How was the commute today?
The Drive Side is Within


Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,344
Likes: 47
From: New Haven, CT, USA
Bikes: Road, Cargo, Tandem, Etc.
I think I'm going to ride out to my chorale concert today. It's going to be 90 out. But I'll be sweating under the lights anyway... Friday's commute was awesome. I had to ride one town further out to pick up my wife's engagement ring and some watches out for repair. I went by way of Seaside park, and had a nice beach ride and exploration of the city before picking the stuff up and hopping on the train to meet the wife and kids for a backyard cocktail hour at a friends house. Perfect weather!
__________________
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
Went for a little spin to the market this am and with the snow falling it felt right to take the winter bike...
Seeing things
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Maryland, USA
Bikes: '73 Bertin, '04 LeMond Poprad, Miyata 1000, and counting...
After a mid-summer-like weekend, temps PLUNGED this morning to a frosty 61F/16C. 
Supposed to have a couple of more days with highs around 90F/30+C before getting back to more spring-like temps and scattered showers. I guess I can hang...

Supposed to have a couple of more days with highs around 90F/30+C before getting back to more spring-like temps and scattered showers. I guess I can hang...
Warm and humid this morning. Dark as always. The weatherstation warned of possible thunderstorms and there was very light sprinkles on my way in.
My mornings are dark year around. I couldn't sleep so I started out extra early and stopped by the donut shop. I rode my Flying Pigeon folder and she is a quiet ride. Nothing to report.
Ernest
My mornings are dark year around. I couldn't sleep so I started out extra early and stopped by the donut shop. I rode my Flying Pigeon folder and she is a quiet ride. Nothing to report.
Ernest
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Overcast this morning. Temps in the 40sF. Reeled in 4 riders. Saw a couple more going the other way. The last guy I came upon was riding a 'bent. First one of the year.
Also slowed up and asked a roadie if he was okay. He was inspecting his front wheel and said he had a wobble. This area isn't very kind to light wheelsets I don't think.
Also slowed up and asked a roadie if he was okay. He was inspecting his front wheel and said he had a wobble. This area isn't very kind to light wheelsets I don't think.
Almost 60*F this morning, felt warmer, suppose to be 85 going home.
Then rest of the week back to normal spring temps and that's OK 40 in the morning and 60 in the afternoon makes for comfortable rides.
Then rest of the week back to normal spring temps and that's OK 40 in the morning and 60 in the afternoon makes for comfortable rides.
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
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
Our weather suddenly leapt from spring to summer this past weekend, with highs in the 90s since last Friday. The humidity has been low, however, so it really hasn't felt that hot. Rode 60 miles on Saturday and paddled my kayak 2-1/2 hours on Sunday. It was a great weekend. The ride to work this morning was also great, with temps in the low 60s F. I had my bike loaded down with food and extra clothes so tomorrow I can ride my single-speed, which isn't equipped to handle as much gear as my main commuter. My good time despite the load and catching every red light on my route.
circus bear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Bikes: 97(?) GT Richochet, 00 Schwinn SuperSport
Frikkin' spring snowstorm! Heavy snow but it is melting fast. Rivers (creeks really) have been riding high for weeks. "Good" flooding potential for the proper spring run off. Bad timing to put slicks back on the MTB. Also blew out my BB on the fixed. Seat tube took some of the BB with it this past weekend.
Time to finish the other projects so I'm not without a back up.
Time to finish the other projects so I'm not without a back up.
Last edited by ban guzzi; 04-27-09 at 07:15 AM. Reason: spelin'
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
First commute of the year in shorts and tanktop and loving every minute of it. Started off at 60 F
(15 C) and still dark, but getting better 5:20. I saw a few runners around, but no cyclists. Of course
there were cars around; they are always around. I did pass a ladder truck with all its lights flashing, but
no sirens, for which I was very thankful. I will be leaving here today in 80 F (26 C) something degrees
today, and can't wait to enjoy the heat sweat. After 6 months of riding in everything from 0 F
(-17 C) degree weather with cold precipitation that pushes the limits of everything that I am wearing, I
am happy to have the heat.
(15 C) and still dark, but getting better 5:20. I saw a few runners around, but no cyclists. Of course
there were cars around; they are always around. I did pass a ladder truck with all its lights flashing, but
no sirens, for which I was very thankful. I will be leaving here today in 80 F (26 C) something degrees
today, and can't wait to enjoy the heat sweat. After 6 months of riding in everything from 0 F
(-17 C) degree weather with cold precipitation that pushes the limits of everything that I am wearing, I
am happy to have the heat.
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,447
Likes: 4,541
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Easy easy but my front derailer is a POS, great to be back in the saddle again
I was a bit overdressed and it took longer to cool off than I am used to.
I was a bit overdressed and it took longer to cool off than I am used to.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Fuji RC supreme road bike and an old reworked Raleigh Super Record mixte made in Japan for commuting
Had a nice ride in this morning, fairly strong headwind, and the roads were a little wet from some rain last night, but it didn't rain on me this morning. But now, there is a tornado watch, a flash flood warning, and the weather says "frequent lightning and 1-2 inches of rain"! Also a big patch of yellow and red on the radar almost on top of us. Wow! I guess I just missed it by an hour or two. If it really does get nasty I guess I'll have to call the husband for a ride home tonight, I'm not so into riding home in "frequent lightning" and tornados!
Mekanicul Enjuneer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Snohomish, WA
Bikes: Specialized Sequoia
WOOHOO! Hour and 15 minutes! When I started this 15 mile commute a month or so ago, I was at an hour 40 minutes. I'm watching that time slowly creep down. As soon as I can do it in an hour flat, you're all invited to my place for a big celebration party!
Today I did without my midpoint break and peddled straight through. I also puished myself to peddle up a hill that I've always had to walk the bike up. Baby steps ... I'm getting there!
Today I did without my midpoint break and peddled straight through. I also puished myself to peddle up a hill that I've always had to walk the bike up. Baby steps ... I'm getting there!
Guest
Posts: n/a
did 30 miles brakeless yesterday on some rolling terrain so my legs are a bit tired this morning...i didn't ride much last week since i had the week off from work
it's nice to return to work by bicycle
it's nice to return to work by bicycle
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
40F and sunny, basically nice.
But, I hurt my neck somehow this morning running around the house so that kinda cramped things a little.
But, I hurt my neck somehow this morning running around the house so that kinda cramped things a little.
Who farted?
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '06 K2 Zed 3.0, '09 Novara Buzz V
Upper 60Fs, when I started, expected to be hot as hell on the ride home. Feels nice to not have to have the pants & jacket on. Got passed on the road by another cycling commuter who was filtering, he stayed ahead of me on the way in.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Sunny but a cool 5 degrees C so I had to wear a couple of layers. The ride home should be interesting with gusting head winds and very warm temperatures of 27 degrees. I am going to have to find a place to carry those layers I had to wear earlier.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Elk Grove, Ca
Bikes: '09 Novara Strada, '04 Haro V3
Had a good ride this morning. Sunny and about 55 degrees. I actually wanted to ride a bit longer this morning, but had to get to work.
I had my first spill today though. Come up to a stop light I clicked out of my left pedal like always only to feel my backpack shift to the right side. It completely pulled me over and down I went. My bikes a week old too...my brand new 105 shifters got scuffed and the handlebar tape is slightly ripped. The carbon parts didn't hit the ground though, so that's good. Still...it's only a week old! I feel like an idiot! Oh well, it was bound to happen right :-)
I had my first spill today though. Come up to a stop light I clicked out of my left pedal like always only to feel my backpack shift to the right side. It completely pulled me over and down I went. My bikes a week old too...my brand new 105 shifters got scuffed and the handlebar tape is slightly ripped. The carbon parts didn't hit the ground though, so that's good. Still...it's only a week old! I feel like an idiot! Oh well, it was bound to happen right :-)
Drops small screws


Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 9
From: NYC Metro Area
Bikes: Soma Grand Randonneur, modified Xootr Swift, Trek 1000SL with broken brifter from running it into a hotel porte-cochère
jchristian, the sooner it gets scuffed, the sooner you can stop worry about it getting scuffed.
Shorts today! And I spent 10 miles or so at 120 gear inches, for no good reason except IT'S SPRING!
Shorts today! And I spent 10 miles or so at 120 gear inches, for no good reason except IT'S SPRING!
Cool, by Calif standards, low 50's, and overcast for the ride to work today.
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,475
Likes: 4,880
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
First commute of the season with my son...... He was more concerned about me hurting the chile pepper plants ( thai, serrano, and de arbol) he was bringing to school than the commute. A bit slow as he hasn't been on his BMX bike much......I've got to finish fixing up the univega is grandmother gave him.....it will be a lot faster
A brisk -8C this morning. Still waiting for spring.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
I had my fastest commute in this AM ever. I never get a tail wind, and today I had one. 9 miles from house to light rail, 24 min. (elapsed time, not just pedal time). I think I must have averaged 22-23 including stop lights, but I forgot to reset my computer from yesterday so.... who knows.
And yesterday, I rode a century, 102 miles, 5000 vertical feet of climbing, and 10mph winds. My legs are tired this AM.
And yesterday, I rode a century, 102 miles, 5000 vertical feet of climbing, and 10mph winds. My legs are tired this AM.
Last edited by Hirohsima; 04-27-09 at 12:35 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: St. Anthony, MN
Cooler this morning (40s) and misting. Not too wet, though. Attached my old computer to the new bike, but mis-entered the wheel size, so the readings were off. Hopefully I can clear that up before my ride home!
Ride home was wet. It had been raining all day and I had to go through lots of puddles and pools of water. Thank goodness my Flying Pigeon has fenders. Had afew kids yell out, "Cool bike" and "Hey!".
Fly Pigeon fly!
Ernest
Fly Pigeon fly!
Ernest





