-3C, nice and fast. Took a slightly scenic route

First ride of the season without the studs. Felt like I lost an anchor! The studs provide an element of safety and security. Couple times this winter I know I probably would have dropped the bike without them. But man, they sure do slow you down. Felt great to "fly" this morning.

I had a great ride across town (apart from the cold hands-- couldnt find my gloves) until I realized in the rush to leave and the distraction of our new dog jumping all over me and getting into my messenger bag-- that I left my wallet and train ticket at home.

So after a whole winter of commuting that was kicked off with a black ice fall/broken elbow, I had to drive and miss the first nice sunny spring day.

43F out, so it was a warm ride! Its supposed to be in the 60's by the time I leave. Might have to start swapping in some of the summer gear.

Was my first ride on my new saddle, a Brooks Flyer. I must say I understand what they mean about a break in period! My sit bones were a bit weary getting into work, but on the other hand nothing was numb, like with the old foam/gel saddle. Between the saddle and new Vittoria 700x32 tires, the Cannondale's gotten a bit cushier.

I hear ya. I promised my wife I would keep them on for another week or so but if the weather looks clear next week they're coming off.

Napalm Shower Of Death.

I rode through heavy mist of tree sprayers this morning. Saw them standing there wearing masks and goggles but didn't figure it out until I was in it. Probably won't kill me but YUCK!

30 mph gusts really aren't nice to ride home in. I want these studs off, but looks like snow tomorrow.

61F this morning when I left the house. I was way overdressed. Other than that, it was lovely.

I left early this morning so I could take the extra-long way in and ride some hills (okay, some of you would probably laugh at what I call 'hills,' but I'm getting better ) -- and in so doing encountered more dogs than I have ever seen on my morning commute. I'm guessing I ran into the whole of the canid-owning community walking their dogs before they had to leave for work. An excessively-friendly springer spaniel came bounding forward to play with my bike at the bottom of a steepish descent around a sharp corner -- almost didn't see him in time; thank God for good brakes!

Next time I leave that early, though, I'm going to take that descent and that corner waaaaaaaaay more slowly (that'll teach me to expect Cherokee Park to be empty at 7:00 AM!). It's fun to whiz down hills and zip around corners, but I don't want to run over any dogs. I like dogs!

Other than that, though, the dogs I encountered were all well-controlled (probably because their owners saw me coming, and I saw them coming, much sooner). The weather was pleasantly cool. I'm sure I looked like an idiot in my long johns-under-cargo-shorts getup, but for the moment, it's a decent compromise, and I'm sure everyone except other cyclists (okay, and maybe lycra fetishists?) would think I looked equally goofy if I was clad in lycra from head to toe (after my last two long rides, though I have finally decided to acquire some good bike shorts in the very near future -- if you have any recommendations, feel free to shoot them my way).

The sky is grey, but with temps in the teens (celsius), you won't hear a single complaint from me.

Heading West was windy this morning and when I got to work I felt like I'd done a full day of cycling. Sore legs....awwwwww. Liked it though.

The way back east got off to a flying stop.

Within about 100 meters of leaving work some wee prat in his 20's (by the looks of it) was waiting to cross the road and when i was beside him he leaned over towards me and shouted in my ear as I passed. I was startled and swerved right (US left) into the traffic lane. Luckily there was no traffic for me to end up under. We exchanged expletives as I explained to him in no uncertain terms that to be a man one has to act like one.

About 50 meters further on a white van man must've guestimated my speed at about 1mph (you know that old chesssnut) and pulled out on me when I was nearing his junction at about 20 + mph. Again expletives were launched but to what end I do not know. I just felt I had to.

I admitted defeat and took the train from paisley back home to SE Glasgow. Maybe third time I wouldn't be so lucky. As it was my 39th b/day i was already in a reflective mood and this just tarnished this thoughtful repose with the following rhetorical questions:

What the feck is wrong with people?
What the feck is wrong with society?
And what am I actually trying to achieve with this 'sans car' business?

Still.....22.06 miles on the clock for today.

This forum is good therapy by the way

Amen!

As for what's wrong with people ... carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting from being trapped in cars all the time, maybe?

Happy 39th, Surfin! I hope the rest of the day and evening go smoother than the commute!

Man, beautiful day today.

16C and sunny with almost no wind. Picked up the wife and rode down to the lake. Seems most of the people in the city had the same idea, so we headed down to the pier and sat at the end of that for a couple of hours. Must have been over 200 people walking and riding along the lakefront. First warm day of spring.

Thanks man. Much appreciated. Good vibes to you also. Keep them turning kokorozashi.

I just got back from biking to the school to pick up my 8 yr old. New person at the after-school care place, and she wanted to see my ID. I didn't bring any (I didn't drive). While we're having the discussion my son launches a flying kick at me, climbs up my back and is hanging off my neck by his legs and generally acting like he, you know, knows me. Anyway, bike home, grab ID, bike back, he's gone. Hiding. No clue. They wouldn't let me take him, but they don't know where he is. Search search search, eventually he turns up and I take him home.

Incorporated my second grocery run using the Big Dummy on my home today. I hauled a case of Diet Coke and three bags of groceries, and I didn't feel the difference. The wind blew in the opposite direction as usual which was great.

fantastically fantastic weather. what more can I say. gorgeous day to ride. took the bike path along the river home. Stunning as it moved into a late twilight.

Nice balmy weather of northern Cali. First ride after all the rains.
Both going and come back rides are 7 mins under normal time.
Lower the seat by 1/2 inch and now I feel much better spinning.
Spring is here to stay.

Beautiful spring day. Got into a race with a hipster doofus on a singlespeed. I won. Then a roadie passed us both and put us in our places.

The mornings are chilly, but the afternoons are wonderful, 32 F (0 C) at 5:10. Fighting a cold this week, and so far it has not been too bad, although, the dripping is annoying.

First commute of the season!!! New job... new office... struggling to get my logistics in one sock. Worked out ok. I looked like a pack mule today. Chilly too... 38F. I am so happy to be back on the bike again... I was really anxious to get going and the weather was frustrating me.

Very cool morning but nice ride. Probably going to be 30 degrees warmer on the way home. I love this time of year!

The weather's turned so lovely that people are blinking in disbelief (or maybe it's the sun in their eyes). Students are out in force on the grass by the river, sunning themselves and examining each other.
Good news this tax season led me to buy a Brooks Swift for the road bike, which I rode in today. Having ridden nothing the past six months but my workhorse with its fenders, racks, panniers, and carbide studs, I was quickly reminded how twitchy a racing bike is. Had a couple of mildly alarming moments too, having been out of practice with the clipless pedals.

Low 50's this morning. The commute in was quite peaceful. I got to spend about a minute alone on an unlit road in an undeveloped area. I was able to look up at the stars while I was cruising along. It was great. Moments like that make commuting by bike priceless.

On my ride yesterday I noticed that the street sweepers had been through and the winter build up on the side of the road was gone thus I opted for my road bike this morning. After 2 days of commuting with my mtb I now know why I felt like a turtle the 2 previous mornings. It felt good to fly in to work this morning.