How was the commute today?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, Maryland
Bikes: Trek 820 mtb, A no name red steel pipe bike, my commuter
It was a bit chillier today, than the temp, which was 10 F (-12 C). A mild wind, which only got me once or twice during the ride. My bike was dogging a bit, but I figure with a new tube, I will pump it
up tighter tonight. Going out of here this afternoon it will be iin the high 20s, and close to 30 F (-1 C).
The sun is shinning at least for now, and tomorrow we are expecting a high of 42 F ( 5 C).
up tighter tonight. Going out of here this afternoon it will be iin the high 20s, and close to 30 F (-1 C).
The sun is shinning at least for now, and tomorrow we are expecting a high of 42 F ( 5 C).
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
31F, pea-soup fog. Passed 2 not-fully engaged bikers; one pounding the 'cross' button while not noting the 'walk' light, and the other turning left from the right-turn-only lane (that one is kind of an esthetic as well as legal faux pas 'cause there's a sensitive sensor in the actual left-turn lane; also he was forcing right-turning cars into the bike lane to their right).
my nose itches
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Temple, Texas
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2013 Redline Conquest Disc
24F - the coldest I've ever ridden, but surprisingly comfortable, other than my face. Had to keep kind of slow to avoid generating too much wind. Supposed to get up to 73 this afternoon. That's a damned 50 degree change! I'll be in short sleeves this afternoon after bundling up this morning. Texas weather.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: NOWHERE
Bikes: noyb
Fog wasn't so bad this morning, maybe it had moved south for Hardy!
It was quite cold though, so much so I felt the "cold prickles" start up in my more exposed extremities after about 15 minutes. A hot shower helped that clear up. I was almost in a "header" with another bicyclist! We were heading opposite directions on the MUP, both coming to a street crossing at the same time. He was in the midst of the off-loading ferry traffic, so was possibly caught in the moment? I spotted him, thought he was going to turn in front of me for a left-hook, slowed down, he corrected last-second, sliding to a dramatic stop and kept it upright while I muttered "Jesu...." in his ear. I have 3 lights on my front - not like he didn't see me, just wasn't paying attention. I was impressed by his quick-stop in any case.
It was quite cold though, so much so I felt the "cold prickles" start up in my more exposed extremities after about 15 minutes. A hot shower helped that clear up. I was almost in a "header" with another bicyclist! We were heading opposite directions on the MUP, both coming to a street crossing at the same time. He was in the midst of the off-loading ferry traffic, so was possibly caught in the moment? I spotted him, thought he was going to turn in front of me for a left-hook, slowed down, he corrected last-second, sliding to a dramatic stop and kept it upright while I muttered "Jesu...." in his ear. I have 3 lights on my front - not like he didn't see me, just wasn't paying attention. I was impressed by his quick-stop in any case.
The rain hasn't come yet so it was a nice ride in this morning.
Interesting thing: I got a P7 flashlight last night and this was my first ride using it. (Love it BTW). Going thru Discovery park a skunk crossed the trail. While that happens all the time it was unusual because it stopped and stared at my light! I almost had to go off the path to avoid it. Anybody else ever have this happen? Fortunately it wasn't bothered and went on its way. I'd hate to get sprayed.
Interesting thing: I got a P7 flashlight last night and this was my first ride using it. (Love it BTW). Going thru Discovery park a skunk crossed the trail. While that happens all the time it was unusual because it stopped and stared at my light! I almost had to go off the path to avoid it. Anybody else ever have this happen? Fortunately it wasn't bothered and went on its way. I'd hate to get sprayed.
Drunken Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 338
Likes: 1
From: Teaneck NJ
Bikes: Jamis Ranger 1.0 (Mutilated !!), Trek Portland
Given up commuting since 2-3 weeks. January has been brutal cold. Snow, ice, black ice ... Really getting tired of this cold !!
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Nothing to say !
Nothing to say !
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
My clothes were *cold* this morning when I put them on after getting to work. Can't remember last time that happened.
me ride bike good
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: outside Boston, MA
Bikes: Trek 4300; Trek 1.5
Ride home was not bad at all. Amazing that after this morning's ride, 20*F on the home route seemed warm. Actually pulled over to lose a layer. This was the first commute on this route, though, and the last hill really killed me. Gonna take a couple trips to get used to this one.
Same as it has been the last 2 weeks: Cold and grey skied... I'm starting to get that 'winter funk' that lack of sunlight brings. I do need to fix a headgear problem though... ice cream headache on the way into work lol.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: East Metro Atlanta, GA, USA
Bikes: Giant Sedona (Mid 90's), Giant Seek 2, Greenspeed Anura
40ish, clear skies, heckuva glare. The traffic lights were a PITA today.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Had a nice ride to and from work today. Mid 40s in the morning and upper 60s at night. I left my jacket at work so I wouldnt get too hot. Sucks to live in Phoenix
Also hit a new top speed on my fixed gear. 34.5 with me spinning like a fool.
Also hit a new top speed on my fixed gear. 34.5 with me spinning like a fool.
Seeing things
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Maryland, USA
Bikes: '73 Bertin, '04 LeMond Poprad, Miyata 1000, and counting...
15F/-10C, clear and calm. Light traffic left the road mostly to me, and the motorists I did see were all remarkably well-behaved. Hmmmmm. I think something must be up...
perpetually frazzled

Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 9
From: Linton, IN
Bikes: 1977 Bridgestone Kabuki Super Speed; 1979 Raleigh Professional; 1983 Raleigh Rapide mixte; 1974 Peugeot UO-8; 1993 Univega Activa Trail; 1972 Raleigh Sports; 1967 Phillips; 1981 Schwinn World Tourist; 1976 Schwinn LeTour mixte; 1964 Western Flyer
Nice and warm, but my bloody headlight broke halfway to school, so I couldn't see anything. argh!
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Second commute of January this morning. Temps in the high teens (F) with an annoying 15MPH headwind. I stuck mostly to the road this morning because the MUP snow isn't packed enough to support a bicycle.
I had to walk about a quarter mile between roads, but hey, I made bicycle tracks in the snow. I'm the man. 
Made use of the Cateye LD1100 I got for Christmas. Seatpost-mount. A painfully bright blinkie with 2 independently-controlled banks of lights. I kept them both on random blink. Looks kind of official and police-like, I think.
I had to walk about a quarter mile between roads, but hey, I made bicycle tracks in the snow. I'm the man. 
Made use of the Cateye LD1100 I got for Christmas. Seatpost-mount. A painfully bright blinkie with 2 independently-controlled banks of lights. I kept them both on random blink. Looks kind of official and police-like, I think.
Effortless Power ...
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City Metro
Bikes: Fixed Gear conversion bike(s), Jamis Quest road; Specialized M2; Puch conversion CX
My 2nd commute of the year - I don't normally venture to ride in sub-40 weather (29 when I woke & 31 when I left for office) but it's going to be almost 60 this afternoon, so I couldn't pass up the chance. Beside I'm going to LBS at lunch to buy a new frame for a new bike project, so why not do it on my bike, right?
Light traffic, mostly sunny, a few cars, but not tons & well-behaved if not overly cautious on a few occasions. Looking forward to the ride home (and to LBS at lunch).
Light traffic, mostly sunny, a few cars, but not tons & well-behaved if not overly cautious on a few occasions. Looking forward to the ride home (and to LBS at lunch).
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: IRO Model 19, Surly Crosscheck, 1989 Arnie Nashbar, Cannondale CAADX, Niner Air 9
Cold but still, temps in the low 20's. Decent energy but my slow @$$ tires are still frustrating. DC is still in the process of cleaning up from the inauguration, jersey barriers, fences, scaffolds, port a potties are shifting and being removed making for a slightly different maze of barriers every morning. Should feel tropical with afternoon temps in the mid 40's. Even warmer tomorrow. Good.
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Routine commute, temps in the high 30s, mild tailwind that will be a moderate headwind this afternoon, but temps will be in the solid 70s by then. My only mistake is I forgot to pack some shorts for the ride home.
Oh, and it was the first ride with my new handlebar stem. I didn't like the stem that came with the bike because it put the handlebars too far forward and not high enough. When I moved them up a bit (and less than minimum insertion on the stem) the front end creaked like crazy. With the new stem, things feel much more secure and make much less noise.
Oh, and it was the first ride with my new handlebar stem. I didn't like the stem that came with the bike because it put the handlebars too far forward and not high enough. When I moved them up a bit (and less than minimum insertion on the stem) the front end creaked like crazy. With the new stem, things feel much more secure and make much less noise.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
45 (absurd here in Miami) this morning. Teary-eyed and cold-handed the whole 7 miles to school. An elderly pedestrian gave me the thumbs up and cheered while I mashed into the headwind.
L T X B O M P F A N S R
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 5
From: Malden, MA
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Bianchi San Jose, Redline 925
A fellow in front of me riding a fixed gear with slick tires and no brakes skidded on a layer of slush and snow to slow down just before he made a right turn.
I don't know all the mechanics of skidding on a FG, but that just seems really unsafe to me.
Or maybe since in any skid you've already lost traction in the rear wheel, it doesn't matter that the road surface is more slick? Maybe it'll just take longer to slow down? I dunno. I don't think I'll ever understand though why someone wouldn't use a front brake at least.
I think the last time I skidded on purpose was when I was about 11 years old.
I don't know all the mechanics of skidding on a FG, but that just seems really unsafe to me.
Or maybe since in any skid you've already lost traction in the rear wheel, it doesn't matter that the road surface is more slick? Maybe it'll just take longer to slow down? I dunno. I don't think I'll ever understand though why someone wouldn't use a front brake at least.
I think the last time I skidded on purpose was when I was about 11 years old.
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
Been seriously slacking on my commutes since my little aerobatic display back in November. Ah, well, may be tomorrow, most definitely this weekend.
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
My co-workers really liked the Meteor. They joked that it looked like a grandpa bike but did appreciate the chrome fenders.
The ride home was great! Stopped to enjoy an ice cream from an cream vendor. I did pass another commuter on a mtb but he didn't even acknowledge me. Probably jealous 'cause the Meteor looked better than his bike.
. Now for afew minor adjustments and we'll be cooking with gas!
Ernest
The ride home was great! Stopped to enjoy an ice cream from an cream vendor. I did pass another commuter on a mtb but he didn't even acknowledge me. Probably jealous 'cause the Meteor looked better than his bike.
. Now for afew minor adjustments and we'll be cooking with gas!Ernest
Randomhead
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25,930
Likes: 4,825
From: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
I'm using a new route that goes down a couple of rural roads instead of up the main drag. Since the bike path on the main drag is impassable, the new route is a lot less stressful. The alternative is sharing the road with a batch of speeding idiots going 50-60 on a road with curbs and narrow outer lanes. I did see someone doing that yesterday, it's doable but my blood pressure is too high anyway. Haven't used the new route at night yet, not sure I'll do it tomorrow either given the likelihood of drunk drivers around here.
Tonight in town in a residential area with 25mph speed limits, a motorist ran a stop sign as I was approaching with the right of way. It wasn't so close that I had to slow down, but it was pretty annoying. He did slow down to 25mph through the intersection.
Yesterday, a guy passed me at a high rate of speed going down a hill with a stop sign at the bottom. Plenty of passing distance, but I thought it was pointless to pass since we were going to get to the stop sign at about the same time anyway. I was wrong, he braked a little but blasted through the stop sign at speed.
Tonight in town in a residential area with 25mph speed limits, a motorist ran a stop sign as I was approaching with the right of way. It wasn't so close that I had to slow down, but it was pretty annoying. He did slow down to 25mph through the intersection.
Yesterday, a guy passed me at a high rate of speed going down a hill with a stop sign at the bottom. Plenty of passing distance, but I thought it was pointless to pass since we were going to get to the stop sign at about the same time anyway. I was wrong, he braked a little but blasted through the stop sign at speed.
Last edited by unterhausen; 01-22-09 at 07:47 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: New York City
Bikes: 2006 Dahon D7, 2015 Kona Minute
Didn't ride today
It was 19F this AM, and I have found that, with the gear I have, 22F is about the coldest I enjoy commuting in. I did a sub-20-degree commute home the other night, and my feet were like blocks of ice when I got home. That's with two pair of socks on. Here's hoping for warmer weather tomorrow!
It was 19F this AM, and I have found that, with the gear I have, 22F is about the coldest I enjoy commuting in. I did a sub-20-degree commute home the other night, and my feet were like blocks of ice when I got home. That's with two pair of socks on. Here's hoping for warmer weather tomorrow!





