How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
#3727
Today's commute was great! I got up early to get to work early and get some extra work done before everyone else gets here. The commute started in the dark, which is usual, but what was unusual is that I got to work before sunrise! The temperature was a lovely 75 degrees - cool for this time of year in Tucson. On my 3.5 mile journey, I saw only a handful of cars when I usually see so many that I couldn't possibly count them all. The only downside was that I didn't see one other cyclist.
#3728
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 125
Today was my first commute in three weeks. I had two weeks of vacation. When I got back after Labor Day, we were getting drenched with the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee. So I didn't ride last Tuesday. Or Wednesday, when everyone was goign home early as the creeks and rivers started to spill over. Work, and pretty much everything around here, closed Thursday and Friday due to massive flooding - our second 100 year flood in five years. So this morning's commute was weird, kind of eerie, very quiet. Riding past mounds of refuse from homes that had nasty muddy river water in the basement and first floors, seeing the railroad tracks with one rail six inches lower than the other, few cars on the road, the river still swollen but receded by many feet from it's historic crest on Saturday night.
#3729
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 183
From: south Puget Sound
1st commute in 2 wks and I only forgot my helmet, and to turn off the gps app on my phone when I got into the office.
Also 1st commute w/ new 1x9 setup on former fixie. I can really see the logic of 2x9 because right now both ends are cross-chained. On the other hand, w/o a 2nd chain ring, while there is cross-chaining, there is nothing to rub on so there is no annoying buzz.
Also 1st commute w/ new 1x9 setup on former fixie. I can really see the logic of 2x9 because right now both ends are cross-chained. On the other hand, w/o a 2nd chain ring, while there is cross-chaining, there is nothing to rub on so there is no annoying buzz.
#3730
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Northern Nevada
Bikes: Lemond Big Sky SL, Electra Townie
It was a nice crisp moring, with a few rain drops during the last two miles. Not enough to soak me, just enough to make the ride that much more enjoyable.
However, when I walked in the door at work, my secretary pointed out that there is a flash flood warning today! I hope that I don't get too soaked on the way home.
However, when I walked in the door at work, my secretary pointed out that there is a flash flood warning today! I hope that I don't get too soaked on the way home.
#3731
34 miles in 1 hour 15 minutes-- 26.5 mph average. Yeah!! (Had a 25 mph tailwind)
I don't get to commute as often by bike as I once did (7 mile 1-way commute is now 34), so I envy many of ya'll greatly.
Good Riding everyone!
I don't get to commute as often by bike as I once did (7 mile 1-way commute is now 34), so I envy many of ya'll greatly.
Good Riding everyone!
#3732
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
Haven't posted in this thread in awhile. I left my job in June and have been on a sabbatical since, but today I rode with my son to his elementary school. He's in grade 2 (7 years old) and a few of his classmates also ride to school. It's encouraging!
#3733
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 183
From: south Puget Sound
Yes I did get to ride to school w/ my kids Friday and today, that was good. Always a fair number of bikes in the rack in September.
I can't get my 10 yr old to leave his bike unlocked so his 6 yr old sister can lock her bike to it. I have to unlock his bike and then lock them all back together, 'cause he's inside and at his desk by the time she and I get there. I suppose we could spring for a lock for her own.
I can't get my 10 yr old to leave his bike unlocked so his 6 yr old sister can lock her bike to it. I have to unlock his bike and then lock them all back together, 'cause he's inside and at his desk by the time she and I get there. I suppose we could spring for a lock for her own.
#3735
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Monson, MA
Bikes: Catrike Trail Recumbent trike
Great commute home this afternoon at 80F and sunny with winds from the SSW @ 6-8mph. I felt much better on today's commute home than I did on Friday's. The humidity was also way worse Friday, so that may have been why.
#3736
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
Man, I just wasnt focused. I almost rear ended an SUV, it flew by me merged into the bike lane and stopped. Had I been paying attention it would not have even been close, as it was I could either hit it or take a chance of blindly going around. I did not hit it and am still alive. I hit bumps and holes I always spot and miss. I almost did not get unsnapped once, and dang near fell over. As I passed the street that is almost exactly midway to home, I hit another bump and somehow my pannier got into my spokes and flew off. I stopped and picked it up, worked on it enough to get home and took a little break to get my stuff together. The second half was uneventful. I had a normal day at work and feel fine. Damn, days like this could get a guy hurt.
__________________
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#3737
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Cannondale T700s and a few others
We had a Hot summer and I really have been wussing out a lot since July. Was on vacation last week so nothing but the heat broke and the weather was great once the Hurricane let the cold front come though. Trying to get back into the groove this week. Was actually a bit chilly this morning.
#3738
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
From: Henderson/Las Vegas NV
Bikes: Giant Defy 2
Today's commute was great! I got up early to get to work early and get some extra work done before everyone else gets here. The commute started in the dark, which is usual, but what was unusual is that I got to work before sunrise! The temperature was a lovely 75 degrees - cool for this time of year in Tucson. On my 3.5 mile journey, I saw only a handful of cars when I usually see so many that I couldn't possibly count them all. The only downside was that I didn't see one other cyclist.
#3739
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
From: Henderson/Las Vegas NV
Bikes: Giant Defy 2
Yes I did get to ride to school w/ my kids Friday and today, that was good. Always a fair number of bikes in the rack in September.
I can't get my 10 yr old to leave his bike unlocked so his 6 yr old sister can lock her bike to it. I have to unlock his bike and then lock them all back together, 'cause he's inside and at his desk by the time she and I get there. I suppose we could spring for a lock for her own.
I can't get my 10 yr old to leave his bike unlocked so his 6 yr old sister can lock her bike to it. I have to unlock his bike and then lock them all back together, 'cause he's inside and at his desk by the time she and I get there. I suppose we could spring for a lock for her own.
#3741
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
Cool morning at 62F (17C). It was a nice ride in and I have had the moon for company 2 days now. There is a section of the ride on a dark road, abandoned warehouses on the side with no lights, and the moon just sits above and to the front of me covering the whole road and woods, with that silvery haze. You just never know where nature is going to amaze you.
#3743
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, Surly Long Haul Trucker, Trek FX 7.2
Beautiful ride into work this morning. 61F/16C, clear skies, a setting nearly full moon, no wind, and an awesome sunrise on display directly over where I work as I pulled into the parking lot.
#3744
Today's commute was great! I got up early to get to work early and get some extra work done before everyone else gets here. The commute started in the dark, which is usual, but what was unusual is that I got to work before sunrise! The temperature was a lovely 75 degrees - cool for this time of year in Tucson. On my 3.5 mile journey, I saw only a handful of cars when I usually see so many that I couldn't possibly count them all. The only downside was that I didn't see one other cyclist.
Good riddance old U lock that finally stopped opening...hello onguard bulldog lock.
#3745
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
I was treated to a stiff headwind this morning, but it didn't really slow me down. I just worked harder. Looks like a nice tailwind for the ride home.
65F/18C and sunny. Might rain later today. Cold front coming through, leading to a tailwind tomorrow morning!
65F/18C and sunny. Might rain later today. Cold front coming through, leading to a tailwind tomorrow morning!
#3746
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Southern Wisconsin US
Bikes: Schwinn DBX, Trek 820
Me TOO!
It's been great fun to ride in the dark with a full moon the last couple of mornings...I turned my front light off for a while yesterday...Cooler temps are on the way later this week...possible frost forecast around here Wednesday night. Enjoy!
It's been great fun to ride in the dark with a full moon the last couple of mornings...I turned my front light off for a while yesterday...Cooler temps are on the way later this week...possible frost forecast around here Wednesday night. Enjoy!
#3747
a.k.a., Point Five Dude
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cites, MN USA
Bikes: 1987 Trek Elance 400 T
55 degrees this morning, a taste of things to come. In a couple of weeks I'll be wishing it was 55. Warmed up about 8 miles into the ride. Like so many others I was treated to a setting nearly full moon.
#3748
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 871
Likes: 115
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Cannondale '92 T600 '95 H600 '01 RT1000
Yes, 90 yesterday afternoon, 55 this morning, requiring me to find clothing I hadn't seen in a while, and a high of mid-50s tomorrow. And with trees and the Minnesota River bluff in the way, I didn't see the sun until almost to work.
#3749
A huge tree had fallen across the path this morning forcing me to backtrack to an alternate route. Only a couple of miles extra though and on fast streets so it didn't cost me any time. It's still shorts and t-shirt weather here.
#3750
GNU cyclist
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Hoogezand
Bikes: Koga Miyata Adventurer
Miserable. My jacket containing passport, wallet and cell phone had fallen off the back of my bike (my own fault for not fastening it properly) and because I'd taken the jacket off at an intersection very near home I had to ride all the way back home to look for it. I later found out I'd lost it very close to my workplace.
Oh well. It WAS the fastest 30K I'd ever cycled...
Oh well. It WAS the fastest 30K I'd ever cycled...





