How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
03-16-11 | 07:48 AM
#1026
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
Great temps in the 50's, light breeze and my legs didn't feel flat. Gusts up to 41mph tomorrow, woohoo!
03-16-11 | 08:08 AM
#1027
Thread Starter
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Yeah... even the ride home tonight should be interesting, truman.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi 
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
03-16-11 | 09:53 AM
#1028
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Philly
Today is a train day, so not an awesome commute, but last night I did have a moment that made me smile. Headed from work to the MUP, a car pulls up next to me at a light and rolls its window down (at this point, I'm ready to get yelled at for something), and this sweet older (60ish) lady thanks me for stopping at the red lights. Made me smile and reminded me that there are some good drivers out there--she also commented that "you're (referring to me) a vehicle too" and that really made me smile, especially coming from a segment of the population that I wouldn't expect it from.
I can tell the weather is getting better, the morning jogger population hasn't increased yet (so I actually enjoy the morning commute), but afternoons are a madhouse...I think it's time to start using the lesser-used trail across the river when I head home...
I can tell the weather is getting better, the morning jogger population hasn't increased yet (so I actually enjoy the morning commute), but afternoons are a madhouse...I think it's time to start using the lesser-used trail across the river when I head home...
03-16-11 | 10:02 AM
#1029
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
Got absolutely soaked on the way home last night. But who cares? It was warm and I was on the way home. Love it.
03-16-11 | 10:03 AM
#1030
42F, downpour
03-16-11 | 10:05 AM
#1031
Stealing Spokes since 82'
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 0
From: Boy-z, Ideeeho
Bikes: The always reliable kuwie
41f raining, came into work a few hours late this morning had to get some fasting blood work done and I didn't really feel like being at work hungry.
03-16-11 | 10:18 AM
#1032
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Tahoe
Bikes: Motobecane Single Speed, Trek Mountain Track Xtracycle
ok worst commute day ever!!! Slush so bad that I had to stand for the entire ride to keep upright. No toeclips for me today, not safe. Got to work thinking I need to but the fatboy tires back on for the next month if this is what we are going to be dealing with. Soaking wet but that was no biggy. Got about 10 " did you ride today?" Yes I did as my car is stuck in the snow right now thank you. 
03-16-11 | 10:29 AM
#1033
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Random question - what's the vibe usually like on your commutes?
Since my commute is 15 miles or so, I usually ride as fast as I can because it's probably just enough to get a good workout. Every now and then I take it easy in lower gear, but then it seems like I'm not working at all. The time difference between these two mindsets is literally about 6 minutes, so it's inconsequential.
Just curious about you guys
Since my commute is 15 miles or so, I usually ride as fast as I can because it's probably just enough to get a good workout. Every now and then I take it easy in lower gear, but then it seems like I'm not working at all. The time difference between these two mindsets is literally about 6 minutes, so it's inconsequential.
Just curious about you guys
03-16-11 | 11:03 AM
#1035
sɹɐʇsɟoןןnɟsʇıbɟɯo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 0
From: seattle, too many links
Bikes: fixed gear recumbent trike
Random question - what's the vibe usually like on your commutes?
Since my commute is 15 miles or so, I usually ride as fast as I can because it's probably just enough to get a good workout. Every now and then I take it easy in lower gear, but then it seems like I'm not working at all. The time difference between these two mindsets is literally about 6 minutes, so it's inconsequential.
Just curious about you guys
Since my commute is 15 miles or so, I usually ride as fast as I can because it's probably just enough to get a good workout. Every now and then I take it easy in lower gear, but then it seems like I'm not working at all. The time difference between these two mindsets is literally about 6 minutes, so it's inconsequential.
Just curious about you guys
i know! on days that im "flying" its only about 6 min difference on days where im taking it easy
but races are won with only seconds between placings, so.... 6min is pretty good
03-16-11 | 11:59 AM
#1036
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
03-16-11 | 12:26 PM
#1038
Thread Starter
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Mostly due to the prevailing southerly wind, though, amirite? 
I typically take 1:15 to do 17 miles with a tailwind of typically around 5-10 mph.... takes a bit more like 1:30 in the afternoon with a slightly stiffer headwind (10-15 mph most days, a bit stronger than that today).
Is that a hard workout? No. Am I dawdling? No. It's just a steady pace that gets me there. My commute has a river in the middle of it, so it's always downhill at the beginning, uphill at the end, both ways.
I typically take 1:15 to do 17 miles with a tailwind of typically around 5-10 mph.... takes a bit more like 1:30 in the afternoon with a slightly stiffer headwind (10-15 mph most days, a bit stronger than that today).
Is that a hard workout? No. Am I dawdling? No. It's just a steady pace that gets me there. My commute has a river in the middle of it, so it's always downhill at the beginning, uphill at the end, both ways.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
Last edited by Doohickie; 03-16-11 at 09:47 PM.
03-16-11 | 03:15 PM
#1039
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Southern Wisconsin US
Bikes: Schwinn DBX, Trek 820
Started back on the bike last week riding 5 miles or so to catch a carpool...Today I did the full ride in...17 miles...in the dark...I'm about 2 weeks ahead of my first full ride from last year. Great to be back on the Bike!
03-16-11 | 04:53 PM
#1040
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
WATCH THOSE WATER PUDDLES!!! I unexpectedly hit a really big hole on the way home. I managed to stay on the bike and the wheel is still true, but my wrists stung for a bit after that.
The parking lanes on the street are pretty muddy and wet. I couldn't use MUP as the snow was too soft. Unfortunately the road route takes me past a highschool just as it is letting out. Such a high concentration of speeders and bad drivers. Just passed 800km for the year on my 3 day a week commute.
The parking lanes on the street are pretty muddy and wet. I couldn't use MUP as the snow was too soft. Unfortunately the road route takes me past a highschool just as it is letting out. Such a high concentration of speeders and bad drivers. Just passed 800km for the year on my 3 day a week commute.
03-16-11 | 06:20 PM
#1041
Cyclist, Runner & TRX'er
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Eagan, MN
Bikes: Steel Bianchi, 29 inch Redline Monocog, a Carbon something someday
Well the inaugural commute is behind me and I think I could get used to this.
Rode 10 miles to Minneapolis from St. Paul th in morning in about 30 degree temps. Left at about 5:05am. Dressed about right. Had the panniers packed out with lunch and work clothes. Was quite mindful of the potential pitfalls, especially as a newbie. Took it easier and made the run in 55 minutes. I have a nice bike lane (80% is 100% wide and free of overlapped cars etc. due to snow) and it truly is a great commute. Only had one close call where a cab driver tried to roll a stoplight into a right hand turn but I was ready and had options (I felt) until he noticed me and stopped. He waved apologetically as he drove past. Got to work, showered, and waited until I got to bike home.
The ride home was different. It was light outside, It was about 50 degrees. The iciness on parts of the road had given way to moisture. I rode about 6+ of the 10 miles into a hard headwind. Because I was on the other side of the road in my bike lane, the lane and available parking lane for cars is more narrow. I tightroped the white stripe and was mindful in the door zone. Especially since as I biked past one of our law colleges, many hurried students were gathering their things and swinging car doors wide, and into my path. No near misses. I did the ride home again in about 55 minutes. I had a protein shale (after the am ride as well) and told my wife all about my exploits.
With clothes and supplies readied for tomorrows ride, I will sit back and visit with wife and kids. Looking forward to it and to many more. Thanks commuting.
merkong (ken)
Rode 10 miles to Minneapolis from St. Paul th in morning in about 30 degree temps. Left at about 5:05am. Dressed about right. Had the panniers packed out with lunch and work clothes. Was quite mindful of the potential pitfalls, especially as a newbie. Took it easier and made the run in 55 minutes. I have a nice bike lane (80% is 100% wide and free of overlapped cars etc. due to snow) and it truly is a great commute. Only had one close call where a cab driver tried to roll a stoplight into a right hand turn but I was ready and had options (I felt) until he noticed me and stopped. He waved apologetically as he drove past. Got to work, showered, and waited until I got to bike home.
The ride home was different. It was light outside, It was about 50 degrees. The iciness on parts of the road had given way to moisture. I rode about 6+ of the 10 miles into a hard headwind. Because I was on the other side of the road in my bike lane, the lane and available parking lane for cars is more narrow. I tightroped the white stripe and was mindful in the door zone. Especially since as I biked past one of our law colleges, many hurried students were gathering their things and swinging car doors wide, and into my path. No near misses. I did the ride home again in about 55 minutes. I had a protein shale (after the am ride as well) and told my wife all about my exploits.
With clothes and supplies readied for tomorrows ride, I will sit back and visit with wife and kids. Looking forward to it and to many more. Thanks commuting.
merkong (ken)
03-16-11 | 06:21 PM
#1042
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Szeged, Hungary
Bikes: Kelly's Radius MTB
Hello guys,
Today was unusual, I almost hit a pedestrian (1) and a busdriver thanked for my helping. (2)
(1)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Qg85wygYY
(2)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQO7fFV1zrM
Today was unusual, I almost hit a pedestrian (1) and a busdriver thanked for my helping. (2)
(1)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Qg85wygYY
(2)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQO7fFV1zrM
03-16-11 | 09:42 PM
#1043
Thread Starter
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
So I was ever so happy to ride the bike to work today. After work, I rode over to the softball field for a 6:30 game. My bicycle commute ended there. I was playing catcher and one of the dolts on the other team hit the ball and threw the bat directly at me on his follow-through. Caught be pretty good on the left forearm and it has a huge knot about 4" down from my elbow. Not sure if it broke so I had to get someone to take me home.
It hurt so much and swelled up so much that I went to the hospital for x-rays. They were negative, no break, but it hurts like a mother. Basically, I can open and close the hand, but if I try to rotate my forearm... nope, ain't happening. I was planning to ride to work tomorrow, but I guess this will keep me off the bike for at least a few days.
It hurt so much and swelled up so much that I went to the hospital for x-rays. They were negative, no break, but it hurts like a mother. Basically, I can open and close the hand, but if I try to rotate my forearm... nope, ain't happening. I was planning to ride to work tomorrow, but I guess this will keep me off the bike for at least a few days.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
03-17-11 | 02:48 AM
#1044
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Langenfeld, Germany
Bikes: 2011 Cannondale Quick CX Ultra, 2004 Giant NRX 1, 198? DeRosa ??
First ride this week due to being sick, wife being sick (work from home), kid being sick(work from home).... Beautiful weather to ride 6°C, birds singing... Spring is on the way!
03-17-11 | 04:56 AM
#1045
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
A good ride in with temps around 41 F ( 5 C). Just tired from dealing with cars, as some days are worse than others.
I use the bike as a form of transportation, and not necessarily to work out, as I do other things that fall into that category. So, I use
all gears, and take the hills, using whatever gears that get me up the hills. In the snow I get a good workout, as pedling and balancing
takes allot out of me.
I use the bike as a form of transportation, and not necessarily to work out, as I do other things that fall into that category. So, I use
all gears, and take the hills, using whatever gears that get me up the hills. In the snow I get a good workout, as pedling and balancing
takes allot out of me.
03-17-11 | 07:41 AM
#1047
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Bozeman, MT
Bikes: only have one at the moment :( But at least its a CrossCheck so its multipurpose and STEEL.
I have been sick all week with no commuting... starting to get more upset at not being able to ride than I am at the fact that it is hard to breathe while sitting at my desk...
03-17-11 | 08:04 AM
#1048
03-17-11 | 09:13 AM
#1050
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 145
Likes: 5
From: Burlington, ON
Bikes: 2017 Breezer Radar Expert, 2016 Kona Wo, 1973 Schwinn Sports Tourer Single Speed
good to be back on the bike today too - off for 2 days with a stomach flu - still don't feel right but had to get back on the bike so rode in any case. Finally got back on my touring bike today too - nice to set aside the winter bike finally.