How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
#3626
I let the dogs out
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 2
From: Boulder, CO
Bikes: 2011 Fuji Roubaix 1.0, 2003 Ti Merlin Solis, & 1994 Raleigh MT200
On the way in to school today, it was only like 55 degrees. It was much colder than it has been in a while, and I was shivering in my day-glow jersey and bike shorts. I cut the commute short, because I didn't want to take the long way through the cold.
On the way home, it warmed up a bit, but there was a constant threat of rain. I got a few drops of rain on me here and there, but I came out dry.
On the way home, it warmed up a bit, but there was a constant threat of rain. I got a few drops of rain on me here and there, but I came out dry.
#3627
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: East Metro Atlanta, GA, USA
Bikes: Giant Sedona (Mid 90's), Giant Seek 2, Greenspeed Anura
My co-worker/riding partner and I both rode in. LOVED the weather here in Atlanta, today.
#3628
Back to my Boston commute after a summer of Berkshire riding and Cape Cod commuting/riding. It was rainy, quiet on the bike path and there were a lot of geese. Some new construction on my bike path and some missing trees due to Irene.
#3629
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
Heavy rain, then 2 miles into my ride, BANG!, and the back tire was gone. I walked home the 2 miles, changed everything to my MTB and back out into the rain, smelling like a wet dog. Mornings like this are bound to happen, if you ride regularly, but it is a good thing that they are rare me, especially in the morning darkness. It's always a pleasure to take the MTB out, as the ride is lower and hill climbing is much easier.
#3630
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Squeezed in a ride from home after work yesterday as the sky finally cleared from TS Lee. Then as I was heading home from my loop, I noticed the sky getting very black again to the south with occasional lightning. Booked it home and the bottom dropped out 5 minutes after I got back. It was like this all day in NC -- bands of showers from the tropical storm followed by partial clearing and then more bands of showers.
Rode to work this morning because the rain has cleared for now and I figured I could time my commute home between shower bands if necessary. The air was warm and extremely humid and my clothes were soaked after riding 10 miles.
Rode to work this morning because the rain has cleared for now and I figured I could time my commute home between shower bands if necessary. The air was warm and extremely humid and my clothes were soaked after riding 10 miles.
#3631
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Raining this morning. Temps around 60F/15C.
I had somebody pull out in front of me from a driveway. You know how you can tell someone isn't going to stop based on their speed? That plus the fact that the driver was looking the other way meant I was already on the brakes. When the driver finally turned his head and saw my neon green self, he stabbed the brakes and jerked to a quick-skidded halt halfway out in the road. I was already aiming behind him, so I aborted that and made a lazy arc around the front of the car, shaking my head ruefully as I did so.
I had somebody pull out in front of me from a driveway. You know how you can tell someone isn't going to stop based on their speed? That plus the fact that the driver was looking the other way meant I was already on the brakes. When the driver finally turned his head and saw my neon green self, he stabbed the brakes and jerked to a quick-skidded halt halfway out in the road. I was already aiming behind him, so I aborted that and made a lazy arc around the front of the car, shaking my head ruefully as I did so.
#3632
Back in the game...

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Keller, TX
Bikes: 1985 Trek 400; 1999 Specialized Rock Hopper (rigid, slicks); 2007 Crosscheck
Today was the first commute after a very long (multi-year) hiatus. I've been riding quite a bit this summer, but schedule and weather kept me from the commute. The kids are back in school, and the heat here in N TX finally broke, so here we go again. Today was beautiful, even a bit chilly. It's going to take me a while to remember the nuances of the route and figure out what's changed (a few new stoplights, new potholes, new school zone) but today felt great.
#3633
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Billingas, Montana
Left the house at 6:30, about 58 degrees, slight breeze. After a few blocks, I wished my fingerless biking gloves were not fingerless! Maybe I need to go shopping.
My commute is a 5 mile ride, mostly on side streets with no traffic at all. Nice!
My commute is a 5 mile ride, mostly on side streets with no traffic at all. Nice!
#3634
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 16
From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: Felt VR5, '85 Trek 520, '84 Trek 890
First commute ever to my real job this morning. (I'm a school teacher. My summer job doesn't count.)
50°F, 5-15mph N head wind. I need full-finger gloves and a head warmer. Brrrrrr.
50°F, 5-15mph N head wind. I need full-finger gloves and a head warmer. Brrrrrr.
#3635
Today was the first commute after a very long (multi-year) hiatus. I've been riding quite a bit this summer, but schedule and weather kept me from the commute. The kids are back in school, and the heat here in N TX finally broke, so here we go again. Today was beautiful, even a bit chilly. It's going to take me a while to remember the nuances of the route and figure out what's changed (a few new stoplights, new potholes, new school zone) but today felt great.
#3636
rained out
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
I'm definitely a fair-weather commuter, and the inevitable ice and snow will put me out of commission til spring when it comes, but I'm going to enjoy this until then!
#3637
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City, OK
The temperature crashed from being 106 in the afternoons to being in the low 80s. It was cold enough for me to contemplate a light jacket when I left in the morning.
I freakin love it! Was getting sick of the heat.
I freakin love it! Was getting sick of the heat.
#3638
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, Surly Long Haul Trucker, Trek FX 7.2
Hi all, I've been commuting everyday since Memorial Day but I have yet to post here. Thought I'd give it a go.
It's been raining here all week since a cold front moved through and met up with Tropical Storm Lee. I ride with bright flashing lights, front and back, and wear highly visible clothing. I pack my gear in panniers.
This morning, as I was riding up a busy road, in what might graciously be called the bike lane, a semi blew past me mere inches away. I could have touched it with my left hand without reaching. That kind of thing angers me because there is no reason for it. I'm not big on retribution, people make mistakes, but if a driver cannot, or will not, operate heavy machinery in a safe manner, they should not be allowed to.
Next time such a thing happens, I'm going to try and be prepared to get the license plate number. Maybe I should put a camera on my bike so I can capture such things. Don't know what I'd do with it though.
Sorry, just kind of felt the need to vent a little.
It's been raining here all week since a cold front moved through and met up with Tropical Storm Lee. I ride with bright flashing lights, front and back, and wear highly visible clothing. I pack my gear in panniers.
This morning, as I was riding up a busy road, in what might graciously be called the bike lane, a semi blew past me mere inches away. I could have touched it with my left hand without reaching. That kind of thing angers me because there is no reason for it. I'm not big on retribution, people make mistakes, but if a driver cannot, or will not, operate heavy machinery in a safe manner, they should not be allowed to.
Next time such a thing happens, I'm going to try and be prepared to get the license plate number. Maybe I should put a camera on my bike so I can capture such things. Don't know what I'd do with it though.
Sorry, just kind of felt the need to vent a little.
#3639
Welcome to the new and returning commuters!
This morning was about 10C/50F, sunny and calm. Summer is here for the week, and it looks like we'll have warmer weather now than we've had all summer so far. The nice thing is that the shorter days means it cools off nicely at night, making it much easier to sleep.
I ride past an off-leash dog park that doubles as a hot-air balloon launch point, so I'll frequently see balloons being inflated as I ride by. Saw one being set up this morning, and when I got to my office, I saw it float by in the distance.
This morning was about 10C/50F, sunny and calm. Summer is here for the week, and it looks like we'll have warmer weather now than we've had all summer so far. The nice thing is that the shorter days means it cools off nicely at night, making it much easier to sleep.
I ride past an off-leash dog park that doubles as a hot-air balloon launch point, so I'll frequently see balloons being inflated as I ride by. Saw one being set up this morning, and when I got to my office, I saw it float by in the distance.
#3640
Hi all, I've been commuting everyday since Memorial Day but I have yet to post here. Thought I'd give it a go.
It's been raining here all week since a cold front moved through and met up with Tropical Storm Lee. I ride with bright flashing lights, front and back, and wear highly visible clothing. I pack my gear in panniers.
This morning, as I was riding up a busy road, in what might graciously be called the bike lane, a semi blew past me mere inches away. I could have touched it with my left hand without reaching. That kind of thing angers me because there is no reason for it. I'm not big on retribution, people make mistakes, but if a driver cannot, or will not, operate heavy machinery in a safe manner, they should not be allowed to.
Next time such a thing happens, I'm going to try and be prepared to get the license plate number. Maybe I should put a camera on my bike so I can capture such things. Don't know what I'd do with it though.
Sorry, just kind of felt the need to vent a little.
It's been raining here all week since a cold front moved through and met up with Tropical Storm Lee. I ride with bright flashing lights, front and back, and wear highly visible clothing. I pack my gear in panniers.
This morning, as I was riding up a busy road, in what might graciously be called the bike lane, a semi blew past me mere inches away. I could have touched it with my left hand without reaching. That kind of thing angers me because there is no reason for it. I'm not big on retribution, people make mistakes, but if a driver cannot, or will not, operate heavy machinery in a safe manner, they should not be allowed to.
Next time such a thing happens, I'm going to try and be prepared to get the license plate number. Maybe I should put a camera on my bike so I can capture such things. Don't know what I'd do with it though.
Sorry, just kind of felt the need to vent a little.
3+ months means you've made it a part of your life.
Feel free to vent- we all do. And it does indeed suck when the fun of commuting by bike gets marred by bad drivers. Fortunately, 99% of the time it's such a blast you wonder why everyone isn't doing it. My wife and I refer to our commutes by bike as being on vacation every morning and then again at night on the way home.
If you ride the same route every day and that truck passes again get a number and call the trucking company's dispatcher and make a complaint.
Hope to hear from you again!
#3641
born again cyclist
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 88
From: Chicago
Bikes: I have five of brikes
for the 3rd morning in a row now, i've had to battle stupidly strong headwinds blowing right at me off the lake from the NE, 20-30 knots. not exactly fun.
at least the rides home have been exciting! and it is kinda cool when lake michigan gets all crazy and violent. this strong NE wind pattern is supposed to stick around for one more day at least.
at least the rides home have been exciting! and it is kinda cool when lake michigan gets all crazy and violent. this strong NE wind pattern is supposed to stick around for one more day at least.
#3642
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
I've decided to add some extra distance to my morning and/or evening commutes while the weather is still warm. That should increase my daily distance from 31km to around 50km. By the end of the week a narrow section of highway with no shoulder should be twice as wide and freshly paved. This removes the one sketchy section of a loop outside the city I like doing.
#3643
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
for the 3rd morning in a row now, i've had to battle stupidly strong headwinds blowing right at me off the lake from the NE, 20-30 knots. not exactly fun.
at least the rides home have been exciting! and it is kinda cool when lake michigan gets all crazy and violent. this strong NE wind pattern is supposed to stick around for one more day at least.
at least the rides home have been exciting! and it is kinda cool when lake michigan gets all crazy and violent. this strong NE wind pattern is supposed to stick around for one more day at least.
#3645
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,155
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Bikes: rockhopper, delta V, cannondale H300, Marin Mill Valley
Dry ride in, dry ride home, but I rode in the rain all day between the commuting, carrying cardboard boxes on my flat bed trailer. It's a pain keeping boxes dry in the rain. At least it was warm enough to ride in sandals, so I didn't have to spend the day in wet shoes.
#3646
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
From: Henderson/Las Vegas NV
Bikes: Giant Defy 2
Still 100 degrees in Vegas but again, that's on the downhill commute home. 72 this morning. 10 more degrees and I might have to share part of my route with another bicycle if one ever shows up. Haven't seen any all summer.
#3647
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
56 degrees and raining. I still have not figured out the glasses thing. Today I just wore my glasses and rode in the rain, instead of contacts. They did get covered in rain, but suprisingly I could still see pretty well, did hit a bump I probably would have missed otherwise. I think I will quit worrying about it and just wear whatever corrective lenses I have on and ride.
__________________
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#3649
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
I tried that and it works, but it made my glasses cloudy. I will try it on my old glasses and just wear them in the rain. Thanks for the idea.
__________________
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#3650
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, Surly Long Haul Trucker, Trek FX 7.2
56 and heavy misting here this morning. No wind to speak of. Commute went smoothly.
Last night on the way home I had a flat tire. It lasted till I got home, barely. But, at least I didn't have to fix it in the rain, or walk.
I'm giving up on these Vittoria Randonneur Hyper tires. I got them the last week of July and this is my 5th flat. I see that Schwalbe finally has its Marathon Plus back in stock for the size I want, that's what I'm going to get next.
Last night on the way home I had a flat tire. It lasted till I got home, barely. But, at least I didn't have to fix it in the rain, or walk.
I'm giving up on these Vittoria Randonneur Hyper tires. I got them the last week of July and this is my 5th flat. I see that Schwalbe finally has its Marathon Plus back in stock for the size I want, that's what I'm going to get next.





