How was the commute today?
#8751
Cyclist and village idiot
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Amelia Oh
Posts: 486
Bikes: 2005 Gary Fisher Nirvana S 2001 Trek 2200 1999 Schwinn Mesa 1989 Mangussa?
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The ride home last night was tough. Headwind most of the way home and heavy traffic. The Reds had another day game that let out just about before I left for home. The wind for some reason just about did me in, I was beat when I got home.
Ride in this morning was nice. Cooled down a little, but it wont last. Todays high is supposed to be around 89 and the humidity is getting high.
Ride in this morning was nice. Cooled down a little, but it wont last. Todays high is supposed to be around 89 and the humidity is getting high.
__________________
Fear is never boring
Fear is never boring
![ridealot is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8752
34x25 FTW!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,013
Bikes: Kona Jake, Scott CR1, Dahon SpeedPro
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by noisebeam
Today's Forcast: Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing this afternoon. Very hot. High near 115F. ESE winds shifting to SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
What this means is a hot and dusty 15mph headwind. I can't wait.
Al
What this means is a hot and dusty 15mph headwind. I can't wait.
Al
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Ride home yesterday was pretty good except I got a big scare from a driver pulling some bizarre, boneheaded maneuver. Hard to describe the situation without a picture. PSA: make sure your brakes are in good shape!
Ride to work was awesome. Some drivers were even accomodating. See? it doesn't have to be bad every day.
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![oboeguy is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8753
Nice ride in this morning. We are in Burlington VT this week. Yesterday evening we rode out on the Causeway. This morning we rode from downtown to the offices in Colchester. Had a nice breakfast a Libby's diner. This area is more hilly than what I usually ride back in Denver. The temps were great, and there is no wind to speak of. The drivers are very good about giving room and I really like riding here.
![RicardoJM is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8754
The Land of Living Skies
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
Posts: 307
Bikes: Kona Hahannah, Rocky Mountain RC-30
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good ride in today. The wind was against me all the way but still managed an average 25km/h. It was raining too but this afternoon is supposed to be 24C and sunny. Yesterday was 32C with 50% humidity so it will be a nice break.
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
![SaskCyclist is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8755
Newbie
Weather was beautiful in Ireland this morning. Hadn't commuted in a couple of weeks & thought I'd feel it on the bike but the break didn't have any affect. looking forward to the trip (19km) home, couple of nice pints and a few tunes later too. No work tomorrow ;-)
Lorcán.
Lorcán.
![Rothaí is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8756
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 63
Bikes: Giant Cypress '04
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had a nice ride in this morning, it is getting warmer here in the ATL. Looks like it will stay that way for awhile.
![bcritch is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8757
Belt drive!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Posts: 2,614
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by RicardoJM
Nice ride in this morning. We are in Burlington VT this week. Yesterday evening we rode out on the Causeway. This morning we rode from downtown to the offices in Colchester. Had a nice breakfast a Libby's diner. This area is more hilly than what I usually ride back in Denver. The temps were great, and there is no wind to speak of. The drivers are very good about giving room and I really like riding here.
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Anyway, my commute this morning started at 50F. Very low humidity. I got to work and wasn't even hot. Sunny and pleasant. Tomorrow looks like it's going to be brutal. 90+F and humid. Lucky for me, I'm taking the cage to the dealer for inspection/oil change/etc. They give me a shuttle ride to work, so no cycle commute tomorrow.
![Frown](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/frown.gif)
![vtjim is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8758
Bikeman
I haven't posted here for a while but my commutes have been great. I took last Friday off for a day ride (85+ miles). I've been getting extra miles in on all my commutes also. We are finally getting summer, hit 90 yesterday and mid 90's forcasted for today. Life is good!!!! I'm in heaven!
![mtessmer is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8759
Dude On Bike
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Posts: 216
Bikes: Raliegh C40 Hybrid Bike. Cannondale R900 Triple. Schwinn World - Fixie Conversion
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had another great ride in. I'm starting to want a road bike more and more, noticing the difference in aerodynamics when I drop down low.
On the way to work this morning, I saw two guys standing around a broke-down car. After stopping to offer assistance, I notice it was a Corvette. It could have been one of a thousand things wrong, and another thousand dollars perhaps to fix it.
It sure felt good to hop back on my cheap-O bike and continue my ride to work.
On the way to work this morning, I saw two guys standing around a broke-down car. After stopping to offer assistance, I notice it was a Corvette. It could have been one of a thousand things wrong, and another thousand dollars perhaps to fix it.
It sure felt good to hop back on my cheap-O bike and continue my ride to work.
![Hickabod is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8760
Tar is not a toy.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Austin
Posts: 225
Bikes: Marin Verona - C'dale F5 CAD2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My commute in was very desolate. One day I'm using hand signals because the bike traffic is so thick… yes I said bike traffic! Today, ten miles through the residential area and I saw two cyclists. Go figure. This morning was nice and cool. This afternoon will be a different story.
![WonkerJaw is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8761
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,863
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Liked 3,111 Times
in
1,418 Posts
I tried to ride as smoothly and assertively as possible this morning: took the lane, flowed into traffic when necessary, made myself visible, and acted decisively. No problems and the motorists were safe and respectful.
![caloso is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8762
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: San Jose, ca.
Posts: 1,326
Bikes: 2006 Orbea Volata, 84 Trek 760, 83 Trek 720,
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
My commutes are pretty much easy and uneventful. Starting out at 6:00 in the morning is probably the reason why. I hardly ever see anyone (1 or 2 riders) commuting to work. Living in Silicon Valley (San Jose) traffic doesn't usually hit the city streets especially First Street till about 7:00 or 7:30. By that time I'm in the safe confines of my cubicle. Afternoon is a little bit different. Still, pretty good commute. Weather is excellent right now. We'll see how long that lasts.
![Mhendricks is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8763
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: eastern Idaho
Posts: 48
Bikes: '04 Specialize Dolce Elite
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Same story, different day...nice ride in, thunderstorms possibly for this afternoon. Did get to ride in the rain yesterday, though.
![Spudz is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8764
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Alameda, California
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Today was my first commute day in years -- my toddler's going to be 3 soon, and for some reason, I seem to have more energy in recent months
It's also my first time to this site -- what a nice place! The commute's 7.5 miles one way -- I think that's 12 km (isn't the ratio 5:8?). I was expecting to feel worse by this time of the evening -- did notice some complaints in the knees, which seems to be a family trait, anyway. Definitely finding myself agreeing with the guy at the bikeshop who suggested some alternative seating arrangements! Part of the commute is near a busy freeway (it's 880, if you know the SF Bay Area), and I'm wondering about what I'm breathing in while I ride. But it was a beautiful day, the motorists were kind, and my kid wasn't left in daycare tooooo much longer than he's used to
![Wink](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Frown](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/frown.gif)
![tomzdad is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8765
More biking, less flying.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Richmond Virginia
Posts: 238
Bikes: Diamondback Citi, GT Timberline, Roady?
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
1st half was quite good. avg speed was 17 mph and still did not sweat too much. It was 61 and the sun was coming up. Very nice ride with the wind to my back. The ride home will be different, excpecting mid-90's and 10-20 mph headwind.
![Javan is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8766
I heard a new one this morning from a SUV, Ford Expedition, driving women. She told me while I was waiting at the red light that I did not belong on the road becasue I had no Bumpers! I was so amazed at this I just looked at her and said excuse me? Then the light changed and she sped away. Other then that the weather was great!
![jimbrown is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8767
34x25 FTW!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,013
Bikes: Kona Jake, Scott CR1, Dahon SpeedPro
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ride home yesterday was brutal. I left pretty early, which is to say before 6pm. The previous times I'd left that early I went crosstown first, the went up either West End / Riverside or took the Greenway. Yesterday, I decided forget it! I'm taking my regular route of Madison to 60th to the Park etc.
BAD MOVE. OMFG the buses were out in force on Madison at that hour. Not only was I choking on those wicked fumes, I was at times surrouned by buses on 3-4 sides. Scary, especially because one of the drivers clearly took pleasure in cutting me a off three times. B@st@rd! Maybe my company moving downtown isn't so bad -- I'll lose the big office but gain a safer commute -- my commute will be 95% Greenway.
Anyhow... ride this morning was great. I took it easy today and still made most of my stoplights. I don't know if being less aggressive is connected to having had a more pleasant ride or not, but pleasant it was this morning.
BAD MOVE. OMFG the buses were out in force on Madison at that hour. Not only was I choking on those wicked fumes, I was at times surrouned by buses on 3-4 sides. Scary, especially because one of the drivers clearly took pleasure in cutting me a off three times. B@st@rd! Maybe my company moving downtown isn't so bad -- I'll lose the big office but gain a safer commute -- my commute will be 95% Greenway.
Anyhow... ride this morning was great. I took it easy today and still made most of my stoplights. I don't know if being less aggressive is connected to having had a more pleasant ride or not, but pleasant it was this morning.
![oboeguy is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8768
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 1,514
Bikes: more, please.
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
I don't understand days like these. The whole town has gone crazy!
It happens every now and then, but usually under poor weather conditions.
Today however, practically every car that passed me, or I met at an intersection-
seemed like the driver was out of their minds. Passing too close, right-of-way
violations, you name it! I saw it all this morning. Some guy even drove right at me
as I made a left at a green arrow. I know he ran a red light!
Maybe 'cause its a beautiful Friday, and their minds are not on the road. Who knows...
The full moon was on Tuesday, so I don't know what else is creating this lunacy...
![EEK!](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/eek.gif)
It happens every now and then, but usually under poor weather conditions.
Today however, practically every car that passed me, or I met at an intersection-
seemed like the driver was out of their minds. Passing too close, right-of-way
violations, you name it! I saw it all this morning. Some guy even drove right at me
as I made a left at a green arrow. I know he ran a red light!
Maybe 'cause its a beautiful Friday, and their minds are not on the road. Who knows...
The full moon was on Tuesday, so I don't know what else is creating this lunacy...
![Big Grin](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![* jack * is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8769
Burnt Orange Blood
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Dripping Springs, Texas
Posts: 825
Bikes: Trek 7200, Lashout Electric Bike, Raleigh Talon
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by tomzdad
Today was my first commute day in years -- my toddler's going to be 3 soon, and for some reason, I seem to have more energy in recent months
It's also my first time to this site -- what a nice place! The commute's 7.5 miles one way -- I think that's 12 km (isn't the ratio 5:8?). I was expecting to feel worse by this time of the evening -- did notice some complaints in the knees, which seems to be a family trait, anyway. Definitely finding myself agreeing with the guy at the bikeshop who suggested some alternative seating arrangements! Part of the commute is near a busy freeway (it's 880, if you know the SF Bay Area), and I'm wondering about what I'm breathing in while I ride. But it was a beautiful day, the motorists were kind, and my kid wasn't left in daycare tooooo much longer than he's used to ![Frown](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/frown.gif)
![Wink](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Frown](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/frown.gif)
Welcome, Tomzdad! And congratulations on the commute! I'm pretty new at it myself -- mine is 6.5 miles each way, half on a rural, hilly road and the other through a hilly neighborhood.
You're setting a great example for Tom and when he gets a little older, maybe y'all can ride together!
![Smilie](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Longhorn is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8770
Dude On Bike
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Posts: 216
Bikes: Raliegh C40 Hybrid Bike. Cannondale R900 Triple. Schwinn World - Fixie Conversion
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yesterday's ride was great. I went downtown to visit a friend but he was in the middle of band practice. Then I remembered they were having the free concert on main street so I rode by there. The bike cops there are actually friendly these days. I don't know if they're getting used to seeing me around, maybe they were in a good mood. The only reason I mention it is because they weren't as friendly before.
Also, I saw five other commuters. That's the most I've ever seen in one day. One of them was the old-school commuter that I've mentioned before. I was disappointed to see him riding on the sidewalk when there was no need to. Maybe the VC bug has sunk its teeth into me or something.
On the way home from work yesterday, I was passed by a coworker on a moped. I picked up the pace and crept in to draft. When he saw me in his rear view mirror, he gave it more gas but I was keeping up. At the next stop sign, he gave me props for the sticking with him and mentioned that he may as well get a bike himself and save even more gas.
People already think I'm a nut anyway, so I have few hang-ups about telling my bike "I love you and I'll be back soon" when I lock it up.
Also, I saw five other commuters. That's the most I've ever seen in one day. One of them was the old-school commuter that I've mentioned before. I was disappointed to see him riding on the sidewalk when there was no need to. Maybe the VC bug has sunk its teeth into me or something.
On the way home from work yesterday, I was passed by a coworker on a moped. I picked up the pace and crept in to draft. When he saw me in his rear view mirror, he gave it more gas but I was keeping up. At the next stop sign, he gave me props for the sticking with him and mentioned that he may as well get a bike himself and save even more gas.
People already think I'm a nut anyway, so I have few hang-ups about telling my bike "I love you and I'll be back soon" when I lock it up.
![Hickabod is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8771
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Liked 4,532 Times
in
3,158 Posts
Went the long way.... it was a route I had thought about before, and I thought it might be something of a fast spin... well most of it was, but there was one killer hill... At any rate, I did better average speed, and was able to include a cool bike path in my ride... really made it nice.
More than twice as long as my regular route, but what the heck I was up early anyway.
Checked clock time to bike time... 1:27 on the bike, 1:37 on the clock... so there was 10 minutes of waiting at lights? Wow, sure doesn't seem that long. No wonder driving a car can seem so darn frustrating at times.
More than twice as long as my regular route, but what the heck I was up early anyway.
Checked clock time to bike time... 1:27 on the bike, 1:37 on the clock... so there was 10 minutes of waiting at lights? Wow, sure doesn't seem that long. No wonder driving a car can seem so darn frustrating at times.
![genec is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8772
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Liked 4,532 Times
in
3,158 Posts
Originally Posted by jimbrown
I heard a new one this morning from a SUV, Ford Expedition, driving women. She told me while I was waiting at the red light that I did not belong on the road becasue I had no Bumpers! I was so amazed at this I just looked at her and said excuse me? Then the light changed and she sped away. Other then that the weather was great!
![genec is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8773
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,863
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Liked 3,111 Times
in
1,418 Posts
I had hoped to get a long (20 or 30) mile ride into work this morning, but I was delayed by a child that needed a bottle and a new diaper and a dog that needed walking (why does it seem that all I do around the house anymore is to deal with somebody's poop?). Once I got everybody taken care of and back into their beds, it was already after 7.
So, I rode 6 miles in the opposite direction of work, turned around, and hammered back into town. Still got 14 miles.
When I got to work, I discovered that I didn't have any underwear in my locker. Luckily, a clean pair of running shorts is sufficiently like a pair of boxers. I don't think anyone will notice.
So, I rode 6 miles in the opposite direction of work, turned around, and hammered back into town. Still got 14 miles.
When I got to work, I discovered that I didn't have any underwear in my locker. Luckily, a clean pair of running shorts is sufficiently like a pair of boxers. I don't think anyone will notice.
![caloso is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8774
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: eastern Idaho
Posts: 48
Bikes: '04 Specialize Dolce Elite
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Once again, clear skies, mid fifties on the way in. Less traffic today for some reason. It will probably pick up when I go home, though!
![Spudz is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8775
wrench
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: maryland
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
rode home at night, work was so backed up by the time i got out of there i didn't want to ride for a few hours, which put me on the road at about 9:30pm.
i love riding in the dark, with lights of course, but i could really live without a couple things:
-bugs
-stupid rabbits (squirrels in the morning)
- idiots out with no lights or reflectors of any kind
- my saddle
tonight was the first time i've ever ridden with lycra shorts and a jersey- i usually wear some baggy shorts over the lycra. i really liked the comfort, you stay much cooler too, but i really need to gain some weight. i looked pretty silly!
i love riding in the dark, with lights of course, but i could really live without a couple things:
-bugs
-stupid rabbits (squirrels in the morning)
- idiots out with no lights or reflectors of any kind
- my saddle
tonight was the first time i've ever ridden with lycra shorts and a jersey- i usually wear some baggy shorts over the lycra. i really liked the comfort, you stay much cooler too, but i really need to gain some weight. i looked pretty silly!
![frozin is offline](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)