How was the commute today? 2011 Edition.
#2426
Lovely. 10C (50F), sunny, and a tail wind for the north-bound sections. Legs feeling better after a day off the bike yesterday, though not 100% yet, but I was still able to big-ring it a couple times and really fly.
On a narrow road, a car pulled along side me, and then slowed down to my pace as we approached a driveway off to the right. I figured he was going to turn in, and was bracing for evasive action in the event of a right hook. I was so intent on watching the car that I didn't see the real reason it was slowing down: to stop for a pedestrian waiting to cross the street. I saw the ped at the last second when it was too late to stop, but I did see her give me the evil eye. I deserved it, and felt bad.
On a narrow road, a car pulled along side me, and then slowed down to my pace as we approached a driveway off to the right. I figured he was going to turn in, and was bracing for evasive action in the event of a right hook. I was so intent on watching the car that I didn't see the real reason it was slowing down: to stop for a pedestrian waiting to cross the street. I saw the ped at the last second when it was too late to stop, but I did see her give me the evil eye. I deserved it, and felt bad.
#2427
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 are finishing the third straight week with daily highs in 90s and I've biked to work almost every day. I am definitely getting acclimated to the heat, but I don't enjoy it. My clothes are soaked in sweat after each commute, even in the morning, and my average speeds have dropped about 1 mph. One the plus side, I've got daylight on both commutes and haven't had to deal with any rain in quite a while.
#2430
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
Really nice. They're in the midst of building ped/bike bridge across the Trinity so I won't be forced to cross on the sidewalk of a bad bridge. Once over the river, reasonably well-planned on-street bike lanes are already appearing. Today, I rode the last mile in bike lanes that mirrored my usual route. Also ran into an old friend as soon as I rode out of the driveway and rode with him a bit.
Mid 70's with a trailing crosswind, mid 90's going home, with a crossing headwind. Texas Summer is almost here.
Mid 70's with a trailing crosswind, mid 90's going home, with a crossing headwind. Texas Summer is almost here.
#2431
First ride this week. Schedule has been crazy and have not been able to ride. Timing was good in a way since I missed all of the code orange 100 degree days from earlier in the week. Temps were great this morning. Good to be back on the bike again.
#2433
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Canada
Fun ride today. Usually I only have a couple km to go to work, down a residential road with lots of stopping.
Today, though, I had to take the car in for service, so I drove out to the dealership, dropped off my car, and did 10km, mostly on MUTs with little traffic and even less stop signs.
Awesome ride. There's a big climb at the end, so my legs were killing me (I rarely have to do hills in my normal riding), but I tell you, I'd be a happier person if I got to ride along the river like that every day.
Today, though, I had to take the car in for service, so I drove out to the dealership, dropped off my car, and did 10km, mostly on MUTs with little traffic and even less stop signs.
Awesome ride. There's a big climb at the end, so my legs were killing me (I rarely have to do hills in my normal riding), but I tell you, I'd be a happier person if I got to ride along the river like that every day.
#2434
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Simcoe County, Ontario
Bikes: Steve Bauer Sirocco "Steve", Kawasaki Sumo 4.0 Fatbike "Black Betty", Retrospec Amok-16 "Rocinante/Veronica"
It was great! Nice weather, sunny and 10 C this morning. Tracking my time just for fun, I set a new personal best by 19 seconds over the 28km ride.
Got out for a ride around part of Kempenfelt Bay and back at lunch time too. Beautiful out!
Really loving the road bike (Steve Bauer Sirocco) I picked up used this spring, man that thing is fun to ride!
Got out for a ride around part of Kempenfelt Bay and back at lunch time too. Beautiful out!
Really loving the road bike (Steve Bauer Sirocco) I picked up used this spring, man that thing is fun to ride!
#2435
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,155
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Bikes: rockhopper, delta V, cannondale H300, Marin Mill Valley
The first five minutes and the last five minutes of my commute this morning. Maryland to DC. Music by Keller Williams.
Last edited by qmsdc15; 06-10-11 at 08:13 PM.
#2436
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
#2437
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 beautiful morning for a ride in. The temps are perfect, 62 F (17 C). Last Thursday, I stayed home with my first case of dehydration this year. I was very lightheaded all day, and pretty much had to sit in one spot. On Wed I rode with temps at 99F ( 37 C). I always drink water on my rides, but apparently not enough. I have adjusted and added more water during the work day as that seems to be my weak spot, and
added more water on the weekend. Age may have been a part of it, but not that much. I should have adjusted my water in-take awhile back.
added more water on the weekend. Age may have been a part of it, but not that much. I should have adjusted my water in-take awhile back.
#2438
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
They say caffine effects your hydration, I have seen studies both ways. I personally think it does.
The most perfect ride of the year. Just plain nice.
The most perfect ride of the year. Just plain nice.
__________________
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#2441
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
Almost cool and a tailwind. The ride in was as pleasant as I expect the ride home will be nasty-hot, uphill, upwind.
Still beats driving
Still beats driving
#2442
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda, MD
Bikes: All-City Space Horse, Trek 5000 WSD
Amazing weather today, especially after last week - it was around 62F and low humidity this morning. Felt like autumn. On top of the good weather, I love my new tire! Installed a Bontrager hardcase on my rear wheel last night. I had no idea a tire could improve the ride so much. Also installed my new headlight, but won't be using it for a while.
#2443
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC, Canada
Bikes: Velosport Appalache 15
A little dull and gray today. The office is crowded early this morning, I guess everyone wants to head home and watch the Canucks take a beating (they're not going to win on the road). I also forgot half my breakfast at home.
It's Monday.
It's Monday.
#2444
Best ride in of the year so far. 11C, sunny, no wind. Really gave 'er today. Gave 'er until I couldn't give 'er anymore, then I coasted downhill for a while and caught my breath, then I gave 'er some more. Gave 'er up the big hill, then hit some lights and was forced to rest a bit, so I sipped some water. Then I gave 'er for the last few blocks to work.
#2445
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX

I never got this area's interest in the Bruins. They should be Habs fans at least. We're only 90 minutes from Montreal, and about 4 hours from Boston.
#2446
Needed to empty the bladder, but was running late so I figured I'd do it when I got to work. Felt every bump on the way in.
__________________
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(?),
#2447
Car-free in the South
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: SFCA
Bikes: Surly Pack Rat, Novara Trionfo retro-mod
#2448
Wow, almost a chill this morning! Nice ride in on my newly changed front tube, I shall never pay anyone to do that again. Fully loaded down with both baskets full and a backpack, definitely slowed me.
So on the bike shops topic...is there a code to be a total d*ck to relative newbies? Guy at the shop says I "wrote down all the wrong numbers" for my tube. No, actually I wrote down every number listed on my Continentatl tire. grrr
So on the bike shops topic...is there a code to be a total d*ck to relative newbies? Guy at the shop says I "wrote down all the wrong numbers" for my tube. No, actually I wrote down every number listed on my Continentatl tire. grrr
#2449
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
nearly perfect morning for a ride in. Mid 50's F, gentle clouds playing with the sun. Surprisingly I only saw 3 other bike commuters this morning.
I got a nice workout this morning, alternating between my 69 and 80 inch gear the whole way in. This seems to be the norm now - great for a morning wake up.
.... and, no, dcb23 - bike shop employees shouldn't be giving you any attitude. You are a customer. I'd make a complaint to the manager about the employee's attitude. Chances are he/she is an indifferent kid who is only there for the "pro-deal" discount on gear and would prefer not to have to deal with "noobs".
I got a nice workout this morning, alternating between my 69 and 80 inch gear the whole way in. This seems to be the norm now - great for a morning wake up.
.... and, no, dcb23 - bike shop employees shouldn't be giving you any attitude. You are a customer. I'd make a complaint to the manager about the employee's attitude. Chances are he/she is an indifferent kid who is only there for the "pro-deal" discount on gear and would prefer not to have to deal with "noobs".
Last edited by canyoneagle; 06-13-11 at 09:11 AM.
#2450
Car-free in the South
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: SFCA
Bikes: Surly Pack Rat, Novara Trionfo retro-mod
Wow, almost a chill this morning! Nice ride in on my newly changed front tube, I shall never pay anyone to do that again. Fully loaded down with both baskets full and a backpack, definitely slowed me.
So on the bike shops topic...is there a code to be a total d*ck to relative newbies? Guy at the shop says I "wrote down all the wrong numbers" for my tube. No, actually I wrote down every number listed on my Continentatl tire. grrr
So on the bike shops topic...is there a code to be a total d*ck to relative newbies? Guy at the shop says I "wrote down all the wrong numbers" for my tube. No, actually I wrote down every number listed on my Continentatl tire. grrr







yay!

