How was the commute today?
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Nothing too special about the ride. Did have a fairly typical problem with a motorist. The arterial I ride switches from 5 lanes to 7 very narrow lanes as I approach my office. I typically move just a little left to make it even more obvious that a car can't share the lane with me. Every now and then one of those people who are mentally unable to change lanes will end up behind me - and then still be behind me as I need to move left across lanes to make the turn into my office. It's just a hassle.
The annoying part is that many of these people pull up behind me at the previous light. If you're in a car on a six lane road, why would you pull up behind a bicycle (instead of changing lanes) that you won't be able to get by? I guess I've already said it... they're mentally incapable of changing lanes.
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felt nice to bike in with new shorts, i have been biking in knickers for the most part but it was really refreshing to let the legs feel the breeze more, it took my a bit to cool down after my shower but i am now finally feeling cool
did a long ride on the 4th with my lady which was really great, our destination was the beach and then we decided to bike a bit more to find some lunch...good times, decided to do this all on my singlespeed
did a long ride on the 4th with my lady which was really great, our destination was the beach and then we decided to bike a bit more to find some lunch...good times, decided to do this all on my singlespeed
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda, MD
Bikes: All-City Space Horse, Trek 5000 WSD
I almost rode over something bright blue and fluffy. Just after my front wheel narrowly missed it, I realized it was a bird. I turned around and stopped and it was a parakeet, obviously in shock at having gained its freedom. After a few attempts to have it climb onto a stick, I finally just picked it up with my hands and placed it on a branch. I called animal control when I got to the office and they said they would send someone out to get it -- I hope they got it. The little guy/gal tried to climb up my arm. I wish I had just stuck it in my pannier and brought it to the office but that didn't occur to me until I got to the office.
my nose itches
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Temple, Texas
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2013 Redline Conquest Disc
Loverly. Mid 70s, breezy and low traffic. Chased by the same dog who always chases me. He's such a badass.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: TORONTO , ONT , CA
Bikes: 1 x Raleigh Grand Prix (bought 1975) ; 1 x no-name ruster MTB ; 1 x unused new Raleigh MTB (Avenger?)
High 70's with UV index 9. Hot! But nice. I did it in 30min opposed to the 25 I can hit if I push. It is relaxing and refreshing to not push.
Detoured to return some library materials for the wifey and got lost
Oh well the point was to add some k's anyway. Ended up going 40kim this morning and it was perfect weather for it! Really nice ride.
Oh well the point was to add some k's anyway. Ended up going 40kim this morning and it was perfect weather for it! Really nice ride.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Nothing too special about the ride. Did have a fairly typical problem with a motorist. The arterial I ride switches from 5 lanes to 7 very narrow lanes as I approach my office. I typically move just a little left to make it even more obvious that a car can't share the lane with me. Every now and then one of those people who are mentally unable to change lanes will end up behind me - and then still be behind me as I need to move left across lanes to make the turn into my office. It's just a hassle.
The annoying part is that many of these people pull up behind me at the previous light. If you're in a car on a six lane road, why would you pull up behind a bicycle (instead of changing lanes) that you won't be able to get by? I guess I've already said it... they're mentally incapable of changing lanes.
The annoying part is that many of these people pull up behind me at the previous light. If you're in a car on a six lane road, why would you pull up behind a bicycle (instead of changing lanes) that you won't be able to get by? I guess I've already said it... they're mentally incapable of changing lanes.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, ON
Bikes: Trek FX 7.3 WSD
Second time riding in today and a fellow cyclist (slim dude on a mtb, pedaling hard) told me that I was fast! The Athena in me beamed and thought about how much faster I was going to get. Of course, I wasn't going as fast after I finished the 21 km ride to work. Man, I love my new bike.
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
I do that too, especially if I'm my carbon bike because it won't trigger the sensors. And more often than not, the driver just looks at you with wide eyes and a slack jaw.
This morning the air was just terrible. But my legs were suprisingly fresh after racing 3 times over the holiday weekend. I think I've finally gotten off a fitness plateau and all it took was 2 crits and a hilly road race within 24 hours to do it.
This morning the air was just terrible. But my legs were suprisingly fresh after racing 3 times over the holiday weekend. I think I've finally gotten off a fitness plateau and all it took was 2 crits and a hilly road race within 24 hours to do it.
nice ride in this morning - no rain and the roads were pretty dry - that may not be the case a quitn time though - supposed t-storms this afternoon
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Stockholm, Sweden
Bikes: Merrida Crossway Striker
Home... the ride was quite good, for the first time I didn't get off the bike in the step hills, although I did a slight detour, and did stop to ask a girl if she was lost (she was fipling with her map, so I thought she was lost. I was wrong though... And I didn't notice what kind of bike she had).
I was extremly tiered as I started carrying the bike up the four flours. (It would be so nice, to be able to actualy have the bike in the intended stands on the backyard, but no... that I don't dare, as I want my bike left)
I was extremly tiered as I started carrying the bike up the four flours. (It would be so nice, to be able to actualy have the bike in the intended stands on the backyard, but no... that I don't dare, as I want my bike left)
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
Great ride in. 1st time in 14 days after vacation and some weekends. Oh yes, I stopped at one nasty intersection for a light and thought I'd see how many people were violating the week old hands-free cell phone requirement. I was surprised I didn't see anybody! Sampling error, I'm sure.
hadn't riden all weekend, felt good to get back in the saddle. 
it was a nice cool 65 degrees, no traffic, perfect ride.
loved it.

it was a nice cool 65 degrees, no traffic, perfect ride.
loved it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
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.
Rode all weekend. My legs are soooo tired. I'm actually looking forward to working on the deck tonight.
My ride to work was immediately followed by my ride home from work, due to a death in the family. The rides were a much-needed infusion of peace and nature into my day. In fact, since I'm off for the day, I may go for another ride just to clear my head.
my nose itches
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Temple, Texas
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2013 Redline Conquest Disc
Sorry for your loss, girljen. Take it easy.
me ride bike good
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: outside Boston, MA
Bikes: Trek 4300; Trek 1.5
Sorry to hear, GirlJen.
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: KCMO
Ride in to work was nice. Mid 70 degrees.
Ride home was hot with a side of hot. Topped off with a little more hot. Thermometer said 98. They said the heat factor(whatever that is) was 104. Plus a head wind. Still beats being in a car..
Ride home was hot with a side of hot. Topped off with a little more hot. Thermometer said 98. They said the heat factor(whatever that is) was 104. Plus a head wind. Still beats being in a car..
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
Nice ride home too. A little rain, those large ice cold drops but only lasted a few min.
__________________
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Morning commute was OK.
evening was rainy, fresh but humid (75°F, 94%).
PS: On my way back my left resin platform pedal broke, so i had to use the axle has pedal, lol. I knew this was gonna happen but never expected this soon, hopefully I will be getting new pedals tomorrow.
evening was rainy, fresh but humid (75°F, 94%).
PS: On my way back my left resin platform pedal broke, so i had to use the axle has pedal, lol. I knew this was gonna happen but never expected this soon, hopefully I will be getting new pedals tomorrow.
Last edited by jrafael; 07-07-08 at 07:49 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: TORONTO , ONT , CA
Bikes: 1 x Raleigh Grand Prix (bought 1975) ; 1 x no-name ruster MTB ; 1 x unused new Raleigh MTB (Avenger?)
90F but felt closer to 100. I'm glad I bought a second water bottle.
Except while at MEC I got suckered into buying a bike computer. I blame you guys.
Now I gotta measure the wheel and mount it up.
Except while at MEC I got suckered into buying a bike computer. I blame you guys.
Now I gotta measure the wheel and mount it up.
1pm was a 5 mile voyage through hell at 105F, took me quite a while to cool down before work. The return trip at midnight was a pleasant 88 degrees. 10 miles in total, which included my fastest time home yet: you'll be surprised how fast you can ride when you gotta go to the bathroom.
got a question for you sweaty guys/gals with a locker... i tend to add in a few miles before and after work into my commute, what do you guys do with your sweaty clothes/wet towel? is there some magical way to get them to dry?
thanks
got a question for you sweaty guys/gals with a locker... i tend to add in a few miles before and after work into my commute, what do you guys do with your sweaty clothes/wet towel? is there some magical way to get them to dry?
thanks
circus bear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Bikes: 97(?) GT Richochet, 00 Schwinn SuperSport
Coat hangers on the outside of locker. What gross person steals someone elses sweat-soaked gear?! For a towel? In all seriousness I use one of those synthetic chamois you can buy to dry your car. They work great!
Soul filled with grease
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Hills-Vegas, NC
Bikes: Early Surly XCheck;1960 Schwinn Speedster;1996 Giant CroMo Camper;1986 Fuji
All in all a fine ride today. A little sticky at 73 degrees with 94 percent humidity.
Hey "gaberX", you can get one of those desk fans to dry out clothing. I have one under my
desk for general airflow purposes, but they work great if you hang clothes in front of them. Other
than that I just use my locker. I don't really mind putting on gear that isn't fully dry some days.
It's going to be sweaty again in a few minutes anyway.
Hey "gaberX", you can get one of those desk fans to dry out clothing. I have one under my
desk for general airflow purposes, but they work great if you hang clothes in front of them. Other
than that I just use my locker. I don't really mind putting on gear that isn't fully dry some days.
It's going to be sweaty again in a few minutes anyway.





