How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
#1727
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
Rode the kids to school this morning. I hope to be able to do so at least a couple of times a week until the end of school.
#1728
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: NOWHERE
Bikes: noyb
Slight sunburn from yesterday, the only sunny day in the week, meet rainy morning...again. At least I missed the worst of the rain. One of my friends who was caught in the cold, heavy rain last week commented to me recently that it was the "worst bike ride ever." This is a couple weeks after he told me that he liked the rain. He's now understanding what it means to ride year round in this area. 
This morning I was waiting to cross a street (at the marked ped/bike crossing in which drivers are legally supposed to yield to crosswalk users) watching the high-speed traffic (funny thing, it's a one-lane road and sometimes it's difficult to cross) drive by me as my front tire is IN the roadway...so I started waving "hello," smiling and blowing kisses at the drivers. Someone stopped, laughing, and waved me through. I rode off smiling. Not sure if I can do that tactic every day, but it was pretty fun.

This morning I was waiting to cross a street (at the marked ped/bike crossing in which drivers are legally supposed to yield to crosswalk users) watching the high-speed traffic (funny thing, it's a one-lane road and sometimes it's difficult to cross) drive by me as my front tire is IN the roadway...so I started waving "hello," smiling and blowing kisses at the drivers. Someone stopped, laughing, and waved me through. I rode off smiling. Not sure if I can do that tactic every day, but it was pretty fun.
#1729
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Cannondale T700s and a few others
Yesterday while on the road I suffered my first flat in the three years since I got back into commuting. I was 17miles into a 21 mile ride. These rims and tires came on a bike I used as a donor on a frame my size. Maxxis Detonator's and looked good so I went with them. Proably logged 200 miles on it since I built the bike.
I had just come bombing down a hill not a 3/4 of a mile before where i hit 40+mph (no computer on this bike after my GPS crapped out). Climbed the next hill made a turn onto the next road and rolling up to a read light when the tire separated POW it blew. LOL Apparently whoever mounted the tires used a VERY generous amount of baby power and when they mounted so when it failed this huge white cloud came out. It really was quite funny. No way I could make it home on this tire so I called the wife to come after me.
Last year I had been gifted the same model tire with some parts I bought off. Mounted it up with a new tube when I got home. Last night I did some research on this model tire and apparently the Detonator is known for exploding LOL.
Rode the bike in this morning and then home for lunch. Got looking at the front and it is about to let go as well so parked that bike rode my Touring bike back to work.
All in all even with the flat its been two good days of riding. Now I need to find some tires for my Hot rod.
I had just come bombing down a hill not a 3/4 of a mile before where i hit 40+mph (no computer on this bike after my GPS crapped out). Climbed the next hill made a turn onto the next road and rolling up to a read light when the tire separated POW it blew. LOL Apparently whoever mounted the tires used a VERY generous amount of baby power and when they mounted so when it failed this huge white cloud came out. It really was quite funny. No way I could make it home on this tire so I called the wife to come after me.
Last year I had been gifted the same model tire with some parts I bought off. Mounted it up with a new tube when I got home. Last night I did some research on this model tire and apparently the Detonator is known for exploding LOL.
Rode the bike in this morning and then home for lunch. Got looking at the front and it is about to let go as well so parked that bike rode my Touring bike back to work.
All in all even with the flat its been two good days of riding. Now I need to find some tires for my Hot rod.
#1730
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 somewhat warm ride in at 58 F ( 14 C). Still dark, but starting to grey up a bit, and I expect to get my 2 months of riding in the light in the coming weeks.
#1731
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
I just barely missed the rain this morning, I caught the edge of the front and the temps dropped 10 degrees instantly. Other than that, no incidents to speak of. Just had a nice relaxing ride in.
#1734
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 780
From: Shanghai, China
Bikes: Waltly Custom Ti // Seaboard CX01 // Dahon Boardwalk
Showery morning. Tried a new route which I much prefer to my old route (cleaner, less industrial, better scenery, though more traffic) but got a little lost because I missed my turn due to a missing road sign. Still, basically the same time in as usual.
Afternoon was nicer and sunnier, and I found the proper route to take. Will continue on this route tomorrow.
Afternoon was nicer and sunnier, and I found the proper route to take. Will continue on this route tomorrow.
#1735
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
48F / 9C this morning, with a light tailwind. I seriously need brake work. (Full tune happening on Thursday). The front, I think, has an air bubble. I can bottom out the lever and it only gives anemic stopping power. The pads are fine. The rear makes up for it to an extent but I wouldn't want to panic brake down a steep hill.
Yesterday I had a screaming banshee of a tailwind.
Most of my ride was conducted in the low 20MPH range and I barely broke a sweat. People don't seem to take advantage of tailwinds. The only two cyclists I saw... I passed them like they were going backwards.
Yesterday I had a screaming banshee of a tailwind.
Most of my ride was conducted in the low 20MPH range and I barely broke a sweat. People don't seem to take advantage of tailwinds. The only two cyclists I saw... I passed them like they were going backwards.
#1736
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
Clear after recent rain, but chilly. 40*F when I started, so I decided to try my new merino wool long sleeve jersey. Just a bit too warm for conditions, but since merino wool breathes so well it was a very comfy ride in.
Had to detour around some road work and went down a road I usually avoid due to loose dogs. I haven't been down there in a long while so I hoped the dog situation was corrected... nope. The problem is that there are two farms at the top of hill, one on either side of the street, and dogs get out of the fenced yards on both sides and act like a pack. As I came into that block I saw too large dogs out, decided I didn't want to deal with them, turned around, but they gave chase anyway. I got to the next street, turned and they followed me, but only for a yard or two, then gave up before they got very close. I guess I need to find out which jurisdiction they are in and call animal control. One dog is no big deal; when they start acting like a pack, though, that's not good.
Had to detour around some road work and went down a road I usually avoid due to loose dogs. I haven't been down there in a long while so I hoped the dog situation was corrected... nope. The problem is that there are two farms at the top of hill, one on either side of the street, and dogs get out of the fenced yards on both sides and act like a pack. As I came into that block I saw too large dogs out, decided I didn't want to deal with them, turned around, but they gave chase anyway. I got to the next street, turned and they followed me, but only for a yard or two, then gave up before they got very close. I guess I need to find out which jurisdiction they are in and call animal control. One dog is no big deal; when they start acting like a pack, though, that's not good.
__________________
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.
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
Last edited by Doohickie; 05-03-11 at 07:40 AM.
#1737
Decent ride in, got yelled at by some chick in an armored car, but I was in my bike lane and out of her way and couldn't understand what she said, so I just let it roll off my back.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
#1738
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: CA Central Coast
Bikes: 2012 Public T7
First commute of the season and first commute of bike month! I have about a 5 mile commute to work. The weather was great, temp was about 40*F, but the May sun helped keep it comfortable.
The first half mile was rough because my tires were a bit low from sitting all winter. I used my mini pump at home, but needed more air. I hit the gas station and used their air, while laughing to myself that gas this morning was $4.29. After topping of my tires the commute went much smoother. The only slight hiccup was forgetting that there is a place on my route where the street turns into a one-way for about a block, so I had to ride down a busy residential street for about 2 blocks to the parallel street. Last year I learned to get over to that street before the busy street, avoiding any conflict.
We shall see how this afternoon goes!
The first half mile was rough because my tires were a bit low from sitting all winter. I used my mini pump at home, but needed more air. I hit the gas station and used their air, while laughing to myself that gas this morning was $4.29. After topping of my tires the commute went much smoother. The only slight hiccup was forgetting that there is a place on my route where the street turns into a one-way for about a block, so I had to ride down a busy residential street for about 2 blocks to the parallel street. Last year I learned to get over to that street before the busy street, avoiding any conflict.
We shall see how this afternoon goes!
#1739
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
#1740
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 183
From: south Puget Sound
40F and sunny. Another day riding geared, another day feeling faster than ever, and this bike has a computer so I can see I'm maintaining a cruising speed higher than I can do single-speed, and I am sweating harder now sitting down at my desk than when I get in riding single-speed, and yet again my gps phone says my avg rolling speed is lower (but at least this time I had a higher maximum speed).
I did notice that for a lot of uphill stuff while I was keeping the same general kind of cadence I always do, I was in a lower gear than my SS. So maybe I am spending more time in a lower gear that more than compensates for the bursts of using a higher gear.
Now to cool down, change clothes, and head off for ~5 hrs on the freeway in a company car. Puke puke puke
I did notice that for a lot of uphill stuff while I was keeping the same general kind of cadence I always do, I was in a lower gear than my SS. So maybe I am spending more time in a lower gear that more than compensates for the bursts of using a higher gear.
Now to cool down, change clothes, and head off for ~5 hrs on the freeway in a company car. Puke puke puke
#1742
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)
Another fine ride today on the MTB, and I really enjoy the cushy ride, but I admit I'm longing for the shop to finish repairing/tuning my commuter (yes, I know I can do it myself, but generous lifetime adjustments were included when I bought the bike, and it is generally better when they do the work, as they do it right, and I tend to be a little half-a$$ed).
I am also enjoying the pleasant scenery that comes with the warmer weather.
I am also enjoying the pleasant scenery that comes with the warmer weather.
#1743
Warm, wet, and windy. 6C (warmest morning yet this year), light rain, and wind from the NW, so a nice tailwind heading west, headwind heading north. Felt like the bike was working against me uphill, but it probably wasn't.
#1745
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC, Canada
Bikes: Velosport Appalache 15
A little damp at first, but that disappeared when the sun rose. Rode 6x 4 minute hill repeats on my way up the mountain this morning and felt good. Taking off for the dentists in an hour.
#1746
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
Warmest day this year - low 40'sF (6-7C), cloudy. It was nice having the Alfine wheel back on the bike after single speeding for 4 weeks. It was great being able to put it in 7th and 8th and cruise along the flats.
I'm starting to see more cyclists during my commute. summer is near.
I'm starting to see more cyclists during my commute. summer is near.
#1748
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 848
Likes: 21
From: Fort Collins CO
Bikes: Kona Dew, Kona Ute, Salsa Timberjack, Salsa Fargo, New belgium brewery cruisers-2014 and 2009 and 2007
The joys of commuting in the spring. Last night I caught up to a lovely lass about my age on a nice mixte at a light, had a little lic. plate from the same LBS I use. She was going the same speed as I was so I just backed of 20 yards and followed her down the MUP for a mile. I was hoping to catch up to her and say something witty at the next light but we caught it green and she went straight and it was my place to turn off.
#1749






