Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

How was the commute today?

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

How was the commute today?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-17-06 | 08:56 AM
  #13751  
Nykon's Avatar
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)

It was overcast and cool, pleasant. I am trying out my new novara cycling underwear, is ok for riding, not sure if I will be able to wear it all day... we will see
__________________
Pain don't hurt.
Guns don't kill people, rocks and trees do.
Nykon is offline  
Old 06-17-06 | 09:00 PM
  #13752  
Roody's Avatar
Sophomoric Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 24,192
Likes: 13
From: Dancing in Lansing
I'm almost back to speed after 2 injuries and 2 weeks of rehab riding. It feels great to go fast again! Especially on my midnight commute home--when the air is cooler, the traffic lights are blinking, and there are some pretty thuggish characters out riding too.

I'm glad I can ride faster than the average crack dealer. Sometimes one yells at me, "I want your bike!" While I'm whizzing by, I yell back:

"It ain't about the bike dawg!!"
__________________

"Think Outside the Cage"

Last edited by Roody; 06-18-06 at 09:00 AM.
Roody is offline  
Old 06-18-06 | 04:07 AM
  #13753  
MikeR's Avatar
Very Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 1
From: Central Pa

Bikes: 2000 Bianchi San Remo and a mint 1984 Trek 720

I saw 3 deer and had a nice encounter with a fox. Most of my 13 mile ride is very rural but the last 2 miles are on a busy road with (thankfully) wide shoulders. I was going along with cars flying by. At one point there was a break in the cars in both directions. This fox comes running across towards me. He didn’t see me at first because he was WATCHING FOR TRAFFIC! He looked just like a pedestrian, looking both ways as he crossed. When he got to my side he ran in front of me and then paralleled me in the field next to the road. I was glad to see that the wildlife has learned how to cross the highway.
__________________
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
MikeR is offline  
Old 06-18-06 | 08:03 AM
  #13754  
Junior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, Minnesota USA

Bikes: Osell LWB/ASS, RANS Screamer, Cab-Bike

Minneapolis: Rode in to work on Friday, but a tremendous storm, with sheets of rain, grown trees and electric wires going down, and manhole covers blown off by geysers of water discouraged me a bit in the afternoon. My husband had biked home just in time to miss it, and he kindly drove over and gave me and my folding recumbent a ride home, just as the storm eased up for a half hour. I might have been able to splash home through the puddles if I had realized the gap would be that long.
livewombat is offline  
Old 06-18-06 | 08:12 AM
  #13755  
Easily distracted...
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, Ga

Bikes: Surley Cross Check

Not really a commute report, but lots of utility riding this weekend. The weather has been great and yesterday I took a long ride out of town to a friend's housewarming BBQ party. A coffee trip this morning to distract myself from having to do work for the rest of the day. I consider that weekend commuting.
GTcommuter is offline  
Old 06-18-06 | 09:01 PM
  #13756  
spidercyclist's Avatar
The Spider
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
Great commute , 30 miles.
spidercyclist is offline  
Old 06-18-06 | 09:11 PM
  #13757  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 12
Just got home from my commute. It's now 11:08 p.m. Best ride I've had in a long while. Not hot, very few cars on the road, my lights were more than adequate. Night riding makes the extra 5 hours at work not such a bad thing.
--A
Allen is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 02:41 AM
  #13758  
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ

Bikes: 2004 Fuji Thrill

First commute with clipless setup (egg-beaters & shimano sh-mt20).
went well. didn't fall. didn't even have to clip out more than 3 times.
commute was 5 min less than normal (60 min., today 55 min.). don't know if it was because of the clipless, or the slight tailwind. don't tell me tailwind, let me keep my confidence and self-esteem.
also wore (for the first time) x-mart brand compression underwear. I don't know if I particular like them. felt like I was signaling left-turn during the whole commute.
kcmrl is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 02:49 AM
  #13759  
Two Wheeled Writer
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Got to work, but not without incident

My usual route is from New Malden (Surrey, UK) to Hammersmith, London, through Richmond Park. This tends to be a great ride, even through the winter.

This morning was warm, but with a little light rain as I set off. Not too much to worry about, I thought. But I made the mistake of taking a left hand bend, downhill at 20 MPH on my flat-bar road bike (Ridgeback Genesis Day 02) with slick Michelin Erilium tyres. Down I went, my hip hitting the road first. My shoes unclipped and the bike slid away from me. My first reaction was to look up and behind to see if any cars were coming, but fortunately nothing had followed me. I was able to get up and retrieve my bike, and make my way to the side of the road.

Bike seems OK, but I have a nice "pro" style rip in my Team Italia bib shorts :-( and a nasty case of raod rash on my outer thigh (which now aches). There were many cars around at the junction where I was turning - only one kind 4x4 driver wound down her window and asked if I was alright.

BTW Does anyone has any tips on what to check on a bike after an incident like this? The steering seems slightly stiff and tried adjusting the headset (Ahead style) because the handlebars were a tad out of line.

Anyway, I have now learnt something new about riding my bike (take care when the roads are wet), although I do know that I have only ever fallen off through my own actions...
twowheeledwrite is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 04:14 AM
  #13760  
Bizurke's Avatar
Lost in Los Angeles
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
I commute late at night (I work 3rd shift) so I never have to worry about traffic or anything like that really. Had nice weather for the first time in a few weeks and I was feeling like a good ride so I took off a half hour early to get some extra time in before I got to work. I guess I'm just off cause I couldn't keep cadence or maintain a good speed at all. Hopefully I will feel better in the morning and have a much better ride. I hope this weather lasts!
Bizurke is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 06:28 AM
  #13761  
Easily distracted...
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, Ga

Bikes: Surley Cross Check

A fairly eventful morning. I left ten minutes late because I got stuck watching the weather channel for impending doom. Then I almost got buzzed. Had my shaking-fist ready, but luckily I didn't have to use it. And I saw one of our superstar Atlanta racers going the opposite direction. At least I think it was her, she went by me in a blur. Ah humility.
GTcommuter is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 06:30 AM
  #13762  
vtjim's Avatar
Belt drive!
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont

Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX

The air is sticky! Moderate headwind but it didn't seem to bother me.

I had just left my house and stopped at a stop sign. Looked right, nothing coming, looked left, no cars but hey, here's a young lady on a road bike wearing a mini flowery sun dress. Exchanged hellos, and off I went.

I think someone was trying to reel me in toward the end of my MUP ride but the person failed.
vtjim is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 07:39 AM
  #13763  
Recumbent Evangelist
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,991
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario

Bikes: Rebel Cycles Trike, Trek 7500FX

Warm this morning, with a bit of rain. I had to pull a plastic bag over my rack bag so the contents wouldn't get wet. I also put a few strips of duct tape behind the seat so the tire wouldn't spray my back with road water... Other than that, a fine ride. I'm still convinced that I'm faster on wet roads, must be the reduced friction.
jeff-o is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 08:00 AM
  #13764  
jyossarian's Avatar
SERENITY NOW!!!
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212

Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce

H&H and I got a flat, probably from bunnyhopping a pothole in between a bus and a car or from a metal strip I ran over. I got to changing it only to realize I should've tested out the valve extender for the tube I had. I couldn't pump the tire all the way so I still ended up walking the last 1/2 mile to work. I'll hit the LBS up for a new tube w/ the proper valve at lunch.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR



We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
jyossarian is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 09:17 AM
  #13765  
pinkrobe's Avatar
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.

I had to modify my route to work, as there is a big hole 10' across, 15' deep] going from one side of the road to the other. Hopefully it will get filled in a couple of days. Other than that, not much to report.
pinkrobe is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 09:57 AM
  #13766  
manual_overide's Avatar
Fat Guy in Bike Shorts!
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH

Bikes: Specialized Allez

Flat 8 miles in, fixed, but broke my pump. it's a 2nd wind inflator, so i can still use co2. i had to blow both co2 carts that i carry.

Slow leak develops (in a different spot on the tube!!) about 14 miles in. By the time I hit the bike trail, i'm completely flat in the back. Also broke a rear drive-side spoke somewhere around the 2nd flat somehow. When I got to the trail, I walked about 2.5 miles until someone painting a house offered me a ride for the last 4 or 5 miles to work.

All in all, it was pretty horrible.

I'm still not sure how I'm going to get home
manual_overide is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 10:13 AM
  #13767  
Nykon's Avatar
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)

Good, nice and cool. I made it in record time because my wife screwed up my alarm clock and took it of Daylight savings time. So lost an hour of packing food for the day and such fun activities.
__________________
Pain don't hurt.
Guns don't kill people, rocks and trees do.
Nykon is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 10:23 AM
  #13768  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 1
From: Beantown

Bikes: 2011 Tsunami, 2004 Fuji Team Issue and More!!!

On vacation all last week so, first commute in a while. As I crossed the dreaded Comm.Ave trolley tracks at the B.U. Bridge I somehow punctured the tube through the side wall. No Problem, I pulled into the shade, whipped out and installed the spare tube and Viola!...Doh! I forgot my mini-pump.

None of the wobbly fair weather commuters seem to carry pumps so I walked for about a mile. I knew of a auto repair shop so I stopped there to use their compressor...I freaked out when at first I couldn't find my adaptor.

I see an O2 pump in my near future
FormerBMX'er is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 10:55 AM
  #13769  
NM-NewRoadie's Avatar
Mostly riding...mostly
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM

Bikes: 1992 Trek 3 tube carbon 2200

left work early Friday to run some papers around town to make an offer on a house. Offer is in, holding our breath till 5:00 tonight! (offer expires then) I hope they accept, this location would be ideal....house is great too.

did 20 miles on Saturday morning. I felt really strong. I took the medium route in today though, cuz I overslept...planning on the short route home...I hate riding in 90 degree weather!
NM-NewRoadie is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 11:21 AM
  #13770  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Marlborough, MA

Bikes: Felt F85 (2007), Fuji Regis (1980's)

Had to drive to drop off some equipment this morning but dropped my car off back at home and rode to work. The ride in was very nice but much warmer than I am used to since it was much later in the morning. Did see a couple of other commuters out and much less traffic. On my ride home last week I rode over some fresh asphalt/tar that was just paved and it coated my tires. I felt like I had a flat tire and even stopped to check but just found it coated in about a 1/16" of tar/stones. Rode around for a bit to get it all off my tires and it was back to normal feeling. Going to be a very hot week with temps in the 90s almost everyday. Summer is here
luckysnafu is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 01:54 PM
  #13771  
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 909
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere

Bikes: Kona Jake (2006)

First commute via bike in 2 weeks, since I crashed and banged up my knee. Knee is still tender when doing lateral movements (it buckled yesterday pulling my kayak outta the Potomac and I almost took an unintended swim) but straight line is fine.

I took it easy and got to work in only a few minutes more than normal. Not looking fwd to tonight b/c a massive thunderstorm is just cranking up...
knucklesandwich is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 03:54 PM
  #13772  
jyossarian's Avatar
SERENITY NOW!!!
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212

Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce

On the ride home, I got passed by a mtb'er in full mtb kit. He flew past me spinning quickly and trying to keep up w/ traffic. Instead of feeling like my manhood had been challenged, I thought it was pretty cool to see. I wonder if I'll see more commuters this summer.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR



We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
jyossarian is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 04:17 PM
  #13773  
caloso's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Had a brick workout on Sunday morning, so I took it easy on the way in.
caloso is offline  
Old 06-19-06 | 06:56 PM
  #13774  
rando's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,968
Likes: 0
From: Tempe, AZ
took it easy on the way in. took a different route-- riding the sidewalk along the 6 lane arterial that is the most direct route to my workplace. after AM rush hour it was actually pleasant. I tried to go home the same way at 4 pm-- no way! exhaust, heat from cars, noise-- I bailed into neighborhoods after a few blocks. still made it home in near record time. I must be getting stronger! have a good one.
__________________
"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
rando is offline  
Old 06-20-06 | 10:23 PM
  #13775  
scottmorrison99's Avatar
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 fun. Ride home was marred by a stiff link in the chain halfway home. I couldn't get it to loosen, so tomorrow it's off to the LBS. ARRRRGGGHHH!
__________________
Scotty

Weird Bike Guy Blog
scottmorrison99 is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.