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How was the commute today? Continued.

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Old 03-30-10 | 06:01 AM
  #4201  
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Warm morning in the Carolinas, about 50 F when I rode in, with a nice tailwind much of the way. I was feeling lazy, however, and rode at a slow pace. I was afraid that I would hit a bunch of traffic near the local high school since I was running late, but there were few cars on the road there. Then I remembered that the schools are closed for spring break. That was nice.
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Old 03-30-10 | 06:31 AM
  #4202  
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From: West Philly
Strong headwinds and rain made for an interesting commute. It looked like the rain was going to hold off until I got to work, so I wore my windbreaker and not my rain jacket. It rained the last 4 miles or so, not too bad but enough to get me pretty soaked. The wind was the worst though--at times I felt like I was barely moving.
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Old 03-30-10 | 07:03 AM
  #4203  
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Saw something unusual on the Charles this morning: a boat full of animals.
I've been surprised to see just how much all this rain has accelerated brake wear. My salmon Kool-Stops, installed a little over a month ago, are looking nearly as worn as the ones they replaced.
I'm going to build my next commuter around a frame with pontoon clearance.
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Old 03-30-10 | 07:19 AM
  #4204  
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Originally Posted by ortcutt
Saw something unusual on the Charles this morning: a boat full of animals.


I'm going to build my next commuter around a frame with pontoon clearance.


March out like a lion- I can't remember if March came in like a lamb to be honest, but it's roaring out with strong winds the next couple days. I've let strong winds keep me from riding this spring, but at least the temps will be warm, so I guess I'll put up with the wind this week. This morning, though, was the plus side- the wind was primarily at my back and I had one of my quickest rides in. Lots of joggers on the river trail this morning, even before 6 am. Spring has indeed sprung.

I plan to drive tomorrow since I also have to play a softball double header after work. See you in April.
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Old 03-30-10 | 09:00 AM
  #4205  
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From: Antioch, IL

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A fine day. A little nippy, but light winds and sunny. Traffic very light thanks to spring break. But did get stuck by a long slow freight. I watched another cyclist go around the gates a few seconds before the train.
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Old 03-30-10 | 09:13 AM
  #4206  
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Mid to high 40's this am, so there were a lot of riders out this am. You can certainly tell the folks that don't commute year round. They are bundled up in many layers, and that also includes full face balaclavas, and shoe covers. (Not a slam by any means, just an observation) But, they are on their bikes, so good on them.
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Old 03-30-10 | 10:31 AM
  #4207  
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Originally Posted by LAJ
You can certainly tell the folks that don't commute year round. They are bundled up in many layers, and that also includes full face balaclavas, and shoe covers.
I notice the same thing around here. We will get a beautiful sunny day that brings out the cyclists who haven't ridden all winter, and they are dressed as if it was below zero.
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Old 03-30-10 | 10:58 AM
  #4208  
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Originally Posted by LAJ
Mid to high 40's this am, so there were a lot of riders out this am. You can certainly tell the folks that don't commute year round. They are bundled up in many layers, and that also includes full face balaclavas, and shoe covers. (Not a slam by any means, just an observation) But, they are on their bikes, so good on them.
I saw one of them on my way in today, he looked like he was realizing he didn't have that much to be terrified of when I went by.
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Old 03-30-10 | 11:31 AM
  #4209  
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From: south Puget Sound
wet but not biblical like yesterday
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Old 03-30-10 | 11:37 AM
  #4210  
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From: south Puget Sound
Also got effusively complimented on my hi-viz chartreuse coat.
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Old 03-30-10 | 01:12 PM
  #4211  
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Today was the first time I rode the full distance from home to work (thus far I had skipped ~5 miles of hills by taking the subway for a couple stops). I found a flat-ish route which minimizes stops, but it is almost 30 miles (and about 2 hours) each way; a bit arduous for me, but fun. It goes by an equestrian center, so I expect to be able to report a horse in the bike lane in the near future (this morning I only had to dodge some manure). Cloudy with a light breeze (5-10mph).

Expecting showers and a touch of wind for the next couple of days in SoCal - temps mostly in the 50s while cycling. Not sure if I'll ride in as I don't have a rain jacket - maybe I'll put on some light wool layers and go for it anyway. All you foul-weather commuters are quite an inspiration!
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Old 03-30-10 | 05:51 PM
  #4212  
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30 miles each way is serious commuting! Getting it done in 4 hours is not bad. Does the subway save you time? If it's only a couple stops, probably so. I'd probably opt for using the train for part of that trip, but if you have the time and the grit to ride the whole way regularly, go for it, I think that's great.

I haven't read all 4217 posts, just wanted to jump onto the back of the pack here.

I usually time myself from my house to my third stop. Sometimes it takes me an hour. Today I did it in 44 minutes. My previous best was 46. A mountain biker who shares part of my route helped me go fast. I always can go faster when I'm 'racing'. Now I don't advocate racing in rush hour traffic! I rode with the usual precautions, but I used his presence to motivate myself. Going faster is safer on this stretch of Rhode Island Ave. that we both ride because the difference between car speed and bike speed is decreased.

This guy is faster than me, he has overtaken me before and I could only hang on, never retook. Today however, I was coming off a big downhill when I saw him entering the thoroughfare at the bottom of the hill. So I overtook easily and he had to fight back. When I got stuck in traffic, he caught me, passed and gained a big gap, a couple or three blocks, but the lights were with me and I came past him again at speed. After that he sat in until I turned off on 22nd. He should have passed me because I was falling behind the lights when I took my right turn on a late yellow. He powered through. We were shouting at each other but I couldn't tell what he was saying. It was something good, he was smiling. We were flying. It was fun.

Yesterday I talked to a girl I've seen a few times before. She lives on the biggest climb on my route. She followed me for a long way and pulled up next to me at lights. Two other commuters also rode along with us for a few blocks. I really enjoy sharing my commute with other riders. For many years, I rarely saw another commuter.

Oh yeah, both rides were in the rain...
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Old 03-30-10 | 08:32 PM
  #4213  
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Some one said something mean to me today. ;____;

I was riding home after work, and I pulled up to a stop sign right before a car, I decided to go first (prolly should have waited *shrug*). They yelled, "You're in the street!" I yelled back, "I am in the street! 8D". I continue on my way, and while he crosses the intersection (behind me) he shouts, "Nice man-purse, F*ckass!"

I am a girl... ;____;

You can't see my boobs when I'm sitting in my saddle, and I have a short haircut. I have this bag that I can attach to my rack, but it has a shoulder strap that I like to use when I'm riding at night because I can attach a blinky to the strap on my back.

He was too far away to yell back at him. *shrug*
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Old 03-30-10 | 08:54 PM
  #4214  
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Wind wasn't that bad as yesterday, but I was really loaded down with groceries. I am just glad that the Dummy handles it.
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Old 03-31-10 | 04:29 AM
  #4215  
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From: Columbia, Maryland

Bikes: Trek 820 mtb, A no name red steel pipe bike, my commuter

Cool and windy, but not bad at 4 C ( 40 F). Down hills were more impeded, but there is the promise of a wonderful afternoon, and good weather days to come.
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Old 03-31-10 | 05:54 AM
  #4216  
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Felt colder then the supposedly 50F this morning the weatherman claimed. Bright moon was nice. The drivers were well behaved. And I almost had a not foot down commute, but at the entrance to turn into the office parking lot, the car in front of me didn't go when I thought they would....causing me to slam on the brakes and unclip...oh well....no crash, no injury, no damage to anything. It was a good commute.
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Old 03-31-10 | 06:00 AM
  #4217  
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From: Raleigh, NC

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Stiff headwind most of the way to work, but I'm not complaining because that means it will be a warm day. Headwind in the morning means the wind is out of the SW, which is always warm around here. Temps are supposed to reach mid-70s F today and the 80s Thursday and Friday. My legs are getting kind of dead from riding so much lately -- 650+ miles in March after barely topping 400 in February. I probably need to take a day or two off but I can't because the weather is so nice after a long, cold and wet winter here.
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Old 03-31-10 | 06:21 AM
  #4218  
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Originally Posted by Ember
Some one said something mean to me today. ;____;
Don't let the ignorant jerks get to you.

Tail wind, 38F, and light rain for me. We've been on the northern edge of that deluge in the rest of New England. Sounds like people to the south need to start commuting in a kayak.
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Old 03-31-10 | 06:35 AM
  #4219  
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Lovely ride. Great weather. I rear ended a minivan this morning going about 25mph. Details later. I am off to
give an astronomy exam.
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Old 03-31-10 | 06:48 AM
  #4220  
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Good commute this morning. 46F with light rain and winds from the NNE @ 10mph. My rain gear did a great job at keeping me dry.
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Old 03-31-10 | 07:16 AM
  #4221  
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Originally Posted by WillynHook
Lovely ride. Great weather. I rear ended a minivan this morning going about 25mph. Details later. I am off to
give an astronomy exam.
A story as old as Thales: typical head-in-the-clouds intellectual. Seriously, though, I hope you weren't too badly banged up.
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Old 03-31-10 | 08:36 AM
  #4222  
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First non-chilly morning. had a 15+ mph tailwind which made for a pretty fast ride.

The piper will get paid as that tailwind will be a headwind on my way home tonight.
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Old 03-31-10 | 08:41 AM
  #4223  
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A story as old as Thales: typical head-in-the-clouds intellectual. Seriously, though, I hope you weren't too badly banged up.
Yep, I'm fine. Just feeling stupid. As Paul Harvey would say "...and the rest of the story" is posted in the commuting section.

Dr. Joe
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Old 03-31-10 | 10:13 AM
  #4224  
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A guy took a swing at me - apparently for not waiting for unencumbered passengers to board the train, before loading my bike on. He shoved his way in front of me and became offended when his leg contacted my front tire.

I guess I'm supposed to step out of line and let the only seats I can use fill up with people, so I can stand up all the way to work.
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Old 03-31-10 | 10:23 AM
  #4225  
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From: south Puget Sound
My son totally dug biking home in the sleet last night.

Weird blinding sun over sheet ice this morning. What fresh hell is this?
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