How was the commute today?
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Eastern Iowa
Posts: 502
Bikes: surly cross check
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
nice ride today, the temps dropped back down into the fifties so not to sweaty when I got there.

The Fred Menace!
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 331
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On the way home, I had to move into the left-hand lane to avoid a line of cars queued up for the KFC drive thru. This is, apparently, the only KFC in Providence (no joke), so the drive-thru line stretched out into the middle of a major thoroughfare. Riding through the line wasn't an option, so into the highspeed lane I go...

Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: London, UK
Posts: 2,719
Bikes: 2006 road bike, 2012 cx bike, 2012 carbon rb, 2014 hardtail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thursday: spotted a woman wearing short dress riding bike, blowing thru every red signal (I always caught her up gong at my own pace). A few guys were following her and also blowing thru the stop signs. At one point as I passed her and her band of admirers, one guy accerated past her and turned around to get a glimpse around the same time I was passing this bunch. The guy had a look, wobbled, I had to take an extra wide route to avoid a crash. Another guy also had a look and proceeded to fall in front of me. Luckily I avoided him too.
Friday: a larger woman riding a commuter oriented bike (I don't know what. One it was but it was definitely more pashley like that full on commuter like) was riding at a pretty quick pace which impressed me. Chatted to her for a bit, she'd been riding for a year and boughb her new bike earlier that week.
Later in the commute a nice lady cyclist was turning right at the junction (we drive on the right) so I proceeded to pass her on the left riding around 18mph when she decided to carry on going straight and blow straight into my line. Another avoided collision.
What is it thesedays, must be sun or something. Even the drivers are getting a bin pacey.
Friday: a larger woman riding a commuter oriented bike (I don't know what. One it was but it was definitely more pashley like that full on commuter like) was riding at a pretty quick pace which impressed me. Chatted to her for a bit, she'd been riding for a year and boughb her new bike earlier that week.
Later in the commute a nice lady cyclist was turning right at the junction (we drive on the right) so I proceeded to pass her on the left riding around 18mph when she decided to carry on going straight and blow straight into my line. Another avoided collision.
What is it thesedays, must be sun or something. Even the drivers are getting a bin pacey.

Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 448
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looked out the window to blue skis this morning but alas it was a Sun with false promises. Like the unwanted guest who would not leave, winter temperatures of 2 degrees C chill my muscles and tear my eyes with its north wind. The only salvation for this cilly ride in to work was the void of heavy morning rush hour traffic.

old clunker
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: near Chicago
Posts: 72
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
42F and cloudy - a bit nippy in sweat shirt and shorts. Saturday morning quiet - took the more direct route - a real treat on mostly fresh pavement, 2 lane winding highway with only 3 cars passing me. SHould be 66F for the ride home later - back to the generally safer and less travelled (but longer) route for the ride home later.

Newbie
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Brooklyn
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As usual, Saturdays are a leisurely commute. It was misting a bit but nothing too serious. The amount of construction in the bike lanes is offset by lesser traffic congestion. I only had one problem with a pedestrian. She was standing in the bike lane as I was crossing an intersection during a green light. I went into to traffic lane and asked her to get out of the bike lane as I was heading towards her on the left. She said "Oh, a bike lane? Where's the bike lane?" I pointed to her feet as I rode past. She said in an angry tone "Well, then why aren't you riding in it??"

Junior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cheating, but yesterday's commute was into Glasgow. Following the river Clyde, chasing deer and foxes along my way. Enjoying watching the swans, ducks and geese. Then the university boat racing teams out practicing. Then the surreal "armadillo". Then I cross the Clyde and head up to work.
I love my commute.
I love my commute.

Seeing things
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Maryland, USA
Posts: 518
Bikes: '73 Bertin, '04 LeMond Poprad, Miyata 1000, and counting...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Moist. 53F/say 11-12C with light wind and rain. I think I caught a window where the precip was a bit lighter. Looks like that's what the week will largely be--but that's the spring around here. I guess I'll try and stock up my locker with newspaper (for shoe-stuffing). I certainly had to tap into my stash this morning.


Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Columbia, Maryland
Posts: 766
Bikes: Trek 820 mtb, A no name red steel pipe bike, my commuter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rain, Rain, Rain and more rain. I got a little lucky, because at 5:10 it was a downpour, but by 5:40 it lightened up a bit. Of course there is only one level of soaked, so it was little relief. The temp was good around 50 F (10 C), and that helped allot. Everything will be dry by quitting time, so it can get wet all over again, when I leave. I love that feeling of pressing warm water from socks between my toes, when I peddle up hill. My strategy for this afternoon will be to drive through all the standing water, become soaked again, then the rain won't mean much to me.

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
Today is my 10th day in a row bike commuting. That's probably a record for me, as I usually ride 3-4 days/week depending on the weather. We haven't had much rain lately and the temperatures have been mild, so I haven't had any excuses not to ride. That should change this week as the forecasters are calling for thunderstorms every afternoon. Of course, that's what they said about the past weekend and we didn't get a drop of rain. Packed my rain jacket, just in case, but it will probably be too warm to wear it even if it does rain this afternoon.

Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,264
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5151 Post(s)
Liked 3,409 Times
in
2,234 Posts
10th day in a row! I'm jealous! Today may be the only day I ride to work due to assignments requiring my car and the weather Friday. 
Ride in was cool and fun, nice and fast. Still love my new saddle. My right thumb is bothering me so I'm shift more with my front derailer and staying away from the rear the best I can. Nice to have 3 rings up front. I'm sure my thumb issue is due to the unconventional shifter mount. Wonder how long it will take to swap the rigging.

Ride in was cool and fun, nice and fast. Still love my new saddle. My right thumb is bothering me so I'm shift more with my front derailer and staying away from the rear the best I can. Nice to have 3 rings up front. I'm sure my thumb issue is due to the unconventional shifter mount. Wonder how long it will take to swap the rigging.

Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 448
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I must try and remember as a low-life bicyclist that car and truck drivers do not have to yield to me when they are backing out of their driveways on a Monday morning. These people are far too important to wipe the sleep from their eyes and turn their head to see if anyone is coming. I tried to apologies as I slid to a stop but was greeted with a blank stair. Three separate times I managed to get in the way of these wonderful people on my way in this morning otherwise it was 4 degrees C with promises of a sunny 18 this afternoon.


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
Pretty ride this morning. 40sF. Very light headwind. Sunny. Everything is turning green! 
This week is the annual "try not to drive to work" week here. It's the yearly attempt to get people out of their cars, or at least carpool, for their commutes. I saw many more cyclists than usual. I passed 3 on the MUP going my way, saw 3 or 4 more going the other way, and saw a few on the street. Nice to see, but we'll see how many are out when it rains later on.

This week is the annual "try not to drive to work" week here. It's the yearly attempt to get people out of their cars, or at least carpool, for their commutes. I saw many more cyclists than usual. I passed 3 on the MUP going my way, saw 3 or 4 more going the other way, and saw a few on the street. Nice to see, but we'll see how many are out when it rains later on.


Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,264
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5151 Post(s)
Liked 3,409 Times
in
2,234 Posts
I hear ya! I had one teenager come roaring down a side street and completely miss stopping at their line. As I rode AROUND them I hand signaled for her to back up out of traffic.
We must remember next Monday that the cagers may not be completely with the program.
We must remember next Monday that the cagers may not be completely with the program.
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-04-09 at 08:53 AM.

SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It's supposed to rain all week. WTF is up widdat? Rode today, but taking it day by day.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR

We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR



We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!

Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
the ride in was pleasant this morning...i left earlier so there was less traffic but it seemed like people were driving faster than usual, slow down people!
looks like a lot of rain for the rest of the week so i may need to take out the fender and poncho
looks like a lot of rain for the rest of the week so i may need to take out the fender and poncho
Who farted?
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,287
Bikes: '06 K2 Zed 3.0, '09 Novara Buzz V
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
50Fs. Light rain, cold. Another commuter filtered past me while I was waiting in line. He had a weird blue flashing light on his lid and I was never able to catch up to him.

GATC
smoooooooth. Cleaned the bejeezus out of my drivetrain and put on a new chain yesterday. Great ride in today. I usually like to get at least aweek out of that kind of cleaning but rain etc... are due for the foreseeable future starting sometime today. Sigh...

Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Tempe, AZ
Posts: 2,968
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
little bit of a headwind today. getting up into the 90s today. not too bad. gearing up for another AZ summer.
__________________
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me

Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,100 Times
in
1,414 Posts
First day on the bike after a week's vacation to see the Mouse (my wife had a conference in Orlando and I tagged along). Smooth and easy. I thought I'd see more riders as it's the first Monday of Ride to Work Month but maybe the threat of rain scared the casual riders off.

Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,264
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5151 Post(s)
Liked 3,409 Times
in
2,234 Posts
OMG, had the best ride home, don't know what got into me, it was like a sprint, I felt like a triathlete. 13 miles is perfect because I get to go all-out and that helps build muscle. I'll be weight training, swimming and running the rest of the week, just downed a short protein shake and will snack on sardines before my shower.
had a few close calls on the way home, one time got too close to some sand on the shoulder, HELLO! I don't like that.
had some amazing speeds on a couple slow downgrades, may be shopping for some electronics soon
had a few close calls on the way home, one time got too close to some sand on the shoulder, HELLO! I don't like that.
had some amazing speeds on a couple slow downgrades, may be shopping for some electronics soon

Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Eastern Iowa
Posts: 502
Bikes: surly cross check
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
nice ride home today, such a nice ride that I took a 6 mile detour on a path through the woods. That was fantastic until I rolled up to the 4 foot copperhead coiled up in the middle of the path. I guess its really spring when the snakes are out.

Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Burlington, ON
Posts: 530
Bikes: Giant Tcx1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Was by the mall and watched a little old lady and man start crossing on a crosswalk. They got half way across and she grabbed her husbands arm as a guy just drove straight through without slowing down. Started following him and he did the same thing at a stop sign 200m further on. Completely oblivious.
Nice fast ride home - cool and very little traffic at 10pm.
Nice fast ride home - cool and very little traffic at 10pm.

----
tuned my bike up yesterday so the commute was pleasant today on a bike that braked a bit better and shifted a little quicker and had just the right amount of air in the tires and angle to the saddle.
Did a run to the post office this am and an older gentleman stopped me outside of the post office to say, "saves on gas, huh?"- my bike, obviously- but then he added, "My father rode one everywhere for 50 years." What freaked me out a bit was he said that like it was a really long time and I realized I've been riding one every where for about 40 years now! (started commuting every where when I was about 15). I hope I'll be riding for at least another 40 years
Nice ride home tonight, too. and, yep, saves on gas, sure does.
Did a run to the post office this am and an older gentleman stopped me outside of the post office to say, "saves on gas, huh?"- my bike, obviously- but then he added, "My father rode one everywhere for 50 years." What freaked me out a bit was he said that like it was a really long time and I realized I've been riding one every where for about 40 years now! (started commuting every where when I was about 15). I hope I'll be riding for at least another 40 years

Nice ride home tonight, too. and, yep, saves on gas, sure does.


Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Posts: 34
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice, cool morning and I'm feeling much stronger and fitter since I got my bike out of hibernation. The new MUP is improving with time so getting faster daily. Realised that 25mph down the farm track to a 90 degree corner is actually a bit fast and made a mental note to brake a bit earlier tomorrow. When I eventually reached the tar, some geezer drafted me for half a mile then overtook and broke away up a road I don't use. Not even a nod, a hello or a wave - charming...but then it is Scotland.
