How was the commute today?
Living Life On Two Wheels
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Salinas in California
Bikes: Giant Rincon 2007 Model - Black & Grey
Todays commutes were one of those that no matter which direction you turn you have a headwind, enjoyed the challenge, foggy and drizzling the entire day, sun never had a chance. Otherwise I enjoyed it, the ride was good and looking forward to more in the coming week. Keep thinking touring rig but still riding my MTB only time will tell. Otherwise, it is good to hear so many new individuals getting out there and riding, to cycle commute is a wonderful thing, once you start it can be difficult to go back, yet I wonder why would you? Keep Riding, And Enjoy Life At Your Own Pace, live it, not just let it pass you by.
Got My Vans On
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 156
Likes: 3
From: West Plains, MO
Bikes: 1970(s) Schwinn Supersport (under construction)
Today it was hot! Rode 14 miles round trip in 99 degree weather with the humidity at the highest it has been in over a year. I toughed it out though and am proud to have pulled through it without hurling
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
It's gonna be a hot one today in NC, with the high expected to hit near 100F. The temp was already 75F when I left home at 6:25 am. It's also very humid, and I got very sweaty even riding at an easy pace.
I was tempted to drive today due to the heat, but $4/gallon gas is a great motivator. I'm also trying to top 200 miles for the week. I was out of town on vacation over the past weekend, with my bike, and my brother and I got in some great rides in Atlanta and the N. Georgia mountains. Rode from Decatur to Stone Mountain one day, from Decatur to Piedmont Park the next day, and then an epic metric century up in the mountains. We rode from just north of the NC-GA state line near Hiawasee over the Blue Ridge divide on US 76, and then wound our way around Lake Burton and over to Robertston, ending up at my other brother's house in Sautee, Ga. We ended up climbing 4,100+ feet over 62 miles, but I think we had more downhills than ups. At one point, we had a 7.5-mile continuous descent at speeds topping 40 mph several times. The roads up there have banked turns and you can really fly on the descents. Sweet!
I was tempted to drive today due to the heat, but $4/gallon gas is a great motivator. I'm also trying to top 200 miles for the week. I was out of town on vacation over the past weekend, with my bike, and my brother and I got in some great rides in Atlanta and the N. Georgia mountains. Rode from Decatur to Stone Mountain one day, from Decatur to Piedmont Park the next day, and then an epic metric century up in the mountains. We rode from just north of the NC-GA state line near Hiawasee over the Blue Ridge divide on US 76, and then wound our way around Lake Burton and over to Robertston, ending up at my other brother's house in Sautee, Ga. We ended up climbing 4,100+ feet over 62 miles, but I think we had more downhills than ups. At one point, we had a 7.5-mile continuous descent at speeds topping 40 mph several times. The roads up there have banked turns and you can really fly on the descents. Sweet!
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX

I've got slicks for my mountain bike too. Much faster if all you're doing is riding on pavement. At the moment I've got dual-purpose tires on. Continental Traffic. They're pretty quick, and work off road too. I like to ride in the woods, so no road bike for me.
Anyway, sunny and clear this morning. Mid 60sF, and a light headwind. No personal time-trialers accosting me with their pathetic attempts to go fast like the last 2 days.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,878
Likes: 1
From: Boston (sort of)
Bikes: 1 road, 1 Urban Assault Vehicle
Had a totally weird experience on this AM's commute. Riding in a city, you get lots of different smells, some pleasant and some not so. I was riding up Stuart Street into downtown and eased up behind a big ol' truck at a light, just as it changed green. I braced myself for the diesel blast, but what I got was partially diesel with a strong overlay of Indian food. Smelled like channa masala, I swear to god. I have no idea where that came from, but now I really want Indian food.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
Had a totally weird experience on this AM's commute. Riding in a city, you get lots of different smells, some pleasant and some not so. I was riding up Stuart Street into downtown and eased up behind a big ol' truck at a light, just as it changed green. I braced myself for the diesel blast, but what I got was partially diesel with a strong overlay of Indian food. Smelled like channa masala, I swear to god. I have no idea where that came from, but now I really want Indian food.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
me ride bike good
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: outside Boston, MA
Bikes: Trek 4300; Trek 1.5
Had a totally weird experience on this AM's commute. Riding in a city, you get lots of different smells, some pleasant and some not so. I was riding up Stuart Street into downtown and eased up behind a big ol' truck at a light, just as it changed green. I braced myself for the diesel blast, but what I got was partially diesel with a strong overlay of Indian food. Smelled like channa masala, I swear to god. I have no idea where that came from, but now I really want Indian food.
Not sure, since I do not eat Indian food, but if there is cooking oil involved, you may have gotten hit with a veggie oil conversion exhaust, as I understand you can still pick up whiffs of the stuff that was cooked in it.
As for my commute, last night was nice, that is until a heavy equipment bowser (pickup truck w/ fuel tank and pump on the back) buzzed by me with fuel leaking/spraying out of the hose on the back-got me right in the face and mouth. As such, I was not able to get a good look at the plate or anything, but I was royally PO'd.
This morning was much better, though I have been slower in the past couple runs (38.5 minutes instead of about 36.5) but still enjoyable. Traffic at the town center and rotary that I pass through was the worst I have seen in a while, but I was able to slide right through, despite a non signaling right turners. I am proud to say that at this point, keeping my head on a swivel has become second nature, and I am much more confident and aware when navigating heavy traffic.
Dudebroguy
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Shelby Twp, MI
Bikes: Custom Quiring MTB, Surly Cross Check, Jamis Steel MTB (ca. 1997)
Ate garbage last night, felt like garbage this morning. Fried food = soggy legs. Hoping my long training commute home is better.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Flint, MI
Bikes: '12 C-dale HT; '89 C-dale sr300; Trek 820
I didn't eat the garbage mobilechimp did, unless you count Doritos and Oreos at 1 a.m. I was just trying to carbo-load for the ride this morning.
The ride was warm. Hot and muggy are outside waiting for me for the way home. I think I am pulling the boys on a ride this afternoon to pick mulberries for Momma. It might be more of a swim than a ride .
The ride was warm. Hot and muggy are outside waiting for me for the way home. I think I am pulling the boys on a ride this afternoon to pick mulberries for Momma. It might be more of a swim than a ride .
DNPAIMFB
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,655
Likes: 0
From: Cowtown, AB
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
I swear they changed the order of the lights. I hit just about every red from my house to work. Traffic was heavy too.
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Retro. Grouchy.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Nebarsky
Bikes: 1998 Terry Symmetry; 2001 Terry Classic
Long time reader/member, first time poster in this thread
I have a very short commute, only three miles. It's also quite flat. The wind often makes up for that; I seem to have a headwind going to work, and a headwind coming home. Today was no different, at least so far. I hear thunder now, so perhaps it'll be rain AND a headwind. Woohoo.
The commute in was short, about 12 minutes, and pretty uneventful. No cars honked, most gave me a wide berth. Weather - warm and humid, windy. I rode my Terry Classic; I found a Trek 311 yesterday at a used bike shop, so I'm hoping to be able to ride that sometime next week! It's being cleaned and tuned...
I have a very short commute, only three miles. It's also quite flat. The wind often makes up for that; I seem to have a headwind going to work, and a headwind coming home. Today was no different, at least so far. I hear thunder now, so perhaps it'll be rain AND a headwind. Woohoo.
The commute in was short, about 12 minutes, and pretty uneventful. No cars honked, most gave me a wide berth. Weather - warm and humid, windy. I rode my Terry Classic; I found a Trek 311 yesterday at a used bike shop, so I'm hoping to be able to ride that sometime next week! It's being cleaned and tuned...
Nice commute in this morning. Rode the MTB instead of the single speed in an effort to give my knees some much needed R&R. Seems to have worked! I'm happy that even with riding the heavy MTB loaded down with all my work stuff, still managed to make the trip in right at an hour.
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Former 340# Type 2 Diabetic.
My web site.
Proud member of Colorado's Best Cycling Club - Club Hypoxia
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Former 340# Type 2 Diabetic.
My web site.
Proud member of Colorado's Best Cycling Club - Club Hypoxia
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
Steel is real! 5 commuters at the corner of 15th of L this morning: my Gazelle, two Rivendells (!), and two beach cruisers. All steel.
Contrapuntal
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Drove today - doctor appt this afternoon at the Remote & Inaccessible Office (Oh boy! Mammogram!!
).
So I took the opportunity to switch out some of my work clothes, refresh my snack stash and all that good stuff.
). So I took the opportunity to switch out some of my work clothes, refresh my snack stash and all that good stuff.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Likes: 3
My legs are a bit tired. Just hit 200 miles for the week without any recovery days. Just one more day and I will have knocked two goals out of the way.
1) Entire week in and back for 280 miles for my commutes
2) 1000 miles for a month. It should end up being closer to 1100 by the time I am finished.
I refuse to look at my bikes this weekend.
Nice commute this morning on my single speed. Trying to determine what is making an annoying noise. I think it is either the saddle or seatpost since it only occurs when I am sitting.
1) Entire week in and back for 280 miles for my commutes
2) 1000 miles for a month. It should end up being closer to 1100 by the time I am finished.
I refuse to look at my bikes this weekend.

Nice commute this morning on my single speed. Trying to determine what is making an annoying noise. I think it is either the saddle or seatpost since it only occurs when I am sitting.
Back in the game...

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Keller, TX
Bikes: 1985 Trek 400; 1999 Specialized Rock Hopper (rigid, slicks); 2007 Crosscheck
It was 78F and sunny when I left the house - perfect weather for a ride home in the evening, but a bit ominous at 6:30 a.m.! Nice ride this morning, but I swear all the neighborhoods and municipalities I pass through conspired and decided to overwater all the medians and grass common areas, making a lot of the roads really wet. Haven't had that much spray on me since I last rode in a thunder storm...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
My "commute" yesterday was a ride to the dr.'s office for a checkup/exam. It was twice the distance of my commutes to work and it felt good to get the extra miles. Much of the ride was bike lane/MUP while my normal commute is a route that most non-commuting folks would consider crazy.
For the 3rd time in 3 weeks, I woke the morning after a "long" (relative) ride to find my rear tire flat. I think there's probably something on the rim. I'm going to take the whole thing apart tonight at home and see what's up.
Slightly OT, but kinda bike-related. Driving to Ultimate practice last night I saw a lady driving a scooter the wrong way, on a sidewalk, cell phone in left hand held to her right ear, no helmet...with a very young child sitting on the floorboard at her feet. WTF? Maybe I'm a safety-geek, but that just seems all kinds of dangerous. And to have a kid with you???
For the 3rd time in 3 weeks, I woke the morning after a "long" (relative) ride to find my rear tire flat. I think there's probably something on the rim. I'm going to take the whole thing apart tonight at home and see what's up.
Slightly OT, but kinda bike-related. Driving to Ultimate practice last night I saw a lady driving a scooter the wrong way, on a sidewalk, cell phone in left hand held to her right ear, no helmet...with a very young child sitting on the floorboard at her feet. WTF? Maybe I'm a safety-geek, but that just seems all kinds of dangerous. And to have a kid with you???
So i re-stocked my patch kit this morning and what do you know... i had an opportunity to make use of it. Man i'm done with flats, done. I'm going to go to mec tonight 'n git me some gatorskins.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
I have been bragging all week about how nice it has been here in centeral Indiana. Well I paid for it today. I left work early so I could beat the storm home. The first 5 miles I stopped at every street light I came to. There was a very stiff headwind, then for a few miles the lights were out, I am not sure why it had not stormed yet, but all the traffic lights were out. then teh headwind increased and I really had to work to make any time at all. But the really really good part was, I rolled up my driveway, my son opened the garage door so I rolled on in and parked my bike. While taking off my gloves and helment the lighting started, then the rain then the hail, had I been 5 min slower I would really be complaining right now. So I guess all in all it was another beautiful day in Indianapolis.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
the commute in was GREAT...I cut a whole 10 minutes off my time coming in.
I even got to ride for a while with a fellow biker...I thought I had passed him and lost him, but at a stop light, he popped right back up...we chitchatted every now and then...he rode a good length of the commute in...so it was nice to have someone to ride along with.
so...yeah...it was nice...had my new chain and everything.
I even got to ride for a while with a fellow biker...I thought I had passed him and lost him, but at a stop light, he popped right back up...we chitchatted every now and then...he rode a good length of the commute in...so it was nice to have someone to ride along with.
so...yeah...it was nice...had my new chain and everything.
<user defined text>
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Bikes: 80's peugeot. Somewhat knackered. Lovely new Salsa Casseroll singlespeed.
Hello to all the new people! Great to hear from you all!
Rode back last night late, about 10pm. Almost no traffic, I flew home. Makes you realise just how much the cars hold us up!
Lovely ride in this morning too. Cold and crisp, but a glorious blue sky and bright sunshine. I love riding!
Rode back last night late, about 10pm. Almost no traffic, I flew home. Makes you realise just how much the cars hold us up!
Lovely ride in this morning too. Cold and crisp, but a glorious blue sky and bright sunshine. I love riding!
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
I woke up at 3:10am and didn't like what I was hearing. I immediately turned on the weather radar via computer and checked things out. I was worried for my son's safety cause I knew he'd be in the middle of it. I got lucky in that the storm was passing thru as I was getting ready for work. When I left I had my rain gear on but took the jacket off because the rain had stopped. I saw lightning in the distance but it didn't worry me. The aftn ride was hot and steamy. You could feel the humidity in the air. But all in all a pleasant ride home. I'm hoping I luck out tom'rw morning.
...Oh yeah. I hit 3000 miles for the year today.
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...Oh yeah. I hit 3000 miles for the year today.
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Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 1
From: south jersey
nice 22.0 mile total, light wind and traffic. no other commuters (or bicyclists) seen on commute.
did a club ride in evening, we saw other riders and banana peals on the road.
did a club ride in evening, we saw other riders and banana peals on the road.
my hillacious 9.4 mile ride home was long, agonizing, and lovely...I'm glad I decided against bringing the El Camino home one day early.
not a record time, but I made it home quicker than I thought I would...and using lower gears too!
ok, now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find a not so lighted corner, roll up in to a ball, and wish for the Mountain Dew fairy to take me to a place where the Mountain Dew flows like wine...oh, and beautiful women too...always.
not a record time, but I made it home quicker than I thought I would...and using lower gears too!
ok, now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find a not so lighted corner, roll up in to a ball, and wish for the Mountain Dew fairy to take me to a place where the Mountain Dew flows like wine...oh, and beautiful women too...always.





