How was the commute today?
06-27-08, 11:01 AM
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sorry to hear about the crash datajunkie
another non eventful commute here, i rode no hands for a little bit on the flat sections, i think i will take an alternate route next week and leave the house a little earlier so i can add miles and just enjoy the ride
another non eventful commute here, i rode no hands for a little bit on the flat sections, i think i will take an alternate route next week and leave the house a little earlier so i can add miles and just enjoy the ride
06-27-08, 11:02 AM
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Flying solo today. Traffic was way down, but the lights still aren't quite sync'd.
06-27-08, 11:04 AM
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OMG
I should have taken up poker instead of cycling.
Bombing down a hill I ran into a puddle of water while turning. Trying to avoid crashing I went wide while turning left.... and hit a glancing blow to a curb. Flew over my handlebars head first into the dirt and grass next to the road at about 15 mph. Broke my helmet and was dazed for a bit of time. Showed up to work an hr late.
Anyhow, I am keeping an eye open for any concussion symptoms. I am guessing it was a mild one at least.
bleh
I should have taken up poker instead of cycling.
Bombing down a hill I ran into a puddle of water while turning. Trying to avoid crashing I went wide while turning left.... and hit a glancing blow to a curb. Flew over my handlebars head first into the dirt and grass next to the road at about 15 mph. Broke my helmet and was dazed for a bit of time. Showed up to work an hr late.
Anyhow, I am keeping an eye open for any concussion symptoms. I am guessing it was a mild one at least.
bleh
06-27-08, 11:13 AM
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Thank you all
I am getting very tired of these posts. ugh
I am leaning towards calling it quits when my office moves in Sept. Mainly fully converting into a roadie and exercising after work when my brain functions more. If I find a place to store my bike I may take it out for lunch. It appears that I make terrible decisions while commuting.
Maybe if I lived closer to work this crap wouldn't happen.
Anyhow, I must ponder this one for a couple of months.
I am getting very tired of these posts. ugh
I am leaning towards calling it quits when my office moves in Sept. Mainly fully converting into a roadie and exercising after work when my brain functions more. If I find a place to store my bike I may take it out for lunch. It appears that I make terrible decisions while commuting.
Maybe if I lived closer to work this crap wouldn't happen.
Anyhow, I must ponder this one for a couple of months.
06-27-08, 11:19 AM
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Doood... welcome to the club! Good on ya for getting back on the horse...
I'm afraid that, at the rate you're going, we're going to have to read about you on the "wall of remembrance" thread in a matter of days. A bit of friendly advice (offered strictly out of concern for your wellbeing and your enjoyment of what has become one of my all-time favorite things to do): Riding in traffic is inherently more dangerous than driving a car, if only because you're now a midget in a land of giants, as opposed to being one more giant. I suggest you take some time to carefully plan your primary (and, apparently, a backup) route - map it out on the web, test drive it in the car to make sure it's going to work, test ride it on a weekend without traffic if necessary to make sure the roads and traffic control (stop lights, signs, turn lanes...) are sufficient.
And then ease into this - take things easy for a while to get yourself accustomed to your new bike (congrats - what is it, btw?) and riding in traffic. Riding a bit slower will also allow you to be more observant, which can improve your safety AND your enjoyment of the trip. Pay attention to where the cars are likely to cut you off or right hook you. Where do you need to be mindful of the "door zone?" When's the best time to move left to make that turn? Where should you really take the lane, and where is there room to safely share? Then, when you're used to the route, the bike, the traffic, go all out for the land speed record! After all, this is supposed to be FUN and FUNctional transportation which improves your quality of life. And finally, feel free to post your questions here - search first, of course (as was recently pointed out, there are approximately 9 unique topics on these forums!) Again, welcome!
I'm afraid that, at the rate you're going, we're going to have to read about you on the "wall of remembrance" thread in a matter of days. A bit of friendly advice (offered strictly out of concern for your wellbeing and your enjoyment of what has become one of my all-time favorite things to do): Riding in traffic is inherently more dangerous than driving a car, if only because you're now a midget in a land of giants, as opposed to being one more giant. I suggest you take some time to carefully plan your primary (and, apparently, a backup) route - map it out on the web, test drive it in the car to make sure it's going to work, test ride it on a weekend without traffic if necessary to make sure the roads and traffic control (stop lights, signs, turn lanes...) are sufficient.
And then ease into this - take things easy for a while to get yourself accustomed to your new bike (congrats - what is it, btw?) and riding in traffic. Riding a bit slower will also allow you to be more observant, which can improve your safety AND your enjoyment of the trip. Pay attention to where the cars are likely to cut you off or right hook you. Where do you need to be mindful of the "door zone?" When's the best time to move left to make that turn? Where should you really take the lane, and where is there room to safely share? Then, when you're used to the route, the bike, the traffic, go all out for the land speed record! After all, this is supposed to be FUN and FUNctional transportation which improves your quality of life. And finally, feel free to post your questions here - search first, of course (as was recently pointed out, there are approximately 9 unique topics on these forums!) Again, welcome!
I hope to keep it up. I enjoy the time riding and I already feel better with the exercise. Now if I can just convince other who live in town to do the same…
06-27-08, 04:57 PM
me ride bike good
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took the long way home, since it is downhill/flat. Air was really heavy around here, and made for a sweaty ride. I will be glad to have a couple days off for the weekend, as I think I was a bit fatigued after this week.
Sorry to hear about your crash, datajunkie. Take it easy for a bit.
Sorry to hear about your crash, datajunkie. Take it easy for a bit.
06-27-08, 06:09 PM
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Thanks
I pondered it a bit and have decided with my nutty work and family life that my ridiculous commute is just too much for me. I end up making stupid decisions so I am cutting it in half and will use the light rail the rest of the way. I really enjoyed it but this incessant damage I keep doing to myself is pointless.
I pondered it a bit and have decided with my nutty work and family life that my ridiculous commute is just too much for me. I end up making stupid decisions so I am cutting it in half and will use the light rail the rest of the way. I really enjoyed it but this incessant damage I keep doing to myself is pointless.
06-27-08, 06:33 PM
I chase bikes!
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06-28-08, 09:13 PM
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datajunkie
Sorry to hear about the experiences there, it can be rough surely. Speedy recovery can be a wonderful thing but learning from each is even better.
I wish you the best and keep riding.
Sorry to hear about the experiences there, it can be rough surely. Speedy recovery can be a wonderful thing but learning from each is even better.
I wish you the best and keep riding.
06-29-08, 01:20 AM
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Datajunkie: I mostly lurk on here, but I'm sorry your commute has turned in to such a painfest!
For my participation in the forum...
My commute was beautiful, it was only 75 degrees or so and cloudy so I took my time. Stopped for coffee, took the long way to work from the coffee shop. I have hypothesized that the ability of squirrels to predict the motion of an object is not genetic, or the gene pool would have been cleared of squirrels that run in the street, stop, turn around, and run directly in front of me. Happens every squirrel generation.
For my participation in the forum...
My commute was beautiful, it was only 75 degrees or so and cloudy so I took my time. Stopped for coffee, took the long way to work from the coffee shop. I have hypothesized that the ability of squirrels to predict the motion of an object is not genetic, or the gene pool would have been cleared of squirrels that run in the street, stop, turn around, and run directly in front of me. Happens every squirrel generation.
06-29-08, 05:18 AM
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Took up biking a month or so ago, and other than some problems it's been pretty cool (I could have the same streak of luck on a used car). Biggest thing around here is the Texas longhorns. 3.2 miles to work, 3.4 miles from so I'm not in that much position to complain based upon length of time. Right now I have it down to about 30-40 minutes. The place that I work is casual but I still don't like going in there smelling.
06-29-08, 06:37 AM
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Poor datajunkie! I'm sorry, it seems like just yesterday you were getting smoked by a car.
As for my commute, it was nice. It was a little chillier than it has been lately, so my little ears got cold, but that's okay. The view was absolutely beautiful, and even though I left late, I got to work in time to make coffee.
As for my commute, it was nice. It was a little chillier than it has been lately, so my little ears got cold, but that's okay. The view was absolutely beautiful, and even though I left late, I got to work in time to make coffee.
06-29-08, 07:12 AM
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Sounds like a reasonable compromise.
Thanks
I pondered it a bit and have decided with my nutty work and family life that my ridiculous commute is just too much for me. I end up making stupid decisions so I am cutting it in half and will use the light rail the rest of the way. I really enjoyed it but this incessant damage I keep doing to myself is pointless.
I pondered it a bit and have decided with my nutty work and family life that my ridiculous commute is just too much for me. I end up making stupid decisions so I am cutting it in half and will use the light rail the rest of the way. I really enjoyed it but this incessant damage I keep doing to myself is pointless.
06-29-08, 09:07 AM
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My 7.5 mile commute became 22.5, after I forgot my house keys at work and had to go back for them. I'll have to use my lock as a reminder device for my keys... I'm not worried about it getting stolen at work, but if I have to use my keys to ride my bike in the morning then I won't leave without them.
I wasn't planning on a long ride but it worked out nice, my night at work was so bad I needed the extra time to decompress. It's interesting to be out for long enough to watch the traffic patterns change throughout the morning.
I wasn't planning on a long ride but it worked out nice, my night at work was so bad I needed the extra time to decompress. It's interesting to be out for long enough to watch the traffic patterns change throughout the morning.
06-29-08, 02:46 PM
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granny gear goat
This Is a complaint from an old goat mountain biker who desided to slash his carbon footprint.My new [old tar steed is fixed with 14 speeds, my mtb's have 21and 24 ,thats at least 7 grannys short and on some of these long Maine hills my thoughts of lessoning my c/footprint is looseing its glitter./Ken:
06-29-08, 05:23 PM
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3.2 mile commute in some really perfect biking weather. Monday's looking like a real witch so far (predicted Thunderstorms). I'm thinking about getting in another mile here before sunset. I guess this can become addictive.
06-29-08, 09:26 PM
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Get well soon (again), DJ.
Lovely ride in this morning - cold, blue sky, sunshine etc. Left a bit later than usual though, so the traffic was a bit heavy. Also apparently the phasing of one of the lights changes compared to my usual time; the opposing light went red so I started out across the junction, got halfway over and thought, 'that's odd, the light hasn't gone green yet'. Then I realised that a different opposing filter had gone green, and traffic was coming at me! Luckily I scooted over the junction before anything had really started moving.
I don't jump red lights as a rule. I guess today I put myself firmly in the 'lunatic cyclist' category, at least as far as the other traffic that that junction is concerned!
Lovely ride in this morning - cold, blue sky, sunshine etc. Left a bit later than usual though, so the traffic was a bit heavy. Also apparently the phasing of one of the lights changes compared to my usual time; the opposing light went red so I started out across the junction, got halfway over and thought, 'that's odd, the light hasn't gone green yet'. Then I realised that a different opposing filter had gone green, and traffic was coming at me! Luckily I scooted over the junction before anything had really started moving.
I don't jump red lights as a rule. I guess today I put myself firmly in the 'lunatic cyclist' category, at least as far as the other traffic that that junction is concerned!
06-30-08, 05:22 AM
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Just getting back from 2 weeks vacation. It felt like my first ride of the year this AM-nervous, and forgetful. Thankfully my body and bike still know the routine, and my fitness level, although I perceive it to be lower, is apparently the same since I made the 13 miles in the usual amount of time. It was warm and muggy with a very gloomy, low cloud deck, and the roads were still wet from the overnight T storms. I got rained on in Vermont, New Hampshire, Quebec and Maine on my vacation, so why not get wet at home too :-)
06-30-08, 05:28 AM
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As I loaded my bike into my truck for the drive to the park and ride. I had that feeling that i was "forgetting something". I couldn't figure out what so I left and when i got to the park and ride I reached for something that wasn't there... My dang helmet, I don't ride without a helmet so I had to drive in the rest of the way. It seemed to take forever, it only got me to work 10 minutes faster.
Ah well, I'll go on a ride this afternoon when I get home. Tomorrow I'm leaving directly from my house on the bike so forgetting my helmet shouldn't a problem. Hope you all had a good rides.
Ah well, I'll go on a ride this afternoon when I get home. Tomorrow I'm leaving directly from my house on the bike so forgetting my helmet shouldn't a problem. Hope you all had a good rides.
06-30-08, 06:02 AM
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Mid 60sF and sunny. The MUP was damp from storms last night. I passed 5 cyclists and saw 3 or 4 others going the other way. That's a lot of riders, for me. It's a holiday week though. Maybe that has something to do with it.
06-30-08, 06:30 AM
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wonderful day, nice ride. Came to the biggest, most dangerous intersection of my commute, with entrance ramps for the interstate and a White Castle and lots of cars. Hit the light green and followed a car accross in my lane just like I was suppose to. Then the tires started squealing. For a split second I was not sure were it was coming from, and there was just too many places to look. The car in front of me slammed on his brakes and I was far enough back it was no problem. Some dummy was trying to go in the Exit at white castle while someone was coming out. Oh bad. anyway squealing tires kinda makes for pucker factor.
did see at least 3 other riders today.
did see at least 3 other riders today.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
06-30-08, 06:32 AM
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The ride home was unremarkable, except for the fact that my chain fell off. I'll have to get that looked at.
The ride to work this morning nipped a bad day in the bud. I had left late, so I had to push a little harder than I wanted to. Still, though, it was fun! I like going fast. It's a cheap thrill. I also got to see an absolutely beautiful sunrise, and really let my mind wander to places it hasn't been in years. I left late and grumpy, and showed up to work on time and happy.
The ride to work this morning nipped a bad day in the bud. I had left late, so I had to push a little harder than I wanted to. Still, though, it was fun! I like going fast. It's a cheap thrill. I also got to see an absolutely beautiful sunrise, and really let my mind wander to places it hasn't been in years. I left late and grumpy, and showed up to work on time and happy.
06-30-08, 07:06 AM
me ride bike good
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body protesting too much this morning, but after telling myself there would be days like this, I managed to get on the bike. was sore, since I was supposed to rest this weekend, but rode both days. and then was at work until midnight last night (didn't ride, since don't have headlight yet)
The first 1/2 of my ride, about 5 miles, was slow and I did not seem to have much energy, but around 1/2 way, I started feeling much better, and was able to really power through the final part of my ride, which is a short but steep hill that tapers to a gradual slope-I hit this part better than I have in all my time commuting (all 1.5 months
)
What started as a slower time ended up being my best morning time, around 36:45 for the 10 miles.
I readjusted my derailleurs and shifters over the weekend, and cleaned them to boot, and it made a huge difference!
oh yeah-warm, about 73*F, and humid. Damp roads from light mist overnight.
The first 1/2 of my ride, about 5 miles, was slow and I did not seem to have much energy, but around 1/2 way, I started feeling much better, and was able to really power through the final part of my ride, which is a short but steep hill that tapers to a gradual slope-I hit this part better than I have in all my time commuting (all 1.5 months
)What started as a slower time ended up being my best morning time, around 36:45 for the 10 miles.
I readjusted my derailleurs and shifters over the weekend, and cleaned them to boot, and it made a huge difference!
oh yeah-warm, about 73*F, and humid. Damp roads from light mist overnight.
06-30-08, 07:23 AM
Back in the game...
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Nice way to start the week. Sub-70F temps - first time in months (okay, weeks...) Very refreshing - actually felt a chill for a little while!
Heavy rains this weekend, and the local neighborhoods and cities still felt the need to water, so lots of runoff, but not as bad as last week. As I was leaving the shower room to head upstairs I noticed a female wild turkey hanging around the side doors. Took pics with my blackberry, but they suck...
Heavy rains this weekend, and the local neighborhoods and cities still felt the need to water, so lots of runoff, but not as bad as last week. As I was leaving the shower room to head upstairs I noticed a female wild turkey hanging around the side doors. Took pics with my blackberry, but they suck...
06-30-08, 07:30 AM
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Wasn't feeling good this weekend so I didn't ride, which made the ride this morning that much better. There was a slight breeze which made it feel a little cool outside today and made for a good riding temp.
There was a slight breeze which made it feel a little cool outside today and made for a good riding temp.
