold. - mid-50s, haven't felt that in quite a while. May have to graduate to tights soon.
#1939
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,694
Likes: 2,616
From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Easy ride this morning, if a bit cool. My phone said it was 51F (cool, but don't need long finger gloves or knee warmers), but Goofy the Garmin said it was 48f (dress warmer). Since there was enough overcast to block the sun for most of the commute, it felt like the colder reading was close to right.
I found out yesterday the school district adjacent to where I live is on fall break this week. No wonder traffic has been light! Next week when EVERYBODY is back to work, I suspect Monday's going to be hectic as we all get back to the grind.
I found out yesterday the school district adjacent to where I live is on fall break this week. No wonder traffic has been light! Next week when EVERYBODY is back to work, I suspect Monday's going to be hectic as we all get back to the grind.
#1940
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, Illinois
Bikes: Diamondback Podium 1
How difficult would it be to get a wall put up between the bike lane and the sidewalk? Pedestrians still don't understand what a bike lane is, or how it works. Bikes WILL run into you if you step out at the last second – I was in an accident earlier this week because some dingus wasn't looking. "Look both ways before crossing" seems foreign to far too many people these days.
#1941
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,350
Likes: 3,551
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
#1942
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 153
Likes: 62
From: Seattle
Bikes: BMC TeamMachine, Surly Pacer, All City Big Block
While riding home through my neighborhood, I noticed a foot long hoagie sandwich wrapped in plastic wrap on the road. I turned around, grabbed it, and continued home. I unwrapped it and it was a pretty basic turkey/swiss/mayo sandwich. Took a bite and it tasted totally fine. I feel a little bad about someone losing their sandwich but I don't think they were going to get it back anytime soon. And neat free sandwich!
It's the little things that spice up your bike commute.
It's the little things that spice up your bike commute.
#1943
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
A bit under 40F this morning, colder than yesterday. I still went with shorts, but did a warmer jacket and gloves than yesterday. High of 70F this afternoon will be nice.
#1945
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,694
Likes: 2,616
From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
To counter [MENTION=322871]arsprod[/MENTION], it was freezing: 45F. 
Somehow I managed to find a pretty good outfit for the temperature this morning, so the ride was pleasant.
Last night was interesting. There was a pair of turkeys right at the entrance ramp to the high-speed (wide shoulder) road I took. They were slightly skittish of that crazy guy pedaling a bike (must have been the bright jersey), but 50 mph traffic six feet away didn't bother them in the least.

Somehow I managed to find a pretty good outfit for the temperature this morning, so the ride was pleasant.
Last night was interesting. There was a pair of turkeys right at the entrance ramp to the high-speed (wide shoulder) road I took. They were slightly skittish of that crazy guy pedaling a bike (must have been the bright jersey), but 50 mph traffic six feet away didn't bother them in the least.
#1946
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,860
Likes: 213
From: south Puget Sound
43F, pea soup fog, dripping everywhere. Short sleeves under coat, tights, fullfinger gloves. Shorts, t-shirt, fingerless gloves anticipated for ride home
oh yes, LOTS of fog-colored cars w/ no lights
oh yes, LOTS of fog-colored cars w/ no lights
#1947
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,639
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
Taking the subway lately has seemed more practical than riding, and it did today, too, but dammit, I don't like not riding. I don't relish the idea of a 6-mile ride on Citi Bike, but that's what I did, and I'm glad I did. I had a tailwind, so that helps. The bike I got didn't have any high ratios. This seems to happen with a lot of the bikes with the NuVinci hub. I couldn't go very fast. Halfway through the ride, I docked the bike and waited the required 3 minutes to get another bike. I chose one with a Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub. Much better. 3rd gear is the cruising gear for me.
On the way to pick up the first bike, there was this guy walking four dachshunds. Cute. The guy next to him caught up and said hello to the dog walker/owner. Did you ever notice how dogs behave better when they have other dogs to walk with shoulder to shoulder?

While waiting the three minutes, I shot some pictures on the pier. Two homeless women sat together, all bundled up. It's so sad. There is visibly great wealth and great poverty in this city, more of both than in other places.

A tugboat pulls a barge from right to left. A ferry moves from left to right. It's hard to describe just how wide this river is. It might be as much as a mile and a half wide here. That's New Jersey on the other side.
On the way to pick up the first bike, there was this guy walking four dachshunds. Cute. The guy next to him caught up and said hello to the dog walker/owner. Did you ever notice how dogs behave better when they have other dogs to walk with shoulder to shoulder?

While waiting the three minutes, I shot some pictures on the pier. Two homeless women sat together, all bundled up. It's so sad. There is visibly great wealth and great poverty in this city, more of both than in other places.

A tugboat pulls a barge from right to left. A ferry moves from left to right. It's hard to describe just how wide this river is. It might be as much as a mile and a half wide here. That's New Jersey on the other side.
__________________
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.
#1948
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 579
Likes: 285
From: Southern California
Bikes: Historical: Schwinn Speedster; Schwinn Collegiate; 1981 Ross Gran Tour; 1981 Dawes Atlantis; 1991 Specialized Rockhopper. Current: 1987 Centurion Ironman Dave Scott Master; 1992 Specialized Stumpjumper FS; 2026 Salsa Confluence.
Interesting commute. Unfortunately, the commonality between LA and NY is the homeless. I ride straight through downtown LA, and every day I pass dozens of homeless and/or encampments. Today one was walking in the middle of the lane - mine, of course.
I miss rivers and a temperate environment.
Oh, how was my commute? A bit dicey - homeless guy, one-inch bumper-miss when the SUV decided to turn and not signal. Other than that, pretty fast and fun, hit most of the lights.
I miss rivers and a temperate environment.
Oh, how was my commute? A bit dicey - homeless guy, one-inch bumper-miss when the SUV decided to turn and not signal. Other than that, pretty fast and fun, hit most of the lights.
#1949
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 444
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
Consecutive work commute number 631:
36F this morning, but barely a hint of wind. Sun was shining and the fall colors were on full display.
Was barreling down a hill at about 28 mph when a driver decided they just had to beat me to the stop sign about a block away. We both wound up having to hit our brakes pretty hard as the driver pulled back in front of me at the last possible second. Not sure what they gained by that stunt.
I saw six other bicycle commuters along my route, which surprised me a little given the slightly chilly temps. This afternoon is supposed to get into the high 50s, so I guess people are looking forward to the nice weather for the ride home.
36F this morning, but barely a hint of wind. Sun was shining and the fall colors were on full display.
Was barreling down a hill at about 28 mph when a driver decided they just had to beat me to the stop sign about a block away. We both wound up having to hit our brakes pretty hard as the driver pulled back in front of me at the last possible second. Not sure what they gained by that stunt.
I saw six other bicycle commuters along my route, which surprised me a little given the slightly chilly temps. This afternoon is supposed to get into the high 50s, so I guess people are looking forward to the nice weather for the ride home.
#1950
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Consecutive work commute number 631:
36F this morning, but barely a hint of wind. Sun was shining and the fall colors were on full display.
Was barreling down a hill at about 28 mph when a driver decided they just had to beat me to the stop sign about a block away. We both wound up having to hit our brakes pretty hard as the driver pulled back in front of me at the last possible second. Not sure what they gained by that stunt.
36F this morning, but barely a hint of wind. Sun was shining and the fall colors were on full display.
Was barreling down a hill at about 28 mph when a driver decided they just had to beat me to the stop sign about a block away. We both wound up having to hit our brakes pretty hard as the driver pulled back in front of me at the last possible second. Not sure what they gained by that stunt.
I don't know why a driver has to pass when a stop sign is so close. I've had a couple of times where they attempt to do this, but don't get back over and end up in the middle of the lane. Usually it is a low traffic enough area that they can just go, but they are definitely blocking anyone that may have been trying to come in.




