Rode in late today since I had a doctor's appointment in the AM. Despite a slight headwind, I managed to make the 7 mile run in under 30 minutes - avg about 15 mph. I think my new pedals (which allow me to use my old toe clips) are making a big difference. Pedals aren't clipless... YET, but that'll be my next step pedal-wise.

Hope to get in some good miles tonight. I'm riding in DC's Ride of Silence tonight, which starts only about 2 miles from my office, but I'm going 8 or 9 miles first to meet up with a guy from pedicabbing/co-op and then riding back in w him for the start of the ride. Then the commute home after that. My commuting totals to about 14-15 miles per day. Today I think I'll be adding a good 25 miles of extra riding on top of that for all the running around to meet people and the Ride of Silence itself.

Awesome ride in this morning. The 15 miles only took me an hour and fifteen minutes, down from 1:30 on monday. A bit chilly and thought I needed a jacket but by the time I got to work I had warmed up. The 18 mile ride back took 1:30. I had to slam on the brakes because a lady turned right in front of me. I had about a dozen people buzz me which was awesome. But on the bright side I found a cool paved trail that eliminates an extremely busy intersection. It goes under the 3 lane 50mph road and out to a chic-fil-a parking lot. I got on the busy road for maybe 45 seconds, turned off and was on my way home. My wife expected me later and noted that I took less time. Not bad for a newbie.

It was sprinkling this morning and almost drove my massive Suburban. The ride home was sunshine and nice warm weather. Also, I gave up the lane to a stray young cow on the way home tonight.

50's in the morning so a light coat in order. 79 on the way home and the humidity was down. Then rode down to the "Ride of Silence" and picked up another 20+ miles round the day out in the mid 30's. Great riding day for sure.

Time for bed!

Unfortunately, yesterday afternoon's commute was not as smooth as the morning. I mounted my bike just outside of my office, on the shoulder of the road. As I waited for some oncoming traffic to pass so I could go, an SUV gunned its engine and drove at me, swerving away at the last second. I heard the driver yell something to the effect of "I'll take your little bike, motherf***** p***y!" I never caught up to the guy to get his license plate. For a second there, I really thought I was going to die, that this guy would hit me and I'd just fly off my bike, over some parked cars, and that would be the end. I guess this was funny for him.

I was really fast on the ride home, thanks to the adrenaline rush.

I felt stronger today, and it felt good. The temps are finally moving in the right direction for this week, 10 C ( 50 F). It is supposed to be in the 70s F
( lower 20s C).

After several months of extremely dry weather, we finally started getting some much-needed rain in NC this week. I'm not complaining about that, but it sure has changed the humidity levels. I've been drenched in sweat when I arrived at work each day this week even though the temperatures have been very mild (upper 50s).

My legs were surprisingly fresh this morning after my epic 70-mile "commute" yesterday. I posted a separate thread on that, but this might become a semi-regular event.

Weird weather. Low 50sF. Almost foggy, but not. Moisture condensed on my mirror once or twice. I could feel a bit of spray on my arms and face, and water was dripping from trees in some areas.

None yesterday. I took a personal day and went for a ride (what else?). Today is Bike to Work Day in Sacramento. Yay.

bike to work month/week/day is great. i am fully behind the concept and if it gets more people riding then fantastic. however, it made finding a spot on the bus rack tougher this morning. put me about 30 min behind schedule. oh well, i got about another 7 miles of biking in this morning. so i guess i shouldn't complain.

Good commute in to work this AM. Covered 13.4 miles in 51 minutes on my rigid MTB with slicks (average 15 MPH). This is the mostly uphill part of my commute, going home I can average 18 MPH.

Had a funny comment from a pedestrian who was walking her daughters across the street to get on the bus:

"You're going faster than a car!"

Not in a nasty way, just an observation. Made me smile.

Full disclaimer: I was at the bottom of the biggest downhill on my route in

40F, windy, raining, blech. My bike blew over in the parking lot while I was dropping my 5 yr old, my helmet broke and my coffee spilled. Found one generous mouthful left. Totally sucky morning.

IT is bike to work month here also. This morning's commute was verry damp, cool and with a slight breeze. The ride home was overcast, a few sprinkles here and there, still cool 59 degreese F. My rides home seem to be faster than in the morning, There must be a slight incline/decline along my route to and from work. They are some what the same streets. I can't wait until they put a bike lane in. Although they should put the bike lanes on the one lane streets instead. They are going to make the street I ride in the morning (2 way) into a bike lane on each side, one lane of traffic each way and a turn lane. That is going to cause traffic problems. THank goodness I do not ride during those times. Well Everyone have a great day!

Beautiful day , no wind, 50's, and traffic not bad. Looking forward to ride back.

i need a camera to film my commute! beautifull morning! 75F no wind, birds chanting! some car infested roads, some urban medium traffic and then a MUP....NICE and fast commute did my 7 miles under 23 minutes...may not be that fast for some here, but...

Eventful this morning. It was 59°F this morning when I left. No sweatshirt needed.

I enjoyed commuting the 16 miles each way yesterday, so I went further east and north in the car to pick up the Des Plaines River Trail. I would take that down to the North Shore Trail, and take that to the Robert McClory trail most of the rest of the way. It would be 22 miles each way.

I got to where I was going to start, parked the car in a strip mall parking lot, and got suited up. I started riding this gravel trail, and after a mile or two, there was a sign that said: "trail closed ahead due to high water." I figured that could mean 1" or a lot more. "Besides, this a cyclocross bike. Isn't this rugged stuff what they're made for?"I looked, and it was only an inch or so. So I went through slowly. A couple miles later, I saw the same sign. This time, I had to look pretty hard to even see where the trail was. I decided to start going into it and see how deep it was. At first, it was only a few inches deep. Feet got wet, but no big deal. I kept going, and was all of a sudden up to my shins. Still going. Up to my knees and it was pretty hard to stay upright, between the water current and the softer trail below. I dismounted and the water came up just below my crotch. Damn.

So I walked it out, and went back up to the road figuring I would cross the river the normal way, then pick up the trail on the other side. I couldn't find the daggone trail again. So I took roads back to my car and drove to work. I got in just before 9. There was already someone waiting for me; I forgot I'd made an appointment. If I had been an hour and a half late, like I'd planned to be, it might've gotten ugly.

While I was walking around in the basement, one of the Receiving guys got my attention, my Tom Bihn Super Ego messenger bag arrived! It would be sweaty carrying it home on the bike.

So it was not meant to be, riding in today. It would have been 44 miles round trip, but the river had other plans. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, so I may not ride then either.

It worked out OK, as now I have my bag, I'll have no problems carrying anything home and I didn't blow off my visitor. Just a bunch of good luck things that were spawned by my giving up the ride in.

Rained for my trip home from work. For some reason I thought I wear my nylon jacket instead of my rain cape. Bad choice. I was soaked when I got home.

It was much warmer on the way to work than coming home. Of course, the wind was in my face all the way home tonight. Flip-flops were a bad choice for this optimist.

Had the kid in the carrier for the 7.5 mile leg from preschool to home. EMT, PD, and FD were just arriving on the scene and closing the road along the beach-- Motorcycle/SUV accident. It didn't look good.

Two motorcyclists pulled up next to us as we waited at the road closing, and let out a few expletive or two. Not what any of us two-wheelers like to see.

Car behind me was edging me off the road as we were all making the low speed cop-directed left turn to go around the block.

Unreal. Downed cycle and cop right there and he couldn't even give me and my three year old the courtesy of not threatening us with his car.

No wonder Connecticut is ranked #40 of the 50 states on the "bicycle friendly states" list.

Took transit this morning, and then after work dropped by Sixty Fiver's shop to pick up my bad weather/beater mountain bike. Only, it isn't a beater bike anymore. I had Sixty Fiver swap in some drop bars and bar-end shifters, and overhaul the drivetrain (new chain, cassette, rear derailleur, and bottom bracket). Gave it a good test run by riding home, 18 km. Whooooeeeee, that thing is smooth now. And I'm loving the drop bars. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

There were thundershowers in the forecast, but when I left Sixty's shop, it was still just overcast. I wore my rain jacket anyway. 45 minutes later, still 5 minutes from home, suddenly the wind picked up and the heavens opened. Sure, the rain ran right off my nice new rain jacket, but I have to wonder what the point of rain gear is when I get so hot under it that I get soaked from the inside anyway. Felt bad seeing my brand new chain get wet on it's inagural ride.

Unreal indeed. I despair for the human race. Some of it, anyway.

Was running a little late, decided to stop by Freedom Plaza to check out he Bike to Work Day stuff. It was too early, they were still setting up so, I turned and went to work. Looks like a slow day, I may take the shuttle over there and load up on free stuff.

Yet Another Glorious Morning. Sunny, mid 50sF. Light tailwind. Weird that I only saw one other cyclist, and she was going the other way.

Yesterday I took the rural route home and discovered someone had put up a mosquito tent around a picnic table. I figure it'll get vandalized soon enough. Kids!


I took a pic yesterday...

It was raining all night and still a bit this morning, so I took the cage to the train station today. I deserve a day off after the last couple days. I'm going to go crazy biking this weekend, if the weather's good.

fantastic ride today. sunny, 70 degrees. will really miss bicycle commuting when my company moves June 7th.