How was the commute today?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
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From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Great ride home last night--rode with another commuter from my bldg, we try to do this a few times a week. The funny thing is we were both trying to do a bit of a recovery ride yet we didn't get a single red light. Normally we hit 80% or more. Murphy's Law...
Uneventful ride this morning. Saw my wife going the other way (driving back from dropping The Kid at day care), waved and got a wave back. Made my morning.
Uneventful ride this morning. Saw my wife going the other way (driving back from dropping The Kid at day care), waved and got a wave back. Made my morning.
Living Life On Two Wheels
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 484
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From: Salinas in California
Bikes: Giant Rincon 2007 Model - Black & Grey
keep getting more interesting, to datajunkie better to have a strange commute then one not at all. Otherwise for me today's ride hasn't happened yet but it will.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
Finally a very nice ride home, low 80's nice ride.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Emeritus...a second time?
Joined: Apr 2008
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Good ride today. Saw a blinking red light about a half mile ahead of me this morning....a commuter!!!!! I pedaled hard and caught up to him. Then he wanted the lead back, so I sped up and made him work for it...but he never caught back up to me. His bike seemed a little small for him, like a kids mountain bike or something. Regardless, it was a good feeling and my 7 mile commute took only 20 minutes!
Ride home was nice. A couple of honks, but whatever.
Ride home was nice. A couple of honks, but whatever.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,082
Likes: 24
From: Southern CaliFORNIA.
Bikes: KHS Alite 500, Trek 7.2 FX , Masi Partenza, Masi Fixed Special, Masi Cran Criterium
[QUOTE=talleymonster;7227838]. . . His bike seemed a little small for him, like a kids mountain bike or something.
QUOTE]
I see that guy all the time. Plaid shirt, blue jeans, and baseball cap, right?
QUOTE]
I see that guy all the time. Plaid shirt, blue jeans, and baseball cap, right?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Bikes: Diamondback entry level.
Had to slow down for a peacock that was in the middle of the road, and didn't seem to see me until I was about 2 feet away. Was nowhere near the zoo or any farms. Must be someone's peculiar pet.
Not as hot, but running a little late on the way home so had to turn the lights on. Got a complement from another commuter this AM about my lights (they're extra large, made for automotive applications). Won't be long before we'll be commuting in the dark both ways.
Not as hot, but running a little late on the way home so had to turn the lights on. Got a complement from another commuter this AM about my lights (they're extra large, made for automotive applications). Won't be long before we'll be commuting in the dark both ways.
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Nice ride home. I was scooting along at 20MPH trying to keep ahead of the rain that was chasing me. Just about made it. Got sprinkled on but that was it. Tomorrow morning I think I'm doomed, rain-wise.
But hey, we need the rain!

(Admittedly I do enjoy riding in the rain.)
But hey, we need the rain!

(Admittedly I do enjoy riding in the rain.)
Contrapuntal
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Pretty hot day today. So I snuck out of work early in the afternoon and went to the beach for a swim. After an hour immersed in 70 degree water I was nice and cool, and so very happy. Took it easy on the way home. I love summer!
just over the next hill
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe 2006 Fuji Tahoe
It cooled down a bit so I rode the long way home. 17 miles round trip.
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Enjoy the ride.
Bianchi Volpe 2006; Fuji Tahoe 1990
Enjoy the ride.
Bianchi Volpe 2006; Fuji Tahoe 1990
Fairweather Bike Commuter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: East Falmouth, MA
Bikes: 2008 Jamis Satellite
My right clipless pedal, a Nashbar Special Road pedal, malfunctioned on the way to work, and I had to turn back. It appears the spring mechanism reared its cheap, "it'll-break-sooner-or-later-you-should've-settled-for-more-you-dang-cheapskate" head. I tried to fix it, but to heck with it... I still have the platform pedals that came with my Jamis Satillite, so while my Look Classic Road Pedals are being shipped from https://www.wekeepyoucycling.com, I'll just use those. The price was good- Nashbar wanted $99 for them, and "the other guys" wanted $84- that's with shipping.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
Had to drive in today, dont feel too good. But it would have been a very nice morning.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
FAST.
There was some dude on a road bike about 200 yards ahead of me on the MUP, and I needed some exercise, so I chased. Took me a couple of miles to barely catch him before we went different ways. Almost blew up.
22-25MPH most of the way. I do feel pretty strong though. 45 pound dualie MTB with all terrain 26x2.1 tires. Maybe I need a road bike.
There was some dude on a road bike about 200 yards ahead of me on the MUP, and I needed some exercise, so I chased. Took me a couple of miles to barely catch him before we went different ways. Almost blew up.
22-25MPH most of the way. I do feel pretty strong though. 45 pound dualie MTB with all terrain 26x2.1 tires. Maybe I need a road bike.
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're finally getting a break in the hot spell that has fried NC for the past few weeks. A cold front came through yesterday, and although we didn't get any much-needed rain out of it, the temperatures and humidity are much lower today. It's suppposed to dip down to the upper 50sF over the weekend with highs in the low 80sF, which insanely cool for NC this time of year.
Tomorrow I'm riding a fast metric century with friends, so I took it very easy on my commute today. No point frying my legs beforehand. I've made that mistake too many times. It was hard holding back this morning with the cool temps and low humidity, but I don't want to be struggling tomorrow.
Tomorrow I'm riding a fast metric century with friends, so I took it very easy on my commute today. No point frying my legs beforehand. I've made that mistake too many times. It was hard holding back this morning with the cool temps and low humidity, but I don't want to be struggling tomorrow.
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Bikes: Seven Odonata, Trek beach cruiser
Beautiful morning. Mid-50's, barely any breeze. I shaved 10 minutes of my time this morning. Must have been different route I took, luck with lights, and one less pannier this morning. A little rabbit scared the hell out of me cutting back across the MUP, almost laid it down.
An Army of Fred
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 3
From: Lost South of Nowhere East of Edan On the Waterfront Far from the Madding Crowd (Biloxi, MS)
Bikes: 1992 Specialized Crossroads Trail
Had a thunderstorm roll through last night bringing in some cool weather this morning: 75°F and 89% humidity. Went to bed late last night; sister-in-law came to visit. Moving kinda slow this morning, not really tired, just not the usual pep. Decided to ride anyways (keeping a promise to myself). Ride was much slower paced; took me about 80-85 minutes to ride the 16 miles. Made a quick stop at the bank for some cash then at the coffee shop for a lemon bar for a quick sugar fix. Legs feel worn.
rode the Wally World MTB in today for kicks. It was a slow and relaxing commute this morning. Geared way down for the hills and coasted down the other sides. Took about 35 minutes to cover 8 miles. This bike has no rack(no panniers), no lights, no computer, nothing... its bare bones bike. I need to do that more often.
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1 bronze, 0 silver, 1 gold
1 bronze, 0 silver, 1 gold
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 176
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From: Bethesda, MD
Bikes: All-City Space Horse, Trek 5000 WSD
Nice, uneventful ride. Cool and low humidity. Another week or so and I will have to switch back to my sunglasses with the interchangeable lens since it is getting darker in the mornings.
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,446
Likes: 4,535
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
vtjim - get a road bike! I recently did and am glad I did!
Goon
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: Ypsilanti, MI
Bikes: Rocky Mountain RC30, Soma Sport Fixed
I've gotten so used to the heat that today felt very chilly on the way in, it was somewhere in the 50's.
It made me think I should start saving some some heavy duty winter gloves and start preparations for a winter bike building project.
In other news, the conversion I was SUPPOSED to have done last weekend I SHOULD be able to get done this weekend. That is, the conversion to bullhorns. Hopefully the can do the whole thing Saturday and I will have the bike back for the group ride sunday.
It made me think I should start saving some some heavy duty winter gloves and start preparations for a winter bike building project.
In other news, the conversion I was SUPPOSED to have done last weekend I SHOULD be able to get done this weekend. That is, the conversion to bullhorns. Hopefully the can do the whole thing Saturday and I will have the bike back for the group ride sunday.
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,446
Likes: 4,535
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Been on vacation since last Friday. My ride home Friday was fine but I got another flat and had to take all my laundry out to change the tube so I built a custom front rack just for tools. After some exploring in Maine with the family I finally got on my bike to road test the new rack. Naturally I didn't get a flat. I only get those when it is INCONVENIENT!!!! AGH!
Anyway, I had the best time running the entire length of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, twice, and then some. I went from the very beginning and well past the very end, about 55 miles RT? I stopped for about an hour to jump in the ocean and rest before the return leg. What a nice bike path! There were some congested areas but I flew for most of it. I used all my commuting gear, meaning lights, bags and flag. Good thing too, because I was flying and the bright shirt and lights, etc helps people provided an opening in advance of my blur. I'm afraid two tots new to cycling lost it and fell when they saw me. I must have been like a UFO or something. Sorry kids, I'll go slower around you next time. Although the only that would have helped them was if I went stealth so that all they heard was the swoosh of air! I was courteous and announced "passing" and yes I slowed down, those kids just didn't stand a chance and I suspect those were not their first falls or their last. I passed with plenty of room. Still feel a little bad.
I did the whole trip (55?) miles in less than 3 hrs, so that's almost an average of 20 mph. Pretty good for an old Schwinn with wobbly wheels! Longest ride I ever took. Monday morning's 17 miles is going to be a breeze. I'm a bit toasted though, so I'll stay off the bike I think until then. Gonna go for 5 days next week, thunderstorms and all ...
Anyway, I had the best time running the entire length of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, twice, and then some. I went from the very beginning and well past the very end, about 55 miles RT? I stopped for about an hour to jump in the ocean and rest before the return leg. What a nice bike path! There were some congested areas but I flew for most of it. I used all my commuting gear, meaning lights, bags and flag. Good thing too, because I was flying and the bright shirt and lights, etc helps people provided an opening in advance of my blur. I'm afraid two tots new to cycling lost it and fell when they saw me. I must have been like a UFO or something. Sorry kids, I'll go slower around you next time. Although the only that would have helped them was if I went stealth so that all they heard was the swoosh of air! I was courteous and announced "passing" and yes I slowed down, those kids just didn't stand a chance and I suspect those were not their first falls or their last. I passed with plenty of room. Still feel a little bad.
I did the whole trip (55?) miles in less than 3 hrs, so that's almost an average of 20 mph. Pretty good for an old Schwinn with wobbly wheels! Longest ride I ever took. Monday morning's 17 miles is going to be a breeze. I'm a bit toasted though, so I'll stay off the bike I think until then. Gonna go for 5 days next week, thunderstorms and all ...
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,446
Likes: 4,535
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
cg1985 - You wearing any gloves now? Got fingers? What's the winter project? Something to do or something to ride?
Yesterday's ride home was a gift from the god's. A tailwind in my direction! My first tailwind ever! In 2 years of riding, that is the first time the wind has ever blown in that direction that time of day. So I dropped the hammer and got home in 45 min. Made excellent time on the flats and the momentum carried me up the hills pretty well.
I'm paying for it today,though. Feel good but no strength. Wind is still blowing in that direction so that was a fight. Early in the commute I had an incident which I go into in my Public Service Announcement thread. But all is good and the remainder of the ride was laid back and uneventful. Hopefully the wind is still when I leave.
I'm paying for it today,though. Feel good but no strength. Wind is still blowing in that direction so that was a fight. Early in the commute I had an incident which I go into in my Public Service Announcement thread. But all is good and the remainder of the ride was laid back and uneventful. Hopefully the wind is still when I leave.
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,446
Likes: 4,535
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Where is the "Public Service Announcement thread" located?
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 179
From: south Puget Sound
Yesterday, <2mile total, today, normal ride. 1st pre-schooler trailer day since Monday.





