How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
#326
Nice riding today, 25 deg. and not a wind in my face. Very little traffic too. One draw back was the salty brine they have poured all over the road for the "snow " they think might come- triad of NC
"Still loven' the commute !" 3SS
"Still loven' the commute !" 3SS
#327
sɹɐʇsɟoןןnɟsʇıbɟɯo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 0
From: seattle, too many links
Bikes: fixed gear recumbent trike
chubby rain.
really chubby.
really chubby.
#328
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
I was planning on taking it easy today, being the first day riding in almost two weeks, but the MUP conspired against me. Over the weekend it got completely blown in with snow. When faced with back tracking or going forward to the next opportunity to rejoin the road, I went forward. I probalby dragged the bike through nearly a km of packed snow.
The temperatures are a bit too warm this week. It was -10C on the ride in and -6C for the ride home, with tail winds both ways. The brown stuff on the roads around the university was getting very deep.
Most of the MUP was plowed on the way home, except for one section where I had to pedal harder than I wanted to. I should have wore my goggles, my sunglasses alone don't provide enough contrast to always spot little drifts on the MUP or sometimes big ones.
I had a bizzare traffic encounter on the way home. I got off the MUP at a spot where I thought they probably hadn't plowed and got on the street. Approaching a red light I got in driving lane because I was turning left. A truck then came up behind me, went around me on the right and proceeded to drive straight through the red light without stopping.
Approaching intersections on a bike is pretty sketch here in the winter. The majority of people don't stop at stop signs or when turning right at a red light.
The temperatures are a bit too warm this week. It was -10C on the ride in and -6C for the ride home, with tail winds both ways. The brown stuff on the roads around the university was getting very deep.
Most of the MUP was plowed on the way home, except for one section where I had to pedal harder than I wanted to. I should have wore my goggles, my sunglasses alone don't provide enough contrast to always spot little drifts on the MUP or sometimes big ones.
I had a bizzare traffic encounter on the way home. I got off the MUP at a spot where I thought they probably hadn't plowed and got on the street. Approaching a red light I got in driving lane because I was turning left. A truck then came up behind me, went around me on the right and proceeded to drive straight through the red light without stopping.
Approaching intersections on a bike is pretty sketch here in the winter. The majority of people don't stop at stop signs or when turning right at a red light.
#329
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Perfect commuting weather in Central Texas... 40's on the way in and mid-50's on the way home. Very little traffic today for a Monday. Got a new tail light for my rack which I'll try out tomorrow if I can find some batteries.
#330
Tawp Dawg
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
Bikes: '06 Surly Pugsley, '14 Surly Straggler, '88 Kuwahara Xtracycle, '10 Motobecane Outcast 29er, '?? Surly Cross Check (wife's), '00 Trek 4500 (wife's), '12 Windsor Oxford 3-speed (dogs')
25F and overcast. It's been snowing a few inches a day since Wednesday (which set me walking to work Thursday through Saturday
), so the MUP's too soft to ride at the moment and I had to go jostle with the cars. Thankfully my class schedule completely misses rush hour, so it isn't nearly as bad this semester. Maybe I'll make all the way to summer without getting honked at!
), so the MUP's too soft to ride at the moment and I had to go jostle with the cars. Thankfully my class schedule completely misses rush hour, so it isn't nearly as bad this semester. Maybe I'll make all the way to summer without getting honked at!
#331
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Uneventful ride home. nice weather - clear and 33-34 degrees F (1C).
Snow is expected tonight and into the morning, with warm temps - right around freezing. I look forward to tomorrow's ride in!
Snow is expected tonight and into the morning, with warm temps - right around freezing. I look forward to tomorrow's ride in!
#332
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
Much warmer today at 26 F ( -3 C). I took my time getting my stuff off my bike and had my hands out of my gloves to unhook everything, as there was no rush to get inside. I do believe that the temps will be this way for the next week or so. Afternoon temps look to be in the low 40s F(low single digits C).
#333
Stealing Spokes since 82'
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 0
From: Boy-z, Ideeeho
Bikes: The always reliable kuwie
29f Really foggy, almost needed the studs this morning as a lot of the fog had frozen to the ground but i did just fine. Got a new set of cleats this weekend so i don't have to swap what was my only set between three pairs of shoes, and im not sure if its the ffact that they're new or that they were cheap but i almost had another clipless "moment" this morning as they are little buggers when disengaging.
#334
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
-18C/0F this morning, warmer but I had a bit of a headwind. It's supposed to be back to warmer temperatures starting tomorrow.
I ran into another cyclist on my way back home last night (I think it was the first time this year). He was going twice my speed so we pretty much just got to say hi, before he zoomed off.
I ran into another cyclist on my way back home last night (I think it was the first time this year). He was going twice my speed so we pretty much just got to say hi, before he zoomed off.
#335
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Bikes: '95 Specialized Hard Rock, '03 (?) Fuji Finest
After a week of snow & ice and telecommuting followed by a week of being sick I finally got in a commute yesterday. It was a slow ride in and about 35 F but despite lingering congestion it felt really good. In the afternoon, I had an offsite meeting downtown at another one of our offices. When I asked about parking my bike, they said just bring it on up in the freight elevator. Awesome! The security guard was a little cranky about it but gave in. I have 3 days of training in that office in February so I'm really happy that worked out. Boy do I feel bad for people that work for companies that are buttheads about bringing your bike inside. It's definitely a big plus to be able to roll it right up to my desk and not have to worry about securing lights and removing everything from my bags. Afternoon rides were in the 50's. Nice!
#336
Old, but not really wise
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 814
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA commuting to Washington DC
Bikes: 2010 Kona Dew Drop (the daily driver),'07 Specialized Roubaix (the sports car), '99 ish Kona NuNu MTB (the SUV), Schwinn High Plains (circa 1992?) (the beater)
Much warmer today than yesterday! I was actually dripping a little bit of sweat. Not complaining, mind, just observing. Learned (for the umpteenth time) that daydreaming while riding has negative consequences...missed the turn off from the towpath to the CCT because I was admiring the scenery, and thinking happy thoughts. Didn't so much miss it, as I was too late to make the ramp without braking hard, and I thought surely there was another easy transition. Rode an extra mile or so on the towpath before I came to another transition point, which was a stairway, so instead of braking hard, I had to dismount and portage. Hopefully I learned the lesson (for a few weeks, anyway).
Lots more cyclists out today, as compared with yesterday, but as tomorrow is supposed to be rainy (or wintry mix, depending on what the temps actually do) its not so surprising.
I need to find a better route around the Lincoln Memorial/reflecting pool/WWII Memorial area -- or at least I need to keep track of which side is closed. It isn't so bad in the mornings, but at night, it tends to be crowded and not much fun.
Lots more cyclists out today, as compared with yesterday, but as tomorrow is supposed to be rainy (or wintry mix, depending on what the temps actually do) its not so surprising.
I need to find a better route around the Lincoln Memorial/reflecting pool/WWII Memorial area -- or at least I need to keep track of which side is closed. It isn't so bad in the mornings, but at night, it tends to be crowded and not much fun.
#337
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Good ride home yesterday. This morning's temp was about the same as yesterday's evening commute (i.e., about 15-20 degrees warmer than the ride in yesterday AM). That brought out some more commuters, too. Yesterday, I only saw three on my way to work. Today, I saw that many in the first mile and came across a couple dozen more by the time I get to work.
With a slight tailwind and a bunch of energy this AM, I had my quickest commute to work in quite some time.
Just got the word from the LBS that the black Surly LHT frame is finally available again through their distributor in the 56 cm size I wanted, and the order was placed! Should take about a week for the frame and requisite parts I ordered to come in. Let the countdown to the final build begin!
With a slight tailwind and a bunch of energy this AM, I had my quickest commute to work in quite some time.
Just got the word from the LBS that the black Surly LHT frame is finally available again through their distributor in the 56 cm size I wanted, and the order was placed! Should take about a week for the frame and requisite parts I ordered to come in. Let the countdown to the final build begin!
#338
In the middle of an intense dream, a voice said "aren't you suppossed to be somewhere?" Wake up to 07:18 on the clock. I'm usually coming out of the office locker room by then. Quickly got suited up and out for a much warmer inbound commute than I have had lately.
Later time meant more traffic, more people, and more red lights. Wow, lot's of lights and I think I caught them all!
Later time meant more traffic, more people, and more red lights. Wow, lot's of lights and I think I caught them all!
#339
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Yet another commuter here who experienced a warmer ride in. Weather.com said 30F, bank sign said 41F downtown. It felt more like 40 than 30 to me. Urban thermal?
I expected to see snow on the ground when I woke up, but the streets were clear. It is still threatening to snow/rain so the evening ride might be wet.
I expected to see snow on the ground when I woke up, but the streets were clear. It is still threatening to snow/rain so the evening ride might be wet.
#340
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC, Canada
Bikes: Velosport Appalache 15
Warmer commute than I've been used to lately. 7C/46F. Overdressed again. I just felt sluggish the whole way in for some reason. I'm looking forward to getting out of here early and enjoying the back side of the mountain.
#342
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Monson, MA
Bikes: Catrike Trail Recumbent trike
Wussed out today and drove, and it was horrible. We had a snow storm last night into this morning. I was pretty surprised to see no schools cancelled or delayed. I left an hour before class. It should only take me 40 mins driving the car, but it took me well over 1.5 hrs. Traffic was horrible and road conditions were not that that great, but not as bad as the traffic made it seem. The way the traffic was, you would have thought we had gotten slammed with a huge Nor'Easter, which definitely was not the case. Once I got to part of the MassPike and all of 291, it was stop and go averaging probably 5-10 mph. https://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/h...orning-commute
Afterwords I kinda wish I took the bike. I wonder if I would have been on time if I rode instead of drove???
Afterwords I kinda wish I took the bike. I wonder if I would have been on time if I rode instead of drove???
#343
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: IRO Model 19, Surly Crosscheck, 1989 Arnie Nashbar, Cannondale CAADX, Niner Air 9
Nice ride in but, my 2nd flat in as many days of riding. I had a flat on Friday afternoon's ride home which I quickly changed because of the cold. Since I couldn't locate the source of the flat and, yesterday was supposed to be among the coldest days of the year, I bailed, taking the Metro instead. This didn't bother me so much as I still have the remnants of some kind of chest cold and the rest was justified. Well, I got another flat this morning, luckily it was warm and I easily and quickly changed the tire along the waterfront. I was able to do a thorough inspection of the tire at work and found a glass or rock shard lodged in the tread-barely visible. I used my Leatherman to pull it out and it quickly shattered. Luckily I was still able to locate the miniscule hole and patched it with a Slime Skabs tire patch, I also patched the tube and am fairly confident that both should hold. Even though I haven't had much luck with patches, I'm currently running only 75 #'s in my CX tires-that shouldn't put too much strain on the patch. We'll see. Other than that I'm going to enjoy the nice temps (mid 40's today) in anticipation of another snow event tomorrow evening/night. It would be fun to ride in on Thursday with a few inches of fresh snow on the ground. Also, I'm hoping to resume our lunch time ride tomorrow, we cancelled the last one.
#344
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
Here's the downside of having a bike locker. Mine happens to be in a parking lot that's used by folks enjoying the weekend nightlife. My nose tells me that some of the party people have been using mine as a pitstop before getting in their cars and driving home. I think I'm going to need to get some bleach. Bleh.
#345
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Phantom Cross
Much warmer this morning then friday, balmy 17 degrees out west of Chi-town. Would love to see the sun though more then 1 time a week. Cloudy dreary day out there today, oh, well, get to try out the amber lenses in my new sunglasses today!
#346
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Here's the downside of having a bike locker. Mine happens to be in a parking lot that's used by folks enjoying the weekend nightlife. My nose tells me that some of the party people have been using mine as a pitstop before getting in their cars and driving home. I think I'm going to need to get some bleach. Bleh.
#347
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC, Canada
Bikes: Velosport Appalache 15
Here's the downside of having a bike locker. Mine happens to be in a parking lot that's used by folks enjoying the weekend nightlife. My nose tells me that some of the party people have been using mine as a pitstop before getting in their cars and driving home. I think I'm going to need to get some bleach. Bleh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL5Xc...eature=related
#348
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: PVD, RI
Bikes: '82 Schwinn LeTour fixie
Rode into today, much nicer than yesterday in some ways (fingers were still toasty-ish by the end of the ride in the morning), not as nice in others. We got a dusting overnight and it was lightly snowy as I rolled out at 7:30. Roads were surprisingly more full of anti-ice gunk than cars. The latter was pleasant, the former not so much— after passing through the mess of a I-95 interchange, I had to pull over and shake the dirt-ice slushie oozing out of my fenders. Got some weird looks from car commuters there... As I was waiting at a stoplight a few blocks from my destination, the school crossing guard shouted out "God bless ya, ridin' a bike in this weatha, god bless!". Always a nice hurrah near the final stretch!
I totally misread the weather— thought it was supposed to be only a light snow stopping by early morning, but pretty big flakes were coming down till lunch for a total of 3 inches. Not too thrilled about having to leave my bike outside for that, especially since I absent-mindedly locked my helmet up out there... Roads were totally cleaned out by the evening though, no problem getting home.
I totally misread the weather— thought it was supposed to be only a light snow stopping by early morning, but pretty big flakes were coming down till lunch for a total of 3 inches. Not too thrilled about having to leave my bike outside for that, especially since I absent-mindedly locked my helmet up out there... Roads were totally cleaned out by the evening though, no problem getting home.
#349
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
The remnants of the brief (but heavy) snowstorm were on the otherwise wet streets for the ride home this evening. The Nokians sliced right through the crud.
#350
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
40's on the way in this morning...but it felt like it was in the 30's from the northerly head wind that was blowing. Temps warmed to the mid-50's with sun for the ride home. No complaints...
Tried out a new 4D tail light from Bush and Muller today for the first time. It connects directly to the back on my Tubus Cargo rack. The light is very bright and it does not flash.

Very nice setup...
Tried out a new 4D tail light from Bush and Muller today for the first time. It connects directly to the back on my Tubus Cargo rack. The light is very bright and it does not flash.

Very nice setup...




