How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
#351
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
-13C/9F on the way home. Got about an inch of snow, though it was gone almost everywhere except some portions of sidewalk. Don't remember if it was all there on the way to work. Must have had some snow last night as I saw a plow on the sidewalk this morning too.
#352
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
I can think of a fix! It's the funnest game in the whole wide world... Don't whiz on the electric fence!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL5Xc...eature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL5Xc...eature=related
#353
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
Snowing heavily, and right around freezing. I rode in with about an inch on the road, but the car tire tracks had frozen, so were useless. I rode on the fresh snow and had no problems, other than paying close attention. Iced over glasses are worse than foggy glasses, so I had to pull them down enough to keep the ice/snow from pelting my eyes. The real stuff is supposed to come tonight, but we will start the day with up to 3 inches, (7 cm). I have a window between 12 and 3 to make a get away, and that is my plan.
#354
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
Now that I'm finally getting over my nasty cold, all my kids and my wife have it now, and I'm finally feeling better. I'll probably try to start riding again tomorrow. It's only been a week, but it feels like a month.
My legs are going to hate me.
My legs are going to hate me.
#355
Quite a hoot today. 2-3" of snow in Baltimore but only 1" in the DC/PG area. Return trip promises to be even nastier.
@Fletch: I didn't use glasses this morn. The ice pellets hurt but I could see. Be safe this afternoon.
@Fletch: I didn't use glasses this morn. The ice pellets hurt but I could see. Be safe this afternoon.
#358
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
Slushy and wet, not bad otherwise-mild temps with a mix of freezing rain and just plain gross rain. Forgot to re-install my fenders last night and was soaked in the first 100 yards or so. Luckily my patched tire and tube both held, would have been a miserable morning to change another tube. My bike is currently sitting in my cube, dripping from both the rr. derailleur and bottom bracket-it's sitting on top of paper towels-and my shoes/pants are hanging from the bars with a fan blowing on them, hopefully they'll be dry for the ride home. It now looks like they're calling for as many 8 inches by tomorrow morning-now that will be a fun ride!
#359
It's true, man.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Bikes: Cannondale T1000, Inbred SS 29er, Supercaliber 29er, Crescent Mark XX, Burley Rumba Tandem
Really pretty out, but chilly at 30F.
I finally did it. No, I didn't forget my shoes, but I did grab two shoes of different pairs.
One was my usual office shoe, one was my wife's work shoe.
So now, I'm in silver PI mtb shoes and jeans and a sweater, she's going to go wait tables in... something other than her requisite black shoe..
My right shoe has a cracked soleplate that makes a distinct POP every step I take. Good for calling coworkers' attention to my feet, in case they were gonna miss them otherwise.
I finally did it. No, I didn't forget my shoes, but I did grab two shoes of different pairs.
One was my usual office shoe, one was my wife's work shoe.
So now, I'm in silver PI mtb shoes and jeans and a sweater, she's going to go wait tables in... something other than her requisite black shoe..
My right shoe has a cracked soleplate that makes a distinct POP every step I take. Good for calling coworkers' attention to my feet, in case they were gonna miss them otherwise.
#360
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Monson, MA
Bikes: Catrike Trail Recumbent trike
Pretty good commute at 10F and overcast with winds from the NNE @ 4mph. Had to take a weird detour because the main road was closed for some reason. It involved way more climbing than usual and added almost 2 miles onto my commute. It was a narrow road that had a lot of traffic because everyone was getting deverted. It was a good thing that I had left very early, because I still made it to school in plenty of time. Took another fall today because of ice underneath a layer of snow. At least I didn't break anything one the bike this time.
#362
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
Really pretty out, but chilly at 30F.
I finally did it. No, I didn't forget my shoes, but I did grab two shoes of different pairs.
One was my usual office shoe, one was my wife's work shoe.
So now, I'm in silver PI mtb shoes and jeans and a sweater, she's going to go wait tables in... something other than her requisite black shoe..
My right shoe has a cracked soleplate that makes a distinct POP every step I take. Good for calling coworkers' attention to my feet, in case they were gonna miss them otherwise.
I finally did it. No, I didn't forget my shoes, but I did grab two shoes of different pairs.
One was my usual office shoe, one was my wife's work shoe.
So now, I'm in silver PI mtb shoes and jeans and a sweater, she's going to go wait tables in... something other than her requisite black shoe..
My right shoe has a cracked soleplate that makes a distinct POP every step I take. Good for calling coworkers' attention to my feet, in case they were gonna miss them otherwise.
This cracked me up!
I had a nice ride in. Foggy, low 20's F, streets were wet with icy patches wherever the accumulated salt had not settled.
My glasses got a little misty, so I was vigilant to watch approaching cars in my mirror knowing that their windshields were likely to be misty as well.
#363
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: New York City
Bikes: Jamis Citizen with racks, fenders, lights and trunk bag.
Snowier than expected in NYC this morning.
We were supposed to get flurries turning to drizzle this morning before the blizzard arrived this evening. Left home with light snow, clear wet roads, 36º; no snow sticking. Arrived at work an hour later with heavy snow, and 3 inches stuck to the roads. Still above freezing, so no ice, just stayed on the fresh snow, low gear, and had no problems. Think I'll have to subway home tonight, though.
#365
30f, but felt colder. I was a little under-dressed, and my hands let me know it (still have some tingling two hours later). Roads were very sandy from the last snowstorm, which made for some tenuous riding. After being woken up by the Sheriff, and finding out that my garage/truck had been broken into, I was pumped full of adrenalin. Thankfully, both of my bikes were untouched.
I really need to find some warmer gloves that aren't as bulky/hot as my PI Barrier jobbies.
I really need to find some warmer gloves that aren't as bulky/hot as my PI Barrier jobbies.
#366
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Phantom Cross
Not bad out this morning, took me forever to get my balaclava situated right so I wasn't constantly fogging up my lenses though. Anyone have any special tricks for this? My mask has mesh over the mouth and a nose cut out so it's not too much hot hair goes towards the glasses, but still can be tricky.
Also, don't you love the cars that gun it when they pass you? Like their stating something....OoOoOoO....look at me, I can make this car go fast!
Also, don't you love the cars that gun it when they pass you? Like their stating something....OoOoOoO....look at me, I can make this car go fast!
#367
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, CA
Bikes: Lynskey R230 DA DI2 ENVE 3.4 SES, 6KU Fixie, Cheap Aluminum Slapstick Trainer only bike
Bit drained riding in. Dentist appointment which was to end at 6:30 ended at 8PM... I rode back next 12 miles (with 1400 ft inclines total) in rather hurry with numbed mouth and trying not to spill my drink (was supposed to be easy ride up day) as I did want to get back home at some sane time.
Tonight is going to be real slow and easy ride back up... weather does look promising with slight headwind projected at 7mph.
Tonight is going to be real slow and easy ride back up... weather does look promising with slight headwind projected at 7mph.
#368
I'm calling the stuff on the ground this morning "CRUSH" Crunchy Slush. Really was not too bad, slower than usual and some precioitastion but my ski googles continue to pay of. Our intern rode in this morning as did another colleague who said she dug her goggles out.
Next 24 hours, I will make the commute happen if at all possible.
Next 24 hours, I will make the commute happen if at all possible.
#369
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC, Canada
Bikes: Velosport Appalache 15
I hate misty weather. Didn't feel like rain, but I was just soaked when I got home. 2 minutes after I get off my bike and while I'm turning off my lights I hear a pop! Hisssss.... And see air bubbling up through the water on my front rim. Thank goodness it held up till I got home, but how do I get a snake bite when I'm not even on the bike?!?
This morning had potential for a nice ride, but I woke up an hour late so had to take a direct route in to work. Oh well. And this will probably be my last day commuting this week as all the parts showed up last night to rebuild my wheel. Now I have an evening project. Yay! I'm looking forward to a new rear wheel and getting rid of the old freewheel setup. Goodbye bent axles!
This morning had potential for a nice ride, but I woke up an hour late so had to take a direct route in to work. Oh well. And this will probably be my last day commuting this week as all the parts showed up last night to rebuild my wheel. Now I have an evening project. Yay! I'm looking forward to a new rear wheel and getting rid of the old freewheel setup. Goodbye bent axles!
#370
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
More fog. Really thick fog, visibility barely 100m. Nearly got left-hooked but I could see it coming. Otherwise, not much to report.
#371
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 800
Likes: 2
From: Overland Park, KS
Bikes: 1999 Giant TCR 2T 2009 Giant Cypress DX 2015 Giant Anyroad 1
Back to commuting after a two week absence due to snow and ice-packed streets.
Took it real easy as there are still patches of ice. 18° and calm made for a pretty nice ride. Sure beats the trainer.
Took it real easy as there are still patches of ice. 18° and calm made for a pretty nice ride. Sure beats the trainer.
#372
got the climbing bug

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,268
Likes: 1,053
From: San Diego
Bikes: one for everything
nice warm santa anna w/ mild winds, in mid 50's by the time I left @ 8am. Hit every red light as usual
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#374
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 6
From: Falls City, OR
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Fargo 2, Rocky Mountain Fusion, circa '93
Nice: about 34 degrees and not raining. It was foggy enough to get my jeans damp, though. Sadly it was also foggy enough (and dark) that I couldn't go as fast as I wanted on the downhill side of the ridge I cross. Even with two headlights I had to keep on the brakes. Grump grump.
#375
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Northern Colorado
Bikes: Rampar R-One
Very fast, very warm. Averaged 18.1 mph round trip, second fastest ever. It's going to be in the low-mid 50s the rest of the week here. I'm looking forward to it very much. Perhaps it's time to buy those panniers so I don't show up sweaty wherever I go.




