A milestone for Da Rainman
11-05-02 | 11:18 AM
#1
A milestone for Da Rainman
RiPHRaPH's post over at General Discussion about turning over 3000 miles reminded me that I just passed a milestone - two solid years of commuting! Although I rode to work a few times in October, 2000, I use November 1, 2000 as the official start of my commuting career. An inventory of my computers adds up to something right at 7800 miles in those two years. Most of those miles are my daily commutes of 22+ miles round trip. Luckily I live in the south where I can ride to work every day year round. I VERY seldom get to work any way other than by bike.
Without even realizing it until the day it was broken, I had a string going of almost a full year without getting to work any way other than by bike. There were a few days when Rainbabe picked me up because we were going to a concert or dinner downtown, but I don't count those. The day I had to break down and accept a ride home with a co-worker there was a severe storm with winds so strong I literally could not stay upright on the bike. I did try, but only went about 50 feet before I realized there was no way I could ride.
I owe much to my friends here at BikeForums. You all provide a daily dose of inspiration and advice. Not only am I not tired of riding my bike to work every day, I look forward to the ride even more every day. Many of you inspired me to try working on my bikes myself. Now I feel confident to tackle anything. Thanks to you all and especially to Joe Gardner for such a great site.
Regards,
Raymond
Without even realizing it until the day it was broken, I had a string going of almost a full year without getting to work any way other than by bike. There were a few days when Rainbabe picked me up because we were going to a concert or dinner downtown, but I don't count those. The day I had to break down and accept a ride home with a co-worker there was a severe storm with winds so strong I literally could not stay upright on the bike. I did try, but only went about 50 feet before I realized there was no way I could ride.
I owe much to my friends here at BikeForums. You all provide a daily dose of inspiration and advice. Not only am I not tired of riding my bike to work every day, I look forward to the ride even more every day. Many of you inspired me to try working on my bikes myself. Now I feel confident to tackle anything. Thanks to you all and especially to Joe Gardner for such a great site.
Regards,
Raymond
__________________
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
11-05-02 | 11:24 AM
#2
bici accumulatori
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton, Ottawa, Maberly, Apsley, Ontario
Bikes: 1985 Nishiki International Touring Bike, 1992 Vitus 979 road bike, 1996 Bianchi Premio road bike, 2002 Thin Blue LIne CO2 mountain bike, 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa touring bike, 1964 CCM roadster, 1959 CCM Motorbike, 2002 KHS FXT mtb + more to fix!
Congrats on your accomplishment Ray!! You da Man!!! Your accomplishments inspire the rest of us to try the same feat, in our own way. I've basically been commuting since August 1 of this year, hope to go all winter if I can. The more I ride, the more I like it. The more I read about guys like you, the more I know it can be done!!
11-05-02 | 01:05 PM
#3
RAGBRAI. Need I say more?
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 868
Likes: 0
From: West Branch, Iowa USA
Bikes: 1998 Mongoose NX7.1, 2008 Kona Jake, GT singlespeed (year unknown).
Keep it up, Rainman! With my wimpy 9 mile roundtrip commute, you got me beat on the mileage. This morning commute was 32F and raining. I actually like this weather, because it is one of the few times I can use my rain suit without sweating.
Ride on.
Ride on.
Keep it up.
11-05-02 | 07:56 PM
#5
Love Me....Love My Bike!
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg
Bikes: Bikes: Giant hybrid, Trek 4500, Cannondale R800 Some commuting 20mi/day, mostly fitness riding - 20-50 mile rides
Way to go Rainman!
__________________
"...perhaps the world needs a little more Canada" - Jean Chretian, 2003.
"...perhaps the world needs a little more Canada" - Jean Chretian, 2003.
11-06-02 | 09:53 AM
#12
Thanks to everyone for the good wishes!
Fashion secret: It's tattooed on. 
WilliC, you long term cyclists and commuters are my inspiration. My milestones are significant only to the extent that they get me closer to being one of you. Hip, hip...
Originally posted by RiPHRaPH
how do you commute without ruining your joker makeup?
how do you commute without ruining your joker makeup?
WilliC, you long term cyclists and commuters are my inspiration. My milestones are significant only to the extent that they get me closer to being one of you. Hip, hip...
__________________
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
11-06-02 | 11:27 AM
#13
Congratulations! :fun:
I've just passed my first year and a month as a cyclist and had around 2900 miles on the clock when the battery popped out
Richard
I've just passed my first year and a month as a cyclist and had around 2900 miles on the clock when the battery popped out
Richard
__________________
Currently riding an MTB with a split personality - commuting, touring, riding for the sake of riding, on or off road :)
Currently riding an MTB with a split personality - commuting, touring, riding for the sake of riding, on or off road :)
11-19-02 | 06:04 PM
#14
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, Alabama
I started 13 months ago but have not been on the bike for 3 weeks because of a hectic work schedule and a big home remodeling project. Rainman, you've made me realize there's a big problem with my priorities. I'll be back on the bike tomorrow.
