How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
#902
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 6
From: Falls City, OR
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Fargo 2, Rocky Mountain Fusion, circa '93
I was expecting a nice 14 mile ride home yesterday but it was pouring cold rain the whole way. My O2 jacket and rain pants weren't enough to keep my dry though I stayed warm enough, possibly because I pushed much harder than usual on the pace and fighting a headwind. It sure was a good workout though. I was beat when I made it home. I would hate to show up for work in that condition.
#903
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
Back after 3 weeks in Barbados, sun every day, even when it rained. The temps were in the upper 20s C ( 80s F). This morning I am back to 25 F (-3 C). Windy, but not too bad with respect to wind chill. Much better than in Dec and Jan. Cycling is getting bigger in Barbados every year, not only in the flatter areas of the west coast and south coasts, but also in the hilly areas of parishes St. Joe, St. John and St. Andrew. Back to driving on the other sdie of the road, which is not too bad on a bike, but in the car, I am still trying to remember where the wipers and turn signals are.
#904
Welcome back Fletch, that sounds so nice.
Weatherman seriously overplayed the conditions this morning, I was all bundled up but really never felt that bad with the wind as mentioned above. Headwind was tough as it always is.
God to be back in the saddle, spring is on the way.
Weatherman seriously overplayed the conditions this morning, I was all bundled up but really never felt that bad with the wind as mentioned above. Headwind was tough as it always is.
God to be back in the saddle, spring is on the way.
#906
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
We got a bunch of rain, wind, thunderstorms, tornadoes yesterday but it was clear, calm and chilly for my commute this morning. Lots of debris on the roads from the storms, so I had to pay attention. My legs were still tired from riding 50+ miles on Saturday, and I took it easy. I've lost 10 pounds since Christmas and climbing the hills is getting a little easier.
#907
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Cool and crisp with bright sunshine. Nice contrast to yesterday's heavy rains. The 20 mph headwind with gusts up to 30+ was not so nice, though. As if I needed an extra repulsive force on a Monday morning trying to keep me from the office. Trust me, Mother Nature, I really don't want to be here...
#908
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
-25C and a headwind. My goggles fogged a bit more than normal, usually going into the wind keeps them clear. Another day with platforms, starting from a stop it takes too long to find a comfortable foot position.
There are a few unavoidable bumpy ice patches I've been riding across since the start of last week. My front tire does all sorts of unpredictable movements when going across those sections. The forecast has been including the UV index lately, a sure sign spring is approaching. If Friday's forecast gets bumped up a few degrees I might be able to wear shorts.
There are a few unavoidable bumpy ice patches I've been riding across since the start of last week. My front tire does all sorts of unpredictable movements when going across those sections. The forecast has been including the UV index lately, a sure sign spring is approaching. If Friday's forecast gets bumped up a few degrees I might be able to wear shorts.
#911
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
I woke up late and so had to abbreviate the morning routine. In fact, I likely would have bagged the ride altogether, but (1) Tomorrow will be chillier and I'll justify not commuting by going night mtb'ing after work. (2) I just swapped out the XT drivetrain (less rear deraileur/cassette) for a 105 group, and the MTB BB7's for the road version. I got that finished last night, and I really wanted to ride in the changes and see what adjustments need made, like moving the brifters around a bit, and trimming cable housings to final length.
I did a good job on the install, it rode like buttah. Now I need to install the XT stuff on my previously SS 29er.
Facing a gnarly headwind on the way home...
I did a good job on the install, it rode like buttah. Now I need to install the XT stuff on my previously SS 29er.
Facing a gnarly headwind on the way home...
#912
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 435
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
First commutte of the season, wohoo! Left early inspite of taking more time to pack and get ready, and needed some of that time walking through the icy puddles on the path. It felt great to be riding again, especially with this winter's maintenance already making it easier. Even saw a salmon on my way in too, and somehow got him to switch to the correct side of the road when I stopped to let him go by.
Last edited by no motor?; 03-07-11 at 05:46 PM.
#913
born again cyclist
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 88
From: Chicago
Bikes: I have five of brikes
i think my outdoor thermometer is busted. when i woke up, it said "36.1 degrees", so i decided to throw on my shorts and forgo any ear protection, but jesus, it sure felt A LOT colder than 36 degrees out there; it felt more like 26. I would have loved to have had some leg and ear protection.
#914
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 945
From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
Since the roads are nice and clean I took the fair weather bike for the first time this year. Even got a thumbs up from a random motorist for some reason, so I must be rockin'.
#915
SERENITY NOW!!!

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
It's a night and day difference between riding a salted up, crusty drivetrain, and a clean, well oiled drivetrain. Now if they'd fill in those gigantic potholes. Those things are deep enough to to bury nuclear waste in.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR

We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR

We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#916
The Flying Scot

Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 0
From: North Queensferry Scotland and London (and France)
Bikes: Custom (Colin Laing) 531c fast tourer/audax, 1964 Flying Scot Continental, 1995 Cinelli Supercorsa, Holdsworth Mistral single speed, Dahon Speed 6 (folder), Micmo Sirocco and a few more
My morning commute was Edinburgh to London by Airbus 319!
Evening commute 7 miles on my Dahon. I've found a quieter route to North London so had quite a pleasant ride home hands free phone to my wife while going through Hyde Park.
Cold but not too cold and still light when I left the office
Evening commute 7 miles on my Dahon. I've found a quieter route to North London so had quite a pleasant ride home hands free phone to my wife while going through Hyde Park.
Cold but not too cold and still light when I left the office
__________________
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
#917
sɹɐʇsɟoןןnɟsʇıbɟɯo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 0
From: seattle, too many links
Bikes: fixed gear recumbent trike
lovely spring like weather here
#918
Stealing Spokes since 82'
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 0
From: Boy-z, Ideeeho
Bikes: The always reliable kuwie
Homeward bound I am, currently 36f and finally not doing anything out, the morning spent most of it's time snowing and now apparently the week is supposed to be wetter than I had thought so there goes my MTB ride in the foot hills anytime this week
#919
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
Fixed my rattling, scraping fender with some zipties. Of course, it's not raining today so I could have left the rainbike at home, but it's nice to make sure it all works.
#920
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
Just meh... riding in, it was rather humid and decent headwind around 15mph!!! (usually don't have headwind riding in at all). Was wondering why I am barely hitting 30mph going downhill until I hit the flat and realized why... and it started drizzling... Wasn't expecting it at all today.
Barely made the train in time... Now, someone booked a meeting at the time I am usually in the train back home... I hope ride back home is tail wind with no rain... At least, that should compensate for this meeting that was shoved my way... Going to be hungry going up that hill..
Barely made the train in time... Now, someone booked a meeting at the time I am usually in the train back home... I hope ride back home is tail wind with no rain... At least, that should compensate for this meeting that was shoved my way... Going to be hungry going up that hill..
#923
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
Welcome back Fletch, that sounds so nice.
Weatherman seriously overplayed the conditions this morning, I was all bundled up but really never felt that bad with the wind as mentioned above. Headwind was tough as it always is.
God to be back in the saddle, spring is on the way.
Weatherman seriously overplayed the conditions this morning, I was all bundled up but really never felt that bad with the wind as mentioned above. Headwind was tough as it always is.
God to be back in the saddle, spring is on the way.
#924
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
I don't know whether it's because we are heading into spring or something else, but 26 F ( -3 C) does not feel too bad these days. There is some rain in the forecast starting tomorrow, and is forecasted through thursday. I will miss the sun.
#925
Stealing Spokes since 82'
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 0
From: Boy-z, Ideeeho
Bikes: The always reliable kuwie
26f Nice morning not much wind, I'm very glad I bought a new leather saddle off the bay as Ive been rotating my saddles around on bikes and none of them seem to be comfortable anymore, they all seem to hurt I think maybe it has to do with my weight gain but not sure.




