How was the commute today? Continued.
#5951
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Flat front from the other day got inside my head. Front of the bike felt squirrely on the way home, as if getting low on air. I kept looking and it was fine. Hooked up the pump/guage when I got home and pressure was what it should be. Checked the QR... everything was and is seated properly. Guess the squirelliness was all in my head. Still a nice ride home.
Good ride in today, too. I think the brake squeal fairy paid my bike a visit last night. One of my weekend projects was going to be cleaning front rim and brake pad and adjusting the toe b/c the squeal from the front brakes was getting embarassing. Well, fast forward to this AM and they didn't make a sound amy time I stopped or slowed along the way to work... Works for me. I seem to be developing some other sort of drivetrain-related mystery noise in its place, though. :-\
Bit of a headwind this AM, but I gladly accepted it since it meant it was still only 66 when I left home at 8:30. Nice and cool for a DC August morning. I tried to relish the cool weather, since the longer term forecast seems to indicate it's going bye-bye this weekend and will be gone for a while.
Good ride in today, too. I think the brake squeal fairy paid my bike a visit last night. One of my weekend projects was going to be cleaning front rim and brake pad and adjusting the toe b/c the squeal from the front brakes was getting embarassing. Well, fast forward to this AM and they didn't make a sound amy time I stopped or slowed along the way to work... Works for me. I seem to be developing some other sort of drivetrain-related mystery noise in its place, though. :-\
Bit of a headwind this AM, but I gladly accepted it since it meant it was still only 66 when I left home at 8:30. Nice and cool for a DC August morning. I tried to relish the cool weather, since the longer term forecast seems to indicate it's going bye-bye this weekend and will be gone for a while.
#5952
9C and windy. Tail wind for the most part, but at times it felt like it was coming from all directions at once. If the forecast is correct, it'll be a stiff headwind for the ride home.
I rode my drop-bar converted mountain bike for the first time in two weeks today. Heavy beast compared to my road bike. As I was climbing the main hill of my commute, I had this weird sensation like something was tugging me backwards with each pedal stroke. I checked the wheels when I got to my destination, and they spin freely under no load, so there's no obvious brake rub. Dunno.
5 for 5 this week, only the second time this year.
I rode my drop-bar converted mountain bike for the first time in two weeks today. Heavy beast compared to my road bike. As I was climbing the main hill of my commute, I had this weird sensation like something was tugging me backwards with each pedal stroke. I checked the wheels when I got to my destination, and they spin freely under no load, so there's no obvious brake rub. Dunno.
5 for 5 this week, only the second time this year.
#5953
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC, Canada
Bikes: Velosport Appalache 15
Left for work at 3am this morning. Decided to push myself for a long ride and headed out east to take the Golden Ears bridge. Meandered through some farm roads and along a nice bike route under a power line right of way. Saw about 8 rabbits and crossed paths with a skunk. I'm very, very happy with my new flashlight bolted to my bike. Way better headlight than the bike specific headlight next to it at the same price. Rolled in to work on time despite having taken a total wrong turn. 77km and 3:22:22 moving time.
#5954
Clyde that Rides
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Bikes: 2008 Jamis Aurora,1988 Specialized Hardrock, 1980? Kuwahara Carrera
Last commute of the relatively relaxed summer season for me. After a late night, I felt kinda crappy before I left home, but felt good on the bike. I'm really enjoying the freshly repaved roads along most of the ride. There's one section I really wish the town would do something about, but I'm not going to complain since the improvements that happened were needed badly. Spun in most of the way, but the breeze held me up a bit.
10 motorcycles in bicycle parking again this AM. Of the approximately 25 bicycle parking spots, only 4 or 5 were accessible (enough room to safely park and lock my bike without risking damage to either my bike or the motorcycles) between motorcycles. I can't wait for these fair weather, motorcycle posers go back to their cars for the winter. Ya know it's funny, Monday/ Tuesday this week were cool and drizzly... not a single motorcycle to be found... Sunny warm Friday and there's 10 of 'em.
For the season, I did pretty good averaging 3 or 4 commutes a week thru the summer semester including a some days when I played softball after work and rode home after 8 PM. Dropped a couple lbs this summer, and pushed my equipment a bit trying to figure out where I go next with my next bike set-up.
On Monday I'll be entering the Thunderdome as the kiddes will be back on campus, sleeping in then rushing to make their classes and gobbling up parking spaces like ravers gobble E. I foresee a rough couple weeks until apathy sets in, then I get to worry about darkness.
10 motorcycles in bicycle parking again this AM. Of the approximately 25 bicycle parking spots, only 4 or 5 were accessible (enough room to safely park and lock my bike without risking damage to either my bike or the motorcycles) between motorcycles. I can't wait for these fair weather, motorcycle posers go back to their cars for the winter. Ya know it's funny, Monday/ Tuesday this week were cool and drizzly... not a single motorcycle to be found... Sunny warm Friday and there's 10 of 'em.
For the season, I did pretty good averaging 3 or 4 commutes a week thru the summer semester including a some days when I played softball after work and rode home after 8 PM. Dropped a couple lbs this summer, and pushed my equipment a bit trying to figure out where I go next with my next bike set-up.
On Monday I'll be entering the Thunderdome as the kiddes will be back on campus, sleeping in then rushing to make their classes and gobbling up parking spaces like ravers gobble E. I foresee a rough couple weeks until apathy sets in, then I get to worry about darkness.
#5955
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
The weather was incredible this am 63 degrees when I got to the office. I had flat #5 on the way home Wednesday, and #6 on the way in this morning. I was a couple miles to work and not wanting to mess with it decided to stop and pump it up every mile. Not sure if it was the greatest plan but I got here and will fix before leaving this afternoon.
#5956
On a Mission from God
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 5
From: Thibodaux, LA
Bikes: '10 Surly LHT, Rat-rod Klunker, '82 Peugeot PH12 Centennial
Had a good commute this morning... no yelling, no close calls. Weather was cool and overcast, which is a relief for the massive heat we've been having. I seriously thought about driving today, but bit the bullet and got on the bike instead, and I'm glad I did.
#5957
Stealing Spokes since 82'
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 0
From: Boy-z, Ideeeho
Bikes: The always reliable kuwie
Good ole boise weather 106 yesterday 51 this morning with a high of 77 today, these temp changes really mess with my head. The only place ive been worse than boise is laramie wy.
#5958
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Huge day on the bike yesterday: an hour of tempo on the way in, then the Airport Ride (aka Thursday Night World Championship) in the evening. Of course the ride home was into a headwind.
This morning, very easy spin.
This morning, very easy spin.
#5959
Stealing Spokes since 82'
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 0
From: Boy-z, Ideeeho
Bikes: The always reliable kuwie
Well i managed to hit a cat on my way home, dont worry the little guy was fine thankfully i hit him with my crank arm and foot and not the tire. Im not even sure where he darted out from but one sec nothing the next bam a little white kitty is bouncing off my foot i stopped to make sure he was ok, seemed more pissed than hurt i waited till he started to walk away and he was walking fine so i continued on my way. That makes two animals this year
#5960
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 183
From: south Puget Sound
17 miles with the trail-a-bike to/from my job's summer picnic. First 9 miles were also w/ my 9 yr old on his bike, but he ate himself sick at the picnic and, combined w/ a weird mechanical, he and his bike got a ride to my wife's office for the rest of the day.
5 yr old on t-a-b got sooo excited when we were pushing 40mph down this one hill. She claims to be shy and tremulous, but she is the biggest nut in the family.
5 yr old on t-a-b got sooo excited when we were pushing 40mph down this one hill. She claims to be shy and tremulous, but she is the biggest nut in the family.
#5961
I chase bikes!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey, that's in the USA
Bikes: Motobécane Grand Record, Surly LHT, and LHT Deluxe Build
Today and yesterday were cooler, long sleeves over the short sleeve shirt I road in wearing on the ride home. Tonight it was almost cold on the way home. I had a doctors appointment this AM and put the bike on the rack for the ride there, took the wife with me and left on the bike and she took the car. I didn't want to arrive in a sweat, also she wanted to take my blood pressure and I didn't want to effect the reading. Beautiful weather and as I said almost cold on the way home. This time of year I have to take an extra something to wear in case it's colder then expected. Speaking of riding in cold weather, does anyone else ride wearing goggles in the winter? My eyes tear when riding in winter weather and I wear them for that reason.
#5962
On a Mission from God
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 5
From: Thibodaux, LA
Bikes: '10 Surly LHT, Rat-rod Klunker, '82 Peugeot PH12 Centennial
When I lived in colder climates, I used to wear safety goggles to ride when it got below freezing. Helped a ton with the wind.
I actually wussed out yesterday on the way home. I had ordered some Axiom full fenders, and LED bulbs for my lights.... wouldn't you know, they came in a day too late. By the time I got off work, it was full-on pouring. I packed everything in my panniers with huge zip-lock bags, and headed out to my dad's house a mile away. I fixed their computer, and then he gave me a ride home.
Fenders are on the bike now!
I actually wussed out yesterday on the way home. I had ordered some Axiom full fenders, and LED bulbs for my lights.... wouldn't you know, they came in a day too late. By the time I got off work, it was full-on pouring. I packed everything in my panniers with huge zip-lock bags, and headed out to my dad's house a mile away. I fixed their computer, and then he gave me a ride home.
Fenders are on the bike now!
#5963
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Cannondale T700s and a few others
Pretty good week now that the heat broke. Really been off my riding for almost 6 weeks. Managed 4 days commuting this week. Had to drive one day to haul some stuff. The Rain gods were kind and left me clear ride home on Thursday after a brutal 2 hour storm that parked over where I was. Rained so hard we had to drop all the dock doors and they sounded like snare drums as the rain hit them for nearly an hour.
Been going in a little early to beat some of the heat and on the verge of breaking out the headlights.
Hate having to drag the extra weight.
Been going in a little early to beat some of the heat and on the verge of breaking out the headlights.
Hate having to drag the extra weight.
#5964
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Bikes: Trek 7500
I just got back from vacation so it has been a long couple rides getting back into things. To make things worse I had a wipeout today on my way home from work. I had a nice slide on a turn when I was going about 20 mph. Damn sand on the roads. I was lucky the car that was getting ready to pass had enough time to stop. A little road rash was the only damage besides my pride. I had a several cars watch it happen. But I hopped up and kept on going. Tomorrow's ride is really going to hurt.
#5965
Stealing Spokes since 82'
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 0
From: Boy-z, Ideeeho
Bikes: The always reliable kuwie
Raining this morning Thankfully i at least bought a cheap front fender yesterday, made in with out getting too wet
Note: those planet bike clip on fenders suck bad, i ended up using the rear fender as the front to at least provide sorta full coverage. Maybe the rain will stop for my ride home.
Note: those planet bike clip on fenders suck bad, i ended up using the rear fender as the front to at least provide sorta full coverage. Maybe the rain will stop for my ride home.
#5966
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, Maryland
Bikes: Trek 820 mtb, A no name red steel pipe bike, my commuter
A very nice ride in the summer warmth. The bike just plows through the darkness.
#5967
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
If it wasnt for the rides in, I could take days like this off and drive in. It was beautiful on hte way in. Had to stop twice to tighten my mirror but still made in in the usual time. But it is suppose to be 91 or more this afternoon. I dont really care, I have ridden 94 or better is seems like all year, but soooooo many hot days, I really thought about taking this one off. But alas, it is just too nice in the morning not to ride.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#5968
Another super ride in. Weather was great, low 60s, and the roads were pretty empty. School starts this week here, and I am a little anxious to see how the afternoon commute will be affected.
I'm riding my mtb these days, as I am outfitting my new commuter. I was simply awestruck this morning as to the difference between small fat tires and large hard tires. The chubbies really dampen the road shock and vibrations from the hard-packed gravel. I'm putting serious thought into putting 700 chubbies on the commuter.
I'm riding my mtb these days, as I am outfitting my new commuter. I was simply awestruck this morning as to the difference between small fat tires and large hard tires. The chubbies really dampen the road shock and vibrations from the hard-packed gravel. I'm putting serious thought into putting 700 chubbies on the commuter.
#5969
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Antioch, IL
Bikes: Giant Defy Advanced 0, Rivendell- Sam Hillborne, Montague folding bike.
Beautiful day in Northern Ilinois this morning. Getting a bit warm and the forcast is calling for high 80's. Traffic unusually heavy even for a school day. Backup at Mundelein HS easily 1/2 mile maybe longer. No school buses. I suspect they had some type of contract issue. Odd thing was that there were no, as in absolutely none, kids on bikes. What's with that? Are bikes banned from schools these days?
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"Why is there a hill after every meal, but not a meal after every hill?"
--Overheard on Grabaawr
"Why is there a hill after every meal, but not a meal after every hill?"
--Overheard on Grabaawr
#5970
On a Mission from God
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 5
From: Thibodaux, LA
Bikes: '10 Surly LHT, Rat-rod Klunker, '82 Peugeot PH12 Centennial
The ride to work this morning wasn't the greatest... lights malfunctioned, I fixed that, then got a flat in the middle of the ghetto. Changed the tire in a canefield, got covered in mud, and only got to work 10 minutes late. Shazam! Looks like I'm going to spend my lunch hour cleaning up my bike and patching tubes.
#5971
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Comfortable, 60sF, slight headwind. Sunny. Summer is back!
Mid-to-upper 80sF most of this week.
School starts today, I think. I saw more younglings on bicycles than usual this morning.
And there's this very cute woman runner, well I think likely she's "too young" for me, she's starting to recognize me and she always smiles and waves and says hi when we pass. I return the greetings and try not to crash into anything.
Mid-to-upper 80sF most of this week.School starts today, I think. I saw more younglings on bicycles than usual this morning.
And there's this very cute woman runner, well I think likely she's "too young" for me, she's starting to recognize me and she always smiles and waves and says hi when we pass. I return the greetings and try not to crash into anything.
#5972
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Trek FX series, somewhat modified.
This morning's madison commute
Warm, 72. Not much wind. Fast commute on a beautiful late summer day around the lakes. Starting to think about winter rig, unfortunately. The only negative was the 4 gang banger looking youths walking line abreast on the MUP when I came around the turn at 22 MPH. I yell "On your left" and they don't move. I look to the left, and pedestrians are walking in the opposite direction at well. I hit the brakes, and go far around to the right, almost losing it on the rough ground and rocks. I notice all four of the jerks are wearing headphones. I cheerily exchange pleasantries and take off again. That just pisses me off.
Last edited by Pogoagogo; 08-30-10 at 08:23 AM.
#5973
About 7C/45F this morning on wet roads. I lucked out as it had stopped raining before I started my commute, and didn't start again until after I got to work. Admittedly, when it's this cool and raining, I feel a little less motivated to ride, but then I remind myself that I almost never regret riding my bike. A bad day on the bike is still better than a good day on public transit.
Actually, riding home on Friday afternoon was a pretty bad day, particularly near home where there's something about the area where wind seems to get funneled down this one street I take. I had a good headwind most of the way home, but the last mile felt like a hurricane. I couldn't believe how hard I had to work to keep up a road-worthy speed and maintain a relatively straight line. I was really tempted to hop onto the sidewalk.
Actually, riding home on Friday afternoon was a pretty bad day, particularly near home where there's something about the area where wind seems to get funneled down this one street I take. I had a good headwind most of the way home, but the last mile felt like a hurricane. I couldn't believe how hard I had to work to keep up a road-worthy speed and maintain a relatively straight line. I was really tempted to hop onto the sidewalk.
#5974
On a Mission from God
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 5
From: Thibodaux, LA
Bikes: '10 Surly LHT, Rat-rod Klunker, '82 Peugeot PH12 Centennial
Warm, 72. Not much wind. Fast commute on a beautiful late summer day around the lakes. Starting to think about winter rig, unfortunately. The only negative was the 4 gang banger looking youths walking line abreast on the MUP when I came around the turn at 22 MPH. I yell "On your left" and they don't move. I look to the left, and pedestrians are walking in the opposite direction at well. I hit the brakes, and go far around to the right, almost losing it on the rough ground and rocks. I notice all four of the jerks are wearing headphones. I cheerily exchange pleasantries and take off again. That just pisses me off.
#5975
Pretty cold this morning, or it felt like it anyway. I think this was the first 'cold' commute I've had since the summer. My ears were aching a bit when I got to work. I wore some bright white khaki pants and my right pant leg got quite chewed up in my chainring and is torn and black now. It was pretty windy as well.





