aiming for all 4 work days this week. Time to get my sorry ass in some form of shape for the racing season.

Great morning, very warm (-1C) and the streets are all but clear of ice.

Been a while since I posted, busy at work. Only two stories to post from last week.

1) Got into a "discussion" with a driver after he laid on the horn behind me, then rode up on my rear, passed me closely, and cut in front of me. I caught him at the light and asked him what was up. He told me I shouldn't be in the middle of the road. I tried to explain to him why I was riding there; he didn't want to hear it and drove off.

2) Thursday afternoon I got caught in the worst weather I've ever experienced on my bike. I was about 2 miles from home when a torrential squall came in and dumped a tremendous amount of rain in just a few minutes. I pulled into a parking lot and got under an awning; the proprietor of the store asked me to hang out inside (which I did). This storm cell was impressive as he**. It was so bad that I couldn't BREATHE, let alone see. When I tried to inhale I just sucked in water.

Decent ride this morning, temps were moderate, around 40F. so I only needed my jacket-not the multiple layers as of late. Since we're expecting rain/snow tonight I decided to re-install my fenders. My intention is to leave them on until April/May but, I just hate the way they look so much that they're always on and off over the Winter. The only remaining ice I encountered was a 6 foot stretch under the 14th St. Bridge, otherwise it was smooth sailing. Oh yeah, at one point I was the last rider in a line of 3 with 2 more approaching from behind-that was a record for me. Cool.

Accepted a challenge of 500 miles this month.

I am trying to lose weight, and need goals like this to stay motivated.

To do this, I have changed my route of 6 miles one way, to 15 miles one way. I am also trying for a consecutive days riding record, which for me, usually has been 4.

My new route was a little of everything, suburban, rural, industrial and city. I was getting bored with my old route, and somewhat comfortable with the traffic. I don't want too comfortable with it. Several busy sections in my new route that keep me on my toes.

Weather was in the 40s F, but rain coming tonight. I suspect I will be tested to stick to my route in the rain when I could easily point the bike in a straight line home.

Had the non studded bike out but after some overnight snow I quick switched the bags and lights. 30 degrees and pleasant.

rode 2 bikes to work today because I thought I was going to have to leave one at the bike shop. They did the work while I was waiting so I got the wife to pick up the extra bike on her way home. Been a while since I've done that, it wasn't bad. Makes track stands trivial.

Today was my first commute! I have been trying for the last month to get the equipment/courage to actually do it. Its a great route, 11 miles each way 98% on MUP, but I am 265 and a total newbie at riding so it was a mental battle.

It was challenging but now that I sit here this evening, I feel great.

Rode in the afternoon after coming home for lunch and seeing the roads were mostly clear. More snow supposed to be on the way.

How did you accomplish this? Did you hold one off to the side as you rode the other?

CONGRATULATIONS! And welcome to the club! A 22 mile RT is fantastic! And are you saying 265 lbs? And you're doing 22 mile round trips? You must be feeling great. Way to go!:thumb: If you're planning on dropping some pounds I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how fast they go when you're doing that kind of mileage regularly. Even after almost 40 years of bike commuting I'm still inspired by hearing about that kind of ride. The first few rides are the toughest mental challenge. After a while it becomes a habit and you'll wonder how you lived without it.;)

My commute today was glorious- it was above 40〫F for the first time in about 2 months! Only weird thing was for the last part of my ride home I kept thinking I'd ridden through dog crap and then I realized that now that the weather was above freezing 2 months of frozen dog crap was thawing out at once and it was pervasive.:notamused: yecccch.

One other thing. Got to my office today and drank some water and it tasted like sea water! Then I realized my lips and face were so coated with road salt I was like a pretzel- that can't be good for you, can it?:mad:

Other than all that- great ride!:lol:

Thanks for the encouragement. Yes its 265 lbs, and yes I am hoping to loose some. I'm excited about getting into the "groove" so to speak but need to fight the mental battle to not give up. I'm riding an old Bertoni road bike and although I'm sure its not a perfect fit, its getting me out there which was step one.

Yesterday was the first snow since I started commuting by bike. I chickened out and took the car. So it took me 2 hrs instead of 30 minutes and every few minutes someone whizzed by me on a bike.

Big mistake - today I was back on the bike. The snow had turned to slush, my toes turned to icicles and I had a great ride in. The most interesting part was the first half mile from my house where the snow was mainly undisturbed - my road tyres cut through it pretty nicely and I was really impressed with how much grip I had - even under braking.

:thumb: There are lots of times when I struggle with the, "I don't feel like it" syndrome. Rarely have I regretted riding anyway. :D

Just above freezing this AM, with light, sleety snow showers. As I walked my bike down the steps to the street, I was prepared to do an about-face and slap on the studs if I hit ice. I am happy to report that the pavement stayed wet, and the rubber stayed down.

You know it wasn't even that. I just assumed it'd be dangerous and my slick tyres wouldn't grip. But the guys riding past me proved me wrong!

Dark as usual. Kinda cool about 40 degrees. I stayed up all nite and couldn't sleep for some reason so I was jumpy with every little sound I heard. Today is gonna be interesting.
I stopped at my donut store to get breakfast and got to work in record time. I plan to take advantage of this good weather and ride in everyday I can.
Ernest

Didn't cycle today as the UK has come to it's knees over a snowflake. All transport has been disabled, and all Wiccan's have been advised to use flying broomsticks.

This reminds me of a story I read here on BF. Several years ago the weather for the Tour de Flanders (spelling?) was predicted to be very dry, so the farmers along the route went ahead and fertilized their fields. The weather for the race turned out extremely wet, which meant all that manure drained off the fields and into the roads where the cyclists did the rides. Nearly every guy in the race had gastroenteritis as a result. Blech!

Ride today was chilly. I was worried about ice since a rainstorm came through the area overnight, but the roads were just wet.

Finally, got some good news. Another commuter from my company, with whom I used to ride back when I was in another building, just moved to this building too. He and I will be able to ride together again.

Didn't so much commute this morning, as I did go to Meijers to pick up a couple things. It was 12 miles round trip. 3 degrees F when I left, and now it's 4 degrees F. Lots of ice all over the place, but I did fine, even with slicks. You just gotta be more careful. It was fun.

well, it's a mental battle for sure but one that is easily won by just sticking to it. I really mean it when I say you'll get to a certain point (probably sooner than you think) when you'll wonder not only why you hadn't always gotten to work this way but why everyone else doesn't do it too.

Hang in there and keep us up to date with your rides!

Yesterday, the weatherman said that it'd be about 10*, with slight snow and a few gentle gusts...

I looked out my window this morning, and that's what I saw, but having no TV or internet at my house, didn't realize what I was in for... I got about halfway, and was hit with a 20 mph headwind and a blizzard. It was so bad that I actually got ice "cubes" in teh corners of my eyes and would have to stop and pull them out every once in a while. I forgot my scarf, so my face was freezing, and I think i did about 6 mph the entire way.

However, that 20 mph headwind will be a 20 mph tailwind going home...I just hope the roads stay decent enough to take advantage of it!

My legs are already tired and its only tuesday.

Did my first morning commute today! Left the house at 7:30 in the morning, it was 36f. I have fingerless gloves and a breathable jacket that I wore knowing that I would be a bit cold at first but would be more comfortable on the way home wearing the same gear. Im really glad I wore that instead of the windless shell I wore yesterday (and totally overheated in on my way home), although a few minutes into the ride I was thinking it was a mistake, and that I was going to freeze. By about mile 3 I was nice and comfortable, my legs felt great and I was on my way. There was nobody else on the MUP this morning so I felt extra committed :) I thought that my legs were going to be more tired this morning as this was my first consecutive day ride, but in reality they felt stronger then they ever have.

Thanks Buzzman for the encouragement.

EXCELLENT! Congrats. The fingerless gloves were good too? I'm surprised.

My fingers were by far the most uncomfortable part of my ride, but by half way through they were good as gold. I figure there always has to be something for your mind to say "this is unbearable", and I figure I would rather have it be the ends of my fingers then my mind telling my my legs are going to give out....

:thumb:

How many miles?