How was the commute today?
Barbieri Telefonico
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posts: 3,522
Bikes: Crappy but operational secondhand Motobecane Messenger
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
wonderful today
almost killed twice only
almost killed twice only
__________________
Giving Haircuts Over The Phone
Giving Haircuts Over The Phone

Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Livonia, MI
Posts: 873
Bikes: Pacific Duece AL with mods
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'll try to forget I heard about this maneuver, since my trailer has humans in it.
I rode out to Closter this morning--about halfway to Nyack--and saw an old friend. The left turn off 9W down Closter Dock Road is the best hill I've ever ridden down. Between that, the sore legs from the last three days of bike shenanigans, and the 4 hours of sleep last night, it was nice that I have a folding bike small enough for the friend to drive me back up to the main highway in the afternoon.
I rode out to Closter this morning--about halfway to Nyack--and saw an old friend. The left turn off 9W down Closter Dock Road is the best hill I've ever ridden down. Between that, the sore legs from the last three days of bike shenanigans, and the 4 hours of sleep last night, it was nice that I have a folding bike small enough for the friend to drive me back up to the main highway in the afternoon.


J3L 2404
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 1,075
Bikes: 2007 Jamis Nova
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good God, just let it be winter already...

__________________

Senior Lurker
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chicago suburbs
Posts: 56
Bikes: Trek 7100
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The weather in Chicagoland has been perfect this week! Add to that yesterday that I caught every light makes it an absolute perfect day. And to top it all off, the wife and I rode the bikes to a restaurant for dinner. Bliss.
I hope today's commute is as good as yesterday. They should all be that good.
I hope today's commute is as good as yesterday. They should all be that good.

Strong with the Fred
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 970
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Nice little ride in the rain. Got up to find that it is really pouring rain with lightning. Made last minute adjustments and placed the contents of my messenger bag in plastic bags. Didn't know how weatherproof my new messenger bag was and didn't want to have a wet change of clothes when I got to work. I don't mind riding in the rain, actually love it but didn't care to be in wet/damp clothes all day. All turned out well. My bag is pretty much rainproof and I'm now sitting at my desk in comfy dry clothes.
Ernest
Ernest

Belt drive!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Posts: 2,614
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice morning for a ride. High-50s. No wind. Didn't see many cyclists but I caught up to a couple riding matching bikes wearing matching gear. Aaawww.
Waited to pass another young woman until we got around a town lawn mower cutting grass next to the MUP. Spooled back up and enjoyed the rest of the ride.
Oh, also, today was bacon day.
First, I smelled bacon as I was riding by the campground next to the MUP. Then I smelled it being cooked by a restaurant near where I work. I probably don't have to tell you folks how good bacon smells when you're zipping along on your bicycles.


Oh, also, today was bacon day.


Last edited by vtjim; 08-15-08 at 05:53 AM.

Goon
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Posts: 864
Bikes: Rocky Mountain RC30, Soma Sport Fixed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
yesterday It was really sunny on the way home, big billowy clouds, but none looked like rain clouds, yet, it was sprinkling, the whole way home. I envisioned it was some alien experiment, dropping chemicals on us to see if we'd mutate into super-monsters. It was unsuccessful.
This morning, I felt ill, and tired, but I told myself "shut up and ride" so I got on the bike and made it to work. Feel pretty good. Forgot my underwear. jeebus.
This morning, I felt ill, and tired, but I told myself "shut up and ride" so I got on the bike and made it to work. Feel pretty good. Forgot my underwear. jeebus.

circus bear
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Austin
Posts: 642
Bikes: 97(?) GT Richochet, 00 Schwinn SuperSport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
no over heating this morning! Riding in the rain is one of my favorite things, ever. Didn't see the usual commuters this morning...Really nice actually.
lack of sleep from all the thunder but cheerful from the soaking ride in...
lack of sleep from all the thunder but cheerful from the soaking ride in...

circus bear
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Austin
Posts: 642
Bikes: 97(?) GT Richochet, 00 Schwinn SuperSport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts

Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Highland Park, NJ, USA
Posts: 3,798
Bikes: "Hildy", a Novara Randonee touring bike; a 16-speed Bike Friday Tikit; and a Specialized Stumpjumper frame-based built-up MTB, now serving as the kid-carrier, grocery-getter.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Forgot my belt. Had to use my emergency backup I keep at work.
__________________
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
- Uke On! - ukulele duo - Videos
- Ukulele Abyss - ukulele cover videos - Videos
- Baroque and Hungry's (Celtic fusion) full-length studio album Mended.
- Artistic Differences - 8-track EP Dreams of Bile and Blood.

Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5181 Post(s)
Liked 3,487 Times
in
2,290 Posts
Really really good. It's my last of the season. I really felt the difference with a good rear wheel ... finally! I had bought a bogus used one, but had a shop rebuild a new axle while at work yesterday. The ride home was good but in the am I am fresh and stronger I guess and the new wheel just made me even faster! WooHoo! This finishes my first full 5 day work week and by time I get home it will be 170 miles for the week.
My butt hurts a little and my knees will appreciate a few days off. Looking forward to some weekend fall rides WITHOUT TRAFFIC!
See ya guys (& gals)!
My butt hurts a little and my knees will appreciate a few days off. Looking forward to some weekend fall rides WITHOUT TRAFFIC!
See ya guys (& gals)!

An Army of Fred
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lost South of Nowhere East of Edan On the Waterfront Far from the Madding Crowd (Biloxi, MS)
Posts: 1,003
Bikes: 1992 Specialized Crossroads Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Only ride this week, but it was great. Made the first two green lights this morning.
Had one fail: the light at Big Lake and Pass Road has an induction coil that, I found out this morning, does not pick up a bicycle, even with both wheels over the wire;
need to contact the city about that. Light traffic, but warm (75°) and very humid (92%); glasses were fogged up most of the ride.




Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
First rainy ride in sometime. Thank goodness this does not happen often around here. It was a nice change of pace.
The cherry creek bike path was flooding as usual and I had to exit it to the street above (speer blvd). Crossing a sidewalk and ran into an expansion joint. Felt my bike starting to bounce around a bit and hopped off as it started to go down. Ended up standing next to it in the street. Bike crashed but its rider did not.
Rode through water up to the middle of my wheel.
Drenched would be the word of the day.
The cherry creek bike path was flooding as usual and I had to exit it to the street above (speer blvd). Crossing a sidewalk and ran into an expansion joint. Felt my bike starting to bounce around a bit and hopped off as it started to go down. Ended up standing next to it in the street. Bike crashed but its rider did not.

Rode through water up to the middle of my wheel.

Drenched would be the word of the day.

Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
the sun was out this morning so that made for a beautiful ride...stopped in at the bagel shop on the way to work too which is always a treat...had to listen to a squeaky chain this morning, the ice wax i use doesn't seem to last very long, seems that you have to apply it after every ride...any good lube i should look for?
Live without dead time
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 2,136
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fantstic. A week and a half ago I bought a new fixed gear for 700 dollars, I rode the 20 minutes home from the bike shop and by the time I got home I was in a world of pain. Back hurt, knees were screaming in pain, neck was sore, hands were numb from too much weight on my hands. Rode out the next day, same deal, and I'm starting to think I'd bought a bike too hastily and ended up with one that didn't fit me at all. 700 bucks on a bike that was pretty much useless... I'm starting to get a little freaked.
Over the next week I made a few changes, flipped the stem so it wasn't as big a drop to the handlebars from the saddle, adjusted the sadle height, adjusted the saddle rails and changed out the gearing. For the past few days the bike has been incredible. No soreness, fast, responsive and totally comfortable. This morning ended up being one of my quickest most comfortable commutes yet and a total pleasure now that my bike is dialed in how I like it.
So yeah, the commute was fantastic
Over the next week I made a few changes, flipped the stem so it wasn't as big a drop to the handlebars from the saddle, adjusted the sadle height, adjusted the saddle rails and changed out the gearing. For the past few days the bike has been incredible. No soreness, fast, responsive and totally comfortable. This morning ended up being one of my quickest most comfortable commutes yet and a total pleasure now that my bike is dialed in how I like it.
So yeah, the commute was fantastic


Chris
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Wynnewood, PA
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hello! Did my first bike ride in 10 years and first commute this morning after my 5 mile run. 4.8 miles with my garmin (so I can see later pacing and elevation) in 25 minutes. I had to walk my bike up one hill, and there is a killer one that starts my commute home I'm hoping to make halfway before I walk. My goal is no walking by Christmas.
I'm a little saddle sore, but not bad.
Chris
I'm a little saddle sore, but not bad.
Chris

Shut Up and Ride
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 578
Bikes: Cannondale t-700 [commuter], Cannondale MT-800 [Tandem so the Lil Misses can keep up], GT I drive Team [My tricked out Racer MTB]
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Streets were wet and messy this morning from overnight storms. Cooler temps this morning. Wore my shell on the way in for the first time in a long time.
I have a bike with fenders on order. Spray coming off the wheels sucks. It's not only wet , it has the bonus effect of being dirty.
Reflected on the fact that winter riding is just around the corner. It always seems to snow at least once in September.
Sigh...
I have a bike with fenders on order. Spray coming off the wheels sucks. It's not only wet , it has the bonus effect of being dirty.
Reflected on the fact that winter riding is just around the corner. It always seems to snow at least once in September.
Sigh...

An Army of Fred
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lost South of Nowhere East of Edan On the Waterfront Far from the Madding Crowd (Biloxi, MS)
Posts: 1,003
Bikes: 1992 Specialized Crossroads Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Streets were wet and messy this morning from overnight storms. Cooler temps this morning. Wore my shell on the way in for the first time in a long time.
I have a bike with fenders on order. Spray coming off the wheels sucks. It's not only wet , it has the bonus effect of being dirty.
Reflected on the fact that winter riding is just around the corner. It always seems to snow at least once in September.
Sigh...
I have a bike with fenders on order. Spray coming off the wheels sucks. It's not only wet , it has the bonus effect of being dirty.
Reflected on the fact that winter riding is just around the corner. It always seems to snow at least once in September.
Sigh...

Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Blue Springs, MO
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First Time Commute Today
I had a great ride in today, it will be even better once I get myself in a little better shape. The weather was perfect too, a little overcast and cool.

Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,096
Bikes: IRO Model 19, Surly Crosscheck, 1989 Arnie Nashbar, Cannondale CAADX, Niner Air 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Got caught in a downpour on the way home yesterday. It started near the rugby fields but I was able to make it to cover just before the really heavy stuff came in. I hunkered down underneath the bridge, near the airport, and stayed nice and dry while the worst of it passed. I don't mind the rain (downpour in this case) it's the lightening that worries me. As it turned out, I stayed nice and dry while the storm whipped overhead. Once it passed to our East, I got back on the trail none the worse for wear. The funny thing is that it was kinda cozy, just wish I'd brought a snack and something to read-could have taken a nap too.

Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,118
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's been a nice couple of weeks, no rain, starting to get a little nippy in the morning, along with the low sun, Winters coming! Warm to hot going home, ( gonna be a scorcher this evening and weekend ) Wildlife all over the place, Pheasant, Coyote, Hawk, Eagles, ( 3 times ) Deer, ( 3 times! ) Lots of bikes on the paths, quite a few on the roads. Has been intense at work this week, so homeward commute has been slow to almost stopped!
No worries, no urgent needs to get home, so, it takes longer to get there <shrug> Rear shifter finally quit this AM, now to change it, the brake lever, the cantis for disc, which means changing the fork and wheel, also new fender, so while I'm doing that, I'll put the higher bars on.........
I think I just committed to changing the whole front end?

I think I just committed to changing the whole front end?

Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 70
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Awesome, amazing, instead of going the direct 4.7 miles I did 15.6 up in the hills and the back side of Reno and then on to work. And 16.5 mph average.
My biggest day so far since resuming biking in May after almost 40 years of no bike. Yay!
My biggest day so far since resuming biking in May after almost 40 years of no bike. Yay!

Small Gal On a Small Bike
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Athens, GA
Posts: 30
Bikes: 2008 Dahon Mariner D7, 1992 Cannondale T600, 1989 Schwinn Traveler
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just started commuting last week and today was the first day I've seen some fellow cyclists going my way. Two waited with me at a crosswalk and one guy on a road bike actually continued on down the same route I take to get home. I stayed behind him a bit and pushed myself to keep up this pace, so I felt a real sense of accomplishment when I was able to conquer a hill I usually have to stop at the side of to catch my breath. I think I get myself worked up on this particular hill because there's barely any shoulder to speak of, and there's no bike lane, and I'm still building up my hill-climbing legs and it intimidates me when cars go whooshing past me when I feel like I'm climbing at a snail's pace and it stresses me out. While following this guy I was huffing and puffing the whole way up, but afterward when my breathing calmed down I felt like I could breathe more deeply. That's a great feeling.


Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,900
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Man, did I get caught in some thunderstorms today riding home from work. I have been pretty lucky avoiding the rain all summer long, largely due to the ongoing drought in the Southeast. However, there have been a lot of scattered t-storms that I had somehow managed to miss until today. Lots of lightning and heavy downpours, and I was soaked like a wet rat when I got home. Of course the rain stopped as soon as I got home and the sun was out 15 minutes later.
