How was the commute today?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Originally Posted by luckysnafu
You are a better commuter than I. I wussed out and drove in today since it was pouring this morning. I will be back on the bike tomorrow.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I am a first time poster here, but here goes: After not having done this in quite a few years, I biked in to the office today. From South Brooklyn, in NY to Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, about 14 miles. My bike is a pretty new Specialized Roubaix which I outfitted with Armadillo tires for puncture resistance. While still in Brooklyn, I got a blowout in the front, a few blocks from a bike shop. Musta done something wrong when I inflated the tires this morning. Near Prospect Park, I laid over to avoid getting hit by a blind driver, but no big deal, just a few scratches. Over the Brooklyn Bridge, insane traffic conditions in Manhattan, managed ok until I got a flat in the rear. Fortunately I was a few blocks from a bike shop so I got it repaired, there was a hole in the tube near the valve, no glass or other sharp object found. A few blocks later, I slowed way down, somehow forgot to unclip from the Look pedals, just fell over like something out of Monty Python. lost some finger skin on that one. Made it to the garage, showered at the gym, all in all it took about 2 hours for a 1 hour commute, but I'm gonna ride home this evening, and if I survive, I'll do it again tomorrow-I think.
Originally Posted by jyossarian
* jack *: where's the pics of your new fixie?

Here she is, still dripping wet for ya
Originally Posted by luckysnafu
I wussed out and drove in today since it was pouring this morning.
Originally Posted by blsecres
I bailed as well.
Originally Posted by Itsjustb
My wife saw me putting on the bike shorts this morning and said, "TELL ME you're not gonna bike in this!"
It also looked worse in Raleigh, from what I saw on the radar...
Last edited by * jack *; 06-14-06 at 01:42 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collins, CO
Bikes: Shasta Kiliminjaro, Optima Dragon Recumbent
I didn't commute today for the first time in about 2 months. I have to pick up about 10 cases of beverages after work. I feel like such a slacker!
__________________
Jim
Make a BOLD Statement While Cycling!
Jim
Make a BOLD Statement While Cycling!
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Yorba Linda, CA
Well, the commute this morning started off with the theme of BUGS. First off, I get about a half a mile from my house and my front derailler decides that it want to throw the chain. Mechanical bug. I put the chain back on and head down the big hill (I hit 34.7 mph!).
I get to the bike path, and what do I run into? Swarm after swarm of gnats. Yay! More bugs! Soon enough (about 3 miles), the bugs subsided.
So now I'm cruising along, and a fellow commuter starts drafting. He passes me after 2-3 miles and lets me draft him for about 3 miles. Best part about it was my average speed for that stretch was close to 20mph. After all was said and done, I got to work about 15 minutes earlier than usuall. Overall, a good morning commute.
-Jim
I get to the bike path, and what do I run into? Swarm after swarm of gnats. Yay! More bugs! Soon enough (about 3 miles), the bugs subsided.
So now I'm cruising along, and a fellow commuter starts drafting. He passes me after 2-3 miles and lets me draft him for about 3 miles. Best part about it was my average speed for that stretch was close to 20mph. After all was said and done, I got to work about 15 minutes earlier than usuall. Overall, a good morning commute.
-Jim
Wheee
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: S. FL
Bikes: Schwinn Rocket 88 phase 1/ Surly 1x1/Cannondale R700 WSD 650c
Originally Posted by nolucker
but I'm gonna ride home this evening, and if I survive, I'll do it again tomorrow-I think.
__________________
If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
https://www.myspace.com/qwtrailbuilders
rip sydney
If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
https://www.myspace.com/qwtrailbuilders
rip sydney
excellent! temps of 105+ in the afternoon but I made sure to drink enough water before I left, (about 100 ounces) plus I had some with me. I beat my best time! saw several other riders/commuters on the way to and from.
Jerk in a jeep thought the bike lane was a turn lane. he almost fit. In The morning some major cop thing was happening along my route-- four to six cruisers and police walking around the neighborhood. wonder what that was about. good ride both ways.
Jerk in a jeep thought the bike lane was a turn lane. he almost fit. In The morning some major cop thing was happening along my route-- four to six cruisers and police walking around the neighborhood. wonder what that was about. good ride both ways.
__________________
"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
SERENITY NOW!!!

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Originally Posted by nolucker
...I outfitted with Armadillo tires for puncture resistance. While still in Brooklyn, I got a blowout in the front, a few blocks from a bike shop. ... in Manhattan, managed ok until I got a flat in the rear.
It gets easier nolucker. Especially if you take the Manhattan Bridge. Less peds and separate bike and and pedestrian lanes. Keep it up. Summer's around the corner and it's a great time to be outside.
__________________
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!
New! With Self Loathing!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield, California
Bikes: 2013 Jamis Xenith T time trial bike, 2013 Jamis Xenith Elite
Ride in was fast and smooth, like a Sunday morning commute. Ride home started sprinkling, coworkers offered me a ride. I said thanks anyway, but have you ever known me to not ride because of rain? Fast ride home with a tailwind. No problems with anybody, as it should be.
Good ride to work ,but on the way home had to take a detur. Still a good ride . Have a good nite .
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Not sure if I'll ride today. 
Another l-o-n-g evening with the m-in-law.
We got home and FINALLY ate supper at 8:55 PM. Went to bed dead tired at 9:30.
Elderly parents are worse than kids. They require more of your time and are as helpless as a 6 month old baby.

Another l-o-n-g evening with the m-in-law.
We got home and FINALLY ate supper at 8:55 PM. Went to bed dead tired at 9:30.Elderly parents are worse than kids. They require more of your time and are as helpless as a 6 month old baby.
__________________
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, pa
Bikes: Specialized Roubeaix Elite
Funny if we pass each other, nolucker. I have a Roubaix with Armadillos that I ride from Fort Lee, NJ to Metrotech in Brooklyn.
Skip the BB and take the Manhattan Bridge bike path. Alot less traffic and it leaves you a little further uptown to get to GC.
Skip the BB and take the Manhattan Bridge bike path. Alot less traffic and it leaves you a little further uptown to get to GC.
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Bikes: 1999 Trek 6500 mountain bike, 2005 Klein Q Carbon road bike
Dropping my biggest mileage to date today on my commute - 34 miles in, at least that on the way home (unless I decide to spin further to a nice clean 40). Beautiful morning in Central New Jersey. Took me two hours and 8 minutes. Nice clean ride - no mechanical problems or near misses.
Is it time to go home yet? :-)
Is it time to go home yet? :-)
DNPAIMFB
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,655
Likes: 0
From: Cowtown, AB
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
Raining cats, dogs and rhinocerouses today. Almost got taken out by a Miata, but his/her no-look lane change wasn't too aggressive for me to avoid. I was going to go on a nice road ride tonight, but it's not looking good...
Railgun of Patience
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bikes: 1997 KHS Summit
Forgetful. I realized that I forgot my gloves halfway across my buildings parking lot, but don't feel like going back to get them. I realized I forgot my helmet halfway to work. Luckily I did remember my bike.
going downhill fast
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: VT
Bikes: 1995 Trek Mountain Track, 1976 Schwinn Continental
Originally Posted by nolucker
While still in Brooklyn, I got a blowout in the front, a few blocks from a bike shop. Musta done something wrong when I inflated the tires this morning. Near Prospect Park, I laid over to avoid getting hit by a blind driver, but no big deal, just a few scratches. Over the Brooklyn Bridge, insane traffic conditions in Manhattan, managed ok until I got a flat in the rear.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Marlborough, MA
Bikes: Felt F85 (2007), Fuji Regis (1980's)
Finally back on the bike after a solid 2 weeks off, my longest drought since I started commuting I think. Was out of town all last week for a conference though so it's not too bad. Had a very nice ride in this morning. The golf course I cut through has a creek running through it that flooded way over it's banks yesterday leaving mud everywhere. I got sprayed with mud and water and my bike is now dirty from it. Sun was rising and the temps were mild and I enjoyed the ride in. Looking forward to the ride home and I might even ride to my soccer game tonight since it is so nice and my game is only a few miles from home
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Originally Posted by luckysnafu
... I might even ride to my soccer game tonight since it is so nice and my game is only a few miles from home 

Oh, and the ride today was great. It felt good to back after a day off (my first day off for weather since December, I think). Fortunately yesterday's deluge seems to have cleared the roads of the idiots I encountered Tuesday.
It was like a mini-TDF today. I was humming along and . . . ZOOM, this guy shoots by me, really working it. I pass him right back but stop at the stop sign. This dude SHOOTS passed the stop sign, cutting off a turning car, just to pass me! Geesh, some people.
Mostly riding...mostly
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM
Bikes: 1992 Trek 3 tube carbon 2200
Originally Posted by Itsjustb
+1. My wife saw me putting on the bike shorts this morning and said, "TELL ME you're not gonna bike in this!" I started to argue and then decided I wanted to stay married. 

Even if he is a wuss that won't ride in the rain
Short ride in today, it's my rest day, gonna ride to my wifes work after I get off work, so we can go with our real estate agent and look at houses. I miss the ride to my wifes work from my work, it's about 5 or 6 miles, mostly down or accross hills (very little uphill action) and really fast. It's been months since I've done that ride.
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
I had a very nice 22 mile sunrise ride down to Clarksburg and back. It was wonderful. Then I got home, hopped in the shower and dressed for work, helped my wife get the kids ready for daycare, and back out the door. The temp was in the high 50s and beautifully clear. I even passed a few other commuters. Nice.
SERENITY NOW!!!

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
My commute consisted of a ride to the airport and a roundtrip flight to Washington DC for a 3 hr. meeting. Blah. Back on the bike commute for tomorrow.
__________________
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!
Not evil! Misunderstood!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Gladstone, OR
Bikes: Gary Fischer Tassajara Disc GS, Motobecane road bike (needs fixin up)
Today was pretty good. I bough rain pants so of course its going to be sunny for the rest of the week. Oh well. Just counting down the hours till my ride home.
__________________
Pain don't hurt.
Guns don't kill people, rocks and trees do.
Pain don't hurt.
Guns don't kill people, rocks and trees do.
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 1
From: south jersey
No commute today (3rd time this year). had to go to crisis-training 35 miles from here, then to the South Jersey Bicycle Coalition meeting (another 20 miles) and got out of that at 8:15pm tonight, home at 9:30pm (60mph). i know, "no excuses" but.... :-)
Good commute, saw a buttload of cyclist, I got "dropped" by all of them. My excuse: I was carrying a duffelbag loaded with a judogi and lunch.
Anyways I was also "dropped" by a single-speed NY messenger look-a-like(complete with bag), later on I saw his bike parked outside a starbucks that was on my route, I guess you can't really deliver all those important documents without getting your frappucino fix. But he sure was fast though, he blasted thru the hills like it was flat.
Anyways I was also "dropped" by a single-speed NY messenger look-a-like(complete with bag), later on I saw his bike parked outside a starbucks that was on my route, I guess you can't really deliver all those important documents without getting your frappucino fix. But he sure was fast though, he blasted thru the hills like it was flat.




