How was the commute today?
#7701
Temps were in the low 30s and there was no wind. The weather was cloudy and so there was no sunshine. I ran into two other people out on bikes this morning. I saw a fox chasing geese near Ruby Hill. I always thought fox were smart, this one kept on running even after the geese took flight and were well out of its reach. Seems, I need to rethink my perspective on fox intelligence.
#7702
Commute home last night went ok.
-What went well was that I was able to perform a left turn in busy two lane traffic in the 'correct' manner.
Only a couple of minor things:
-Turning left into a road where a car was waiting to do a left turn out:
Just as I was turning across it, it started to move, and then braked when it realized I was there. That concerned me because I did indicate before making a turn. Maybe I should indicate for longer to make sure they see me, but then there is the trade-off that you have less control with one hand.
-Turning left into a traffic island:
There was a car behind that wanted to go straight. It was one of those 50/50 situations, I decided to slow down to let her pass before making my turn. Maybe I should have just moved to the left in front of her making her slow down.
-What went well was that I was able to perform a left turn in busy two lane traffic in the 'correct' manner.
Only a couple of minor things:
-Turning left into a road where a car was waiting to do a left turn out:
Just as I was turning across it, it started to move, and then braked when it realized I was there. That concerned me because I did indicate before making a turn. Maybe I should indicate for longer to make sure they see me, but then there is the trade-off that you have less control with one hand.
-Turning left into a traffic island:
There was a car behind that wanted to go straight. It was one of those 50/50 situations, I decided to slow down to let her pass before making my turn. Maybe I should have just moved to the left in front of her making her slow down.
#7703
Perfect commute on the way home. 64 glorious degrees, sunshine and flowers in bloom. Hated for it to end.
__________________
The few, the proud, the likely insane, Metro-Atlanta bicycle commuters.
The few, the proud, the likely insane, Metro-Atlanta bicycle commuters.
#7704
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Bikes: Specialized Allez Elite, Fixed gear Univega, Gary Fischer MTB, POC Dahon
Wierd ride home from work this morning. Wierd because my rear blinky thing apparently took flight from my bike on the way to work. Riding home at 2am - exactly the time local bars kick the drunks out - with no rear light is kind of scarry!
Dealt with this temporary set back by being hyper-aware of cars behind me and getting way out of their way long before they got near me. Where i could ride on sidewalks, i did. Not proper, i know, but seemed sensible in this instance.
Anyway, got new blinkie thing today - will be back on bike immediately following 5 day vacation in Seattle!
Ride safe - ride hard - ride well - RIDE!!!
Dealt with this temporary set back by being hyper-aware of cars behind me and getting way out of their way long before they got near me. Where i could ride on sidewalks, i did. Not proper, i know, but seemed sensible in this instance.
Anyway, got new blinkie thing today - will be back on bike immediately following 5 day vacation in Seattle!
Ride safe - ride hard - ride well - RIDE!!!
#7705
Chairman of the Bored

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,825
Likes: 2
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Bikes: 2004 Raleigh Talus, 2001 Motobecane Vent Noir (Custom build for heavy riders)
amusing ride home....at one large and dark 4-way light I had to stop at, the car across from me brighted me a few times, I finally figured it was over my light...I forgot the niterider and was using my 3-LED...so I unclipped it and waved it up and down a few times....then heard the guy in the car yell more mockingly than anything "smartass!" 
The ride tonight was rather good, if I say so myself...oh and on the way home I BOUGHT CHEESE!!!!!

The ride tonight was rather good, if I say so myself...oh and on the way home I BOUGHT CHEESE!!!!!
#7706
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,366
Likes: 628
From: Soviet of Oregon or Pensacola FL
Bikes: Still have a few left!
39F dry with a few clouds @ 6AM this morning: beautiful sunrise, quiet ride in. Rode home at lunchtime & noticed the beginnings of a saddle sore. 55F but more sore riding home this afternoon...aHHHg, time to take a few days off.
#7707
Enjoy

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,165
Likes: 0
From: Seattle metro
Bikes: Trek 5200
Frost and Mt St. Helen's makes for beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Got caugt in a bicycle traffic jam on the way home...The last guy in line complained bitterly...everybody turned and glared at the poor SOB.
Got caugt in a bicycle traffic jam on the way home...The last guy in line complained bitterly...everybody turned and glared at the poor SOB.
#7708
Alot of mud on the way to work and home .
I had to wash off the bike & boots when I got home .
I hope It drys up some my tomorrow.
Have a good nite .
I had to wash off the bike & boots when I got home .
I hope It drys up some my tomorrow.
Have a good nite .
#7709
Cyclist and village idiot

Joined: May 2001
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: Amelia Oh
Bikes: 2005 Gary Fisher Nirvana S 2001 Trek 2200 1999 Schwinn Mesa 1989 Mangussa?
I wimped out on the ride home last night. I was tired, it was cold, it was windy, it was rainy, and I was tired. So I utilized the bike racks on the buses and took the easy way home.
Ride in this morning was nice. Dry, cool with tempature right around 33F. Slight tailwind. The day is supposed to be dry and cloudy, tomorrow the rains come back. Weeeeee!
Ride in this morning was nice. Dry, cool with tempature right around 33F. Slight tailwind. The day is supposed to be dry and cloudy, tomorrow the rains come back. Weeeeee!
__________________
Fear is never boring
Fear is never boring
#7710
Commuter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maine
Bikes: 2006 Giant Cypress EX (7-speed internal hub)
I rode in the snow this morning!
Normally, in the dead of winter, I don't do that. I don't have studs, and usually snow means it's a storm and the roads are slippery and dangerous. Now, since it's late March, it's well into the high '30's already, there are only a few inches of wet stuff predicted, and it's supposed to all be gone by late afternoon. Furthermore, the roads started out clean. So I left early (which for me means before 7:30 AM), and sure enough, the roads were only wet, and I had no problems aside from from sitting here typing this in damp pants (after having brushed mucho sand off the cuffs).
Riding in the snow wasn't exactly pleasant (those lightly drifting flakes are not so gentle impacting your eyeballs at 20 MPH, and the glasses watered up too much to be used halfway through), but it wasn't too bad, and it's always nice to have a new experience.
Normally, in the dead of winter, I don't do that. I don't have studs, and usually snow means it's a storm and the roads are slippery and dangerous. Now, since it's late March, it's well into the high '30's already, there are only a few inches of wet stuff predicted, and it's supposed to all be gone by late afternoon. Furthermore, the roads started out clean. So I left early (which for me means before 7:30 AM), and sure enough, the roads were only wet, and I had no problems aside from from sitting here typing this in damp pants (after having brushed mucho sand off the cuffs).
Riding in the snow wasn't exactly pleasant (those lightly drifting flakes are not so gentle impacting your eyeballs at 20 MPH, and the glasses watered up too much to be used halfway through), but it wasn't too bad, and it's always nice to have a new experience.
#7711
I took the real long way round last night and my legs felt it this morning. A very slow commute.
__________________
The few, the proud, the likely insane, Metro-Atlanta bicycle commuters.
The few, the proud, the likely insane, Metro-Atlanta bicycle commuters.
#7712
The Land of Living Skies
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Bikes: Kona Hahannah, Rocky Mountain RC-30
Last night on the way home the temp was -2C. Good commute in today......-16C and calm. My rear derailler was first frozen in the granny cog; I was able to move it into the smallest cog. It could have been alot worse...I could have had to drive. Hopefully today is the last day for the full underarmour coldgear. It is supposed to warm up to +9C for Sunday and stay above zero well into next week. I am just itching to get on the new hybrid (Rocky Mountain RC-30) and hang up the studs and mtb I have used all winter. I got it for Christmas but the LBS said that as long as I am not riding it once it dries up I can take it for a spin and decide then if I want to keep it. I would like to get the next one up (RC-50) but I would only be getting a Deore derailler (instead of Alivio), a 27 spd instead of 24, upgraded brakes (not disc) and shifters; oh and its bright metalic red instead of blue. The cost would be an extra $300 CDN. Check it out. Do you think it is worth it?
#7713
right around 32 °F and overcast, but no wind. a little on the cold side for going barelegged, but i was more distracted by the fixed cup of my bottom bracket unscrewing itself. i love french bikes, but goshdarnit. i realized, after overhauling the bb last weekend, that i forgot to loctite that bad boy. i figured i would "just keep an eye on it." it happened pretty fast, though. getting home will be interesting.
#7714
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,701
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, MD
Bikes: Fuji Supreme
It was grey and overcast with temps around 40, so it was a nice cool ride. Despite last night's torrential rain turning the first 3 miles of unpaved trail into a gully rutted, squishy ride it was really nice. At one spot the rains washed a boulder about 2-1/2 ft in diameter off a hill and into the trail. It is certainly the wierdest thing I have seen on my commute so far.
#7715
I am not a car

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Decatur, GA
Bikes: Giant Revel 1, Surly Ogre
Cool and sunny (45°F) I'm a little sore after my fall yesterday (see thread here ) Going to keep riding my faithful Marin until the rear rack comes in for the OCR Touring; I definitely do not like riding with a backpack.
__________________
"Bad facts make bad laws." FZ
"Bad facts make bad laws." FZ
#7716
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Originally Posted by vrkelley
Frost and Mt St. Helen's makes for beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#7717
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
High 40s (9C) and bright sunshine. Yesterday I rode home in a T-shirt and light vest (for visibility). Temp was ~65F (~19C).
Today is supposed to be the same. Tomorrow the weather folks are saying the high will be ~78F (~25C). If do believe SPRING is on the way.
Today is supposed to be the same. Tomorrow the weather folks are saying the high will be ~78F (~25C). If do believe SPRING is on the way.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#7718
Easily distracted...
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, Ga
Bikes: Surley Cross Check
Great day to be riding in, nice temp and good pace this morning. Still on the borrowed road bike with Spinergy wheels, can't wait to get my good old commuter back with new non-plastic wheels. Had a lady in a mini-van pass me on the right in the middle of a LEFT hand turn. I was too dumbfounded to even yell at her.
#7719
Guest
Posts: n/a
-22c this morning! Not bad for the first week of spring!
it was -5c going home yesterday... roads were wet due to the heat of the sun. The water from the road froze when it hit the frame, cables, derailuer etc. so this morining I had a 3 speed instead of a 24. Fenders had a fair bit of ice in them as well.
Looking forward to the real 1st day of spring (around mid-May)
it was -5c going home yesterday... roads were wet due to the heat of the sun. The water from the road froze when it hit the frame, cables, derailuer etc. so this morining I had a 3 speed instead of a 24. Fenders had a fair bit of ice in them as well.
Looking forward to the real 1st day of spring (around mid-May)
#7720
Well anything is better than yesterdays deluge. Today crisp, clean but water everwhere. Took an extra spin through Patapsco park, river was over the banks, all side tributaries were stoked full of water. Very beautiful ride. Spring showers are present, now what about those temps....we're waiting. around high 30's this AM. Have a good weekend y'all as Friday I'm off.
#7721
Originally Posted by clevernamehere
-22c this morning! Not bad for the first week of spring!
it was -5c going home yesterday... roads were wet due to the heat of the sun. The water from the road froze when it hit the frame, cables, derailuer etc. so this morining I had a 3 speed instead of a 24. Fenders had a fair bit of ice in them as well.
Looking forward to the real 1st day of spring (around mid-May)
it was -5c going home yesterday... roads were wet due to the heat of the sun. The water from the road froze when it hit the frame, cables, derailuer etc. so this morining I had a 3 speed instead of a 24. Fenders had a fair bit of ice in them as well.
Looking forward to the real 1st day of spring (around mid-May)

#7722
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
4 days of rain give way to brilliant blue skies and fluffy white clouds. I rode the race bike in, crossing fingers and checking nws.noaa.gov all day, hoping for continuing dry weather. Sitting in the bike cage, she looks like Secretariat in a stable of cart horses.
#7724
Conservative Hippie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 0
From: Wakulla Co. FL
It wasn't. I drove today to leave work early to get new tires on the Land Cruiser. Found out after I got home that the tire thing can't happen until tomorrow. Stupid car. It would be gone if it wasn't paid off. Weather's beautiful out, sunny, clear, 62 F., wind out of the north at 12 mph and I drove for nothing. I'm both bummed and torqued.
Oh well, at least I got out of work half day early on a Friday afternoon.
Oh well, at least I got out of work half day early on a Friday afternoon.
Last edited by CommuterRun; 03-25-05 at 03:44 AM.
#7725
MADE IN TAIWAN
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,438
Likes: 0
From: SF
Bikes: Tarmac, Humble, Makino, Schwinn
Had my first commute with a fixie today. I avoided the usual route since it involves charging through fulton mall. I figure i should take it slow and easy since i'm not completely used to fixies and no brakes. No real close calls, but i can tell i'll enjoy the ride just as much if not more. Can't say i'll miss going through the mall though, since it's certain death everytime.




