How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
#876
going home last night, the high winds added 15 minutes to my 15 mile commute! And that was on a recumbent, which normally isnt effected so much by the winds.
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I have some bikes.
I have some bikes.
#877
Echo EKW's comments about the weather today. The cold is definitely back. Although winds were almost non-existent coming in from the west this morning, temps were in the low 20's with windchill. Looking forward to the ride home, will be a little warmer, and with a slight tailwind.
#882
sɹɐʇsɟoןןnɟsʇıbɟɯo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 0
From: seattle, too many links
Bikes: fixed gear recumbent trike
ugh, cars man, WHY!??!
srsly, i dunno, i think i started my ride home later then usual, but the car traffic was frustrating.
everyone was being super aggressive.
i was starting to get very ARGGGGGGGGG.
this view helped me calm down
srsly, i dunno, i think i started my ride home later then usual, but the car traffic was frustrating.
everyone was being super aggressive.
i was starting to get very ARGGGGGGGGG.
this view helped me calm down
#883

But, he was not enough to sully a very nice ride in with almost no wind and temps just above freezing. Better weather, means more bikes, means more people might think about it, means less cars! That's how I started, seeing colleagues bike in I decided to try it.
#885
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Boise, Idaho
Bikes: 2010 Trek FX 7.2, 2006 Felt F80
A nice ride - the sun is just about peeking over the horizon when I park, and it's up by the time I'm cleaned up - that's nice to see
looking forward to this afternoon's ride
looking forward to this afternoon's ride
#886
born again cyclist
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 88
From: Chicago
Bikes: I have five of brikes
40 degrees and 10 miles of drizzle, followed up with the final 5 miles of straight-up cold rain. not exactly the dictionary definition of fun, but that's life.
the rain is supposed to be even heavier this afternoon. zip-a-dee-doo-dah!
the rain is supposed to be even heavier this afternoon. zip-a-dee-doo-dah!
#887
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
Short, just a couple miles to the brake shop to pick up the car this morning... feels like rain coming.
#888
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
If this is a Portlandia reference, then well played, sir. "Ten foot rule!" 
Bit of a headwind last night for the ride home, but nothing too bad, and it diminished for the last couple miles of the ride home once I got back onto city streets and away from the open spaces along the river and near the airport.
The ride in this morning was a gem. Temp 34F/1C, slight tailwind. Came across a fair maiden who had stopped on the MUP and seemed to be inspecting her bike. Asked if everything was OK so as to offer help, but she seemed OK and just waved me on. The other interesting sighting on this morning's commute came on the Mall, where I saw a cyclist riding solo on a tandem. At first glance, I thought maybe he was on an Xtracycle or something, but once I looked for more than a split second I realized he was not. I like the idea of tandems, but they look funny enough with two people on board, and even more so w/ only one rider and the absent stoker's pedals still spinning away.
I think I finally have my Surly LHT order issues sorted out... what a long and ridiculous process this has been! In any case, next week's commutes should be my hybrid frame's swan song.

Bit of a headwind last night for the ride home, but nothing too bad, and it diminished for the last couple miles of the ride home once I got back onto city streets and away from the open spaces along the river and near the airport.
The ride in this morning was a gem. Temp 34F/1C, slight tailwind. Came across a fair maiden who had stopped on the MUP and seemed to be inspecting her bike. Asked if everything was OK so as to offer help, but she seemed OK and just waved me on. The other interesting sighting on this morning's commute came on the Mall, where I saw a cyclist riding solo on a tandem. At first glance, I thought maybe he was on an Xtracycle or something, but once I looked for more than a split second I realized he was not. I like the idea of tandems, but they look funny enough with two people on board, and even more so w/ only one rider and the absent stoker's pedals still spinning away.
I think I finally have my Surly LHT order issues sorted out... what a long and ridiculous process this has been! In any case, next week's commutes should be my hybrid frame's swan song.
#889
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)
Didn't get to ride yesterday, as I worked from home, but I spent an hour last night introducing a group of cub scouts to ~very basic~ bike maintenance (inflate tires properly, adjust the seat, lubricate the chain). Perhaps it will get them all interested in riding more :-). They seemed fascinated by my collection of bikes (I brought my wife's vintage Schwinn collegiate, my road bike and my MTB, but not the commuter). I think my son was pleased with the attention his bike got, too :-)
This morning I was a tad overdressed... probably needed the fleece or the long sleeve base layer, but not both. Having said that, though, my face was pretty chilly, so maybe I chose better than I thought. Got a late start because of a traffic accident/stuck car blocking a lane of traffic (which impacted the car portion of my commute), but opted for the 'short' route, and still managed to be on time . Tried another slight variation on my route, and I think I've found my 'sweet spot'.
I saw him too (I can't imagine there would be two, right?) under the Whitehurst Freeway going through Georgetown to the CCT. Definitely an odd site. Perhaps it is part of his training regimen, though it seems like there would be easier ways to add weight for your training...
Looking forward to the ride home.
This morning I was a tad overdressed... probably needed the fleece or the long sleeve base layer, but not both. Having said that, though, my face was pretty chilly, so maybe I chose better than I thought. Got a late start because of a traffic accident/stuck car blocking a lane of traffic (which impacted the car portion of my commute), but opted for the 'short' route, and still managed to be on time . Tried another slight variation on my route, and I think I've found my 'sweet spot'.
The other interesting sighting on this morning's commute came on the Mall, where I saw a cyclist riding solo on a tandem. At first glance, I thought maybe he was on an Xtracycle or something, but once I looked for more than a split second I realized he was not. I like the idea of tandems, but they look funny enough with two people on board, and even more so w/ only one rider and the absent stoker's pedals still spinning away.
Looking forward to the ride home.
Last edited by CptjohnC; 03-04-11 at 09:36 AM. Reason: Tandem
#890
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC, Canada
Bikes: Velosport Appalache 15
Made it home yesterday just before the thunderstorm. Happy about that too because there was some nasty hail. This morning I woke late and took the short route in. This is the first 5 day week in a while, and I can feel it in my legs. Boys night tonight means junk food and movies with my 6 year old son!
Gotta get out of here early today!
Gotta get out of here early today!
#891
it was colder than i thought today and I nearly froze my face off. By the time I got to work (15 miles) i had a headache from the cold wind blowing my my face. Not cool. Well yeah, cool, but not really.
__________________
I have some bikes.
I have some bikes.
#892
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 183
From: south Puget Sound
30F, brisk.
I have just been dying lately. I took yesterday off from my commute, worked from home, just rode a couple miles for a couple meetings, and did not get my legs back this morning. Still made it, and pulled out one nausea-inducing sprint, but it's not a great feeling.
I have just been dying lately. I took yesterday off from my commute, worked from home, just rode a couple miles for a couple meetings, and did not get my legs back this morning. Still made it, and pulled out one nausea-inducing sprint, but it's not a great feeling.
#893
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
Nice fast -24C ride despite using platform pedals. I rode about 1/3 of my route before the first car passed me, the streets were quieter than usual. This is the first week in a long time that I made all 3 commute days.
#894
My first commute to work in over a year
Awesome! I haven't had a job in a year so even better.
5 mi. and 10 mi via car.
Nno bike rack no problem. (the door is super secure)
28 F. no wind
I am bored at lunch so I hope the ride home is as great!
Video will come after I get off work hopefully.
https://i.imgur.com/efYYQ.jpg
Awesome! I haven't had a job in a year so even better.
5 mi. and 10 mi via car.
Nno bike rack no problem. (the door is super secure)
28 F. no wind
I am bored at lunch so I hope the ride home is as great!
Video will come after I get off work hopefully.
https://i.imgur.com/efYYQ.jpg
Last edited by wheel; 03-04-11 at 01:41 PM.
#895
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
Encountered my first really rude driver in quite a while. As I was approaching a traffic signal, a car came up behind me and the driver honked while passing me, apparently because I slowed her down by about 1 second. She then got caught by the red light and totally wigged out, flipping me birds and waving her arms and totally freaking out like I had caused the light to turn. She would have missed the light whether I had been there or not, but that didn't seem to matter. It was kind of funny, actually. I kept a good distance.
Had my first flat in over a year while riding home yesterday afternoon. I picked up a big nail in my rear tire, which instantly flatted the tire, but it fortunately did not damage the rim or the sidewalls. I was aiming for a new personal best commute time, but the flat sort of destroyed my will, but I still ended up with a fast time for the day -- but alas, no record.
Had my first flat in over a year while riding home yesterday afternoon. I picked up a big nail in my rear tire, which instantly flatted the tire, but it fortunately did not damage the rim or the sidewalls. I was aiming for a new personal best commute time, but the flat sort of destroyed my will, but I still ended up with a fast time for the day -- but alas, no record.
#896
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 lots of rain today, on and off. I tried out my rain jacket for the first time, and it works pretty well... not 100% waterproof like they say, but still 100% better than nothing.
When I was leaving work, it had just started to pour, and one of the engineers saw me at the gate. He grinned and held his hands out like he was holding two massive, um, basketballs. I just laughed!
When I was leaving work, it had just started to pour, and one of the engineers saw me at the gate. He grinned and held his hands out like he was holding two massive, um, basketballs. I just laughed!
#897
Encountered my first really rude driver in quite a while. As I was approaching a traffic signal, a car came up behind me and the driver honked while passing me, apparently because I slowed her down by about 1 second. She then got caught by the red light and totally wigged out, flipping me birds and waving her arms and totally freaking out like I had caused the light to turn. She would have missed the light whether I had been there or not, but that didn't seem to matter. It was kind of funny, actually. I kept a good distance.
That ol' homeward bound headwind caught me, was not expecting that bit still a good one. My local bike shop sent an email about a special for the Jamis Bossanova..I told myself I would do a full solid year before upgrading to a new bike but oh man this thing looks pretty sweet.
#898
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Monson, MA
Bikes: Catrike Trail Recumbent trike
Excellent commutes today, which makes 3 days of cycle commuting this week. Next week I'm planning to do 4 out of 5 days as long as the weather cooperates. 23F and sunny with no wind this morning. 37F and sunny with winds from the S @ 13mph this afternoon. My endurance and speed are slowly getting back to where they were last semester.
#899
sɹɐʇsɟoןןnɟsʇıbɟɯo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 0
From: seattle, too many links
Bikes: fixed gear recumbent trike
rode home in the dark, session went really long today.
hate riding in the dark, i have terrible night vision
hate riding in the dark, i have terrible night vision
#900
Encountered my first really rude driver in quite a while. As I was approaching a traffic signal, a car came up behind me and the driver honked while passing me, apparently because I slowed her down by about 1 second. She then got caught by the red light and totally wigged out, flipping me birds and waving her arms and totally freaking out like I had caused the light to turn. She would have missed the light whether I had been there or not, but that didn't seem to matter. It was kind of funny, actually. I kept a good distance.
Had my first flat in over a year while riding home yesterday afternoon. I picked up a big nail in my rear tire, which instantly flatted the tire, but it fortunately did not damage the rim or the sidewalls. I was aiming for a new personal best commute time, but the flat sort of destroyed my will, but I still ended up with a fast time for the day -- but alas, no record.
Had my first flat in over a year while riding home yesterday afternoon. I picked up a big nail in my rear tire, which instantly flatted the tire, but it fortunately did not damage the rim or the sidewalls. I was aiming for a new personal best commute time, but the flat sort of destroyed my will, but I still ended up with a fast time for the day -- but alas, no record.
It is silly when drivers flip out for no important reason at all. She needs to get on a bike to relieve some of that stress which is obviously coming from some other area in her life.
The times when a driver honks at me I play a joke and smile and wave pretending like they were honking at me because they know me. I get a kick from it.





