What makes you happy when commuting?
#76
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 62
Bikes: Giant Toughroad SLR GX 1 (2018), Giant Talon 2 (2010, RIP)
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As many others have already stated, escapism.
When I'm out on the bike, it's my time, which tends to be fairly limited in busy life. No one to annoy me, no problems and issues to deal with. Just me, the bike and the road/trail.
Also, not trying to be an eco-warrior, but with all the complaints being made about clean air and pollution (generally by hypocrites) in the UK. There is a moral satisfaction about not contributing towards it.
When I'm out on the bike, it's my time, which tends to be fairly limited in busy life. No one to annoy me, no problems and issues to deal with. Just me, the bike and the road/trail.
Also, not trying to be an eco-warrior, but with all the complaints being made about clean air and pollution (generally by hypocrites) in the UK. There is a moral satisfaction about not contributing towards it.
#77
Full Member
Yesterday was the sound of midges hitting my helmet, jacket, glasses, getting into my nose and mouth as I was going by Lake Ontario. Then it was the smell of the sewage that got backed up somewhere because of all the rain we've been having. And finally getting yelled at and called a plethora of names by a your lady who was in a huge rush on a two lane road, by simply occupying the 1m of curb space. Yeap, happy and alive

#79
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,496
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Timberjack, Expert TG, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3008 Post(s)
Liked 1,932 Times
in
1,256 Posts
#81
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The exercise, but also knowing that commuting via bike is the fastest way to get to work. My commute is 3.5mi one way. Driving takes 15min in traffic, but the parking lot is about a 10min walk from my building. Public transit can take 45min or longer. With biking, I can get there in 20min and get to park my bike right out front.
Also, zooming past cars stuck in gridlock traffic is another perk.
Also, zooming past cars stuck in gridlock traffic is another perk.
#83
Senior Member
Yesterday was the sound of midges hitting my helmet, jacket, glasses, getting into my nose and mouth as I was going by Lake Ontario. Then it was the smell of the sewage that got backed up somewhere because of all the rain we've been having. And finally getting yelled at and called a plethora of names by a your lady who was in a huge rush on a two lane road, by simply occupying the 1m of curb space. Yeap, happy and alive 

#84
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 15
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I've done a lot of motorcycle commuting. Here in California it's legal to lane split, which I'll admit always made me feel pretty cool and rebellious. But motorcycle has to obey other traffic laws. On my typical bicycle commute I'll break traffic laws dozens of times. Nothing that endangers or annoys other people, but I'm not afraid to get creative. Which feels more rebellious and fun? I'm going to say the bicycle.
#85
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Mid Atlantic / USA
Posts: 2,115
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Crosstrail / 2013 Trek Crossrip Elite
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1002 Post(s)
Liked 236 Times
in
155 Posts
This morning I rode past an 18 wheeler parked for a delivery
The driver was sitting in the cab while the truck was being unloaded (I thought they unloaded they own trucks, but whatever...not my store not my concern)
Anyway the drive is like 70 years old. And he's blaring the 90's hip hop song "Put your hands up on my hips, when I dip you did we dip" and he's bopping along to the sound having a grand old time
That made me happy
Had I been in the car I wouldn't have even been behind that store in the first place, much less would have heard the radio.
The driver was sitting in the cab while the truck was being unloaded (I thought they unloaded they own trucks, but whatever...not my store not my concern)
Anyway the drive is like 70 years old. And he's blaring the 90's hip hop song "Put your hands up on my hips, when I dip you did we dip" and he's bopping along to the sound having a grand old time
That made me happy
Had I been in the car I wouldn't have even been behind that store in the first place, much less would have heard the radio.
#86
Senior Member
I've done a lot of motorcycle commuting. Here in California it's legal to lane split, which I'll admit always made me feel pretty cool and rebellious. But motorcycle has to obey other traffic laws. On my typical bicycle commute I'll break traffic laws dozens of times. Nothing that endangers or annoys other people, but I'm not afraid to get creative. Which feels more rebellious and fun? I'm going to say the bicycle.
I said I was ok as long as motorcyclists don't mind bicycles in front of them doing the same thing.
#87
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,496
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Timberjack, Expert TG, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3008 Post(s)
Liked 1,932 Times
in
1,256 Posts
GOOD ONE HAHAHAHAaaa - oh wait you're serious? A sport bike just like a sports car is like a flashing billboard proclaiming your intent not to follow traffic laws... especially not as soon as you get to the hills north of LA.
All you have to do is replace the exhaust can, like nearly everyone does after they first drop it, and you're violating any number of noise and emissions laws before you even get into traffic.
All you have to do is replace the exhaust can, like nearly everyone does after they first drop it, and you're violating any number of noise and emissions laws before you even get into traffic.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 04-29-19 at 11:18 AM.
Likes For Darth Lefty:
#88
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,496
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Timberjack, Expert TG, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3008 Post(s)
Liked 1,932 Times
in
1,256 Posts
#90
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Boston
Posts: 920
Bikes: Death machines all
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 296 Post(s)
Liked 78 Times
in
60 Posts
Just as untoward events can annoy, little things going your way and small wins over adversity may be savored.
On friday I posted in the "annoying" thread in this Forum that while getting drenched during the evening commute, I crossed a puddle that turned to be a deep pothole and *bam* broke a spoke. Replaced the spoke and re-trued the wheel over the weekend, and was rewarded with a gorgeous commute this morning - no wind, and the wheels were practically purring.
....Long exhale...
On friday I posted in the "annoying" thread in this Forum that while getting drenched during the evening commute, I crossed a puddle that turned to be a deep pothole and *bam* broke a spoke. Replaced the spoke and re-trued the wheel over the weekend, and was rewarded with a gorgeous commute this morning - no wind, and the wheels were practically purring.
....Long exhale...
__________________
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
#92
Senior Member
Thirteen pages for what annoys you vs only four pages for what makes you enjoy cycle commuting?
Come on guys, gotta catch up.
Come on guys, gotta catch up.
#94
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,005
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '16 Motobecane Gran Premio Elite, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1464 Post(s)
Liked 1,537 Times
in
804 Posts
Meeting my Sweetie for the homeward ride every day. We get to decompress together and she enjoys the exercise as I do. What's not to like?
#95
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 216 Times
in
169 Posts
What makes you happy when commuting?
A BF acquaintance in Metro Boston does some serious tandem riding with his sweetie.
And though my wife and I no longer ride together,
…In Ann Arbor MI in the 70’s I really realized the utility of bicycles for commuting, and began touring on a five-speed Schwinn Suburban, but soon bought a Mercier as did my girlfriend, later my wife. We toured in Michigan and Ontario.
In 1977 we moved to Boston on our bikes, as a bicycling honeymoon from Los Angeles to Washington, DC and then took the train up to Boston. We have toured in New England and the Maritime Provinces, and one trip to the DelMarVa peninsula. :
In 1977 we moved to Boston on our bikes, as a bicycling honeymoon from Los Angeles to Washington, DC and then took the train up to Boston. We have toured in New England and the Maritime Provinces, and one trip to the DelMarVa peninsula. :
#96
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 216 Times
in
169 Posts
What makes you happy when commuting?
I posted to this thread, "Retirement!"
I’m a few years away from retirement, but it is starting to loom large.
but,
I previously replied to this thread on the Commuting Forum, "How to motivate myself to ride when I'll no longer be commuting to work?"...
Just yesterday a colleague asked me when I was going to retire. I suggested a number of years, adding, "I like my job, and it’s a convenient place (and distance) to bike to."
Just yesterday a colleague asked me when I was going to retire. I suggested a number of years, adding, "I like my job, and it’s a convenient place (and distance) to bike to."
…I have previously posted to this thread, ”Why didn’t I ride”
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-02-19 at 12:46 PM.
#97
Senior Member
Recently I got a mild cold and my throat was hurting a bit my nose running like a river.
I like blowing my nose all the way while riding than using kleenex or toilet paper
Also, it seems I spit a lot while riding
I like blowing my nose all the way while riding than using kleenex or toilet paper

Also, it seems I spit a lot while riding


#98
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Queens, NY for now...
Posts: 1,528
Bikes: 82 Lotus Unique, 86 Lotus Legend, 88 Basso Loto, 88 Basso PR, 89 Basso PR, 96 Bianchi CDI, 2013 Deda Aegis, 2019 Basso Diamante SV
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 939 Post(s)
Liked 156 Times
in
108 Posts
Originally Posted by Darth Lefty
GOOD ONE HAHAHAHAaaa - oh wait you're serious? A sport bike just like a sports car is like a flashing billboard proclaiming your intent not to follow traffic laws
#99
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,273
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1297 Post(s)
Liked 1,131 Times
in
696 Posts
#100
Senior Member
:)
I am currently a janitor/dishwasher at a local bar and grill. At the odd hours I commute most all drivers are either drunk or whatever here. My point is I don't get tailed by the police! Lol.