How was the commute today?
07-28-06 | 12:02 PM
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
Originally Posted by RonH
Couldn't ride yesterday. Had to pick up the latest order of t-shirts. 
As I was leaving work yesterday my boss asked if I could drive again today. We are still in the midst of our mass mailing and a load will be ready to take to the post office today. I reluctently said I'd drive, but told him I had errands to do today (in L5P for locals) and a car would not be the best way to accomplish them. He suggested bringing my bike on the car so I'd have it for the mid-day errands and I could hit the post office on the way home.
I thought long and hard about this last night, so today, we are having a "come to Jesus meeting"
about him assuming that my car will always be available for work related errands. BTW, there is a "company" car that spends most of it's time in his driveway. One of my questions will be, "Why can't you bring the company car to work for employees to use when we have these types of errands?"
Enough of my rant. Needless to say I'll be pissed off all day. I gotta sell that car so it won't be a reason NOT to ride.
As I was leaving work yesterday my boss asked if I could drive again today. We are still in the midst of our mass mailing and a load will be ready to take to the post office today. I reluctently said I'd drive, but told him I had errands to do today (in L5P for locals) and a car would not be the best way to accomplish them. He suggested bringing my bike on the car so I'd have it for the mid-day errands and I could hit the post office on the way home.
I thought long and hard about this last night, so today, we are having a "come to Jesus meeting"
about him assuming that my car will always be available for work related errands. BTW, there is a "company" car that spends most of it's time in his driveway. One of my questions will be, "Why can't you bring the company car to work for employees to use when we have these types of errands?"Enough of my rant. Needless to say I'll be pissed off all day. I gotta sell that car so it won't be a reason NOT to ride.
Sorry boss, car's in drydock getting its hull scrapped and boilers retubed....can't do it... Dockyard says I can have it back in commission after the rivetter's stike is settled.
07-28-06 | 12:55 PM
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 909
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere
Bikes: Kona Jake (2006)
Today's commute was good. Not as tired as I normally am on Fridays. But tomorrow a.m. we are trying out possible routes for my fiancee to bike to her office, it's a bit further than mine and I know I'm gonna be just beat from working like a dog all week. But if it gets her cycling once or twice a week, it's a boon.
07-28-06 | 02:37 PM
Life is short Ride hard
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 0
From: In the middle of nowhere
Bikes: not enough
Originally Posted by nelson249
Sorry boss, car's in drydock getting its hull scrapped and boilers retubed....can't do it... Dockyard says I can have it back in commission after the rivetter's stike is settled.
07-28-06 | 08:19 PM
just over the next hill
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe 2006 Fuji Tahoe
The morning ride in to work has been fine. It is the ride home in the heat and humidity
that is bad. Yesterday my rear view mirror fogged up in the humidity when I left for
home. A few sprinkles before I arrived home cooled things off. Today it was sunny and in
the 90’s. I don’t push too hard in the afternoon heat.
that is bad. Yesterday my rear view mirror fogged up in the humidity when I left for
home. A few sprinkles before I arrived home cooled things off. Today it was sunny and in
the 90’s. I don’t push too hard in the afternoon heat.
__________________
Enjoy the ride.
Bianchi Volpe 2006; Fuji Tahoe 1990
Enjoy the ride.
Bianchi Volpe 2006; Fuji Tahoe 1990
07-29-06 | 10:42 AM
I guess the heat's getting to the whole country now. We should have listened to Al Gore years ago!
I moved this week. Same commute, basically, just a half-mile further out. That new half-mile is the worst of the whole ride. It's dark (I commute home late at night), and narrow lanes make it hard for the cagers to pass me. And two more traffic lights--neither one on blink mode late at night. Still it's only 3 or 4 minutes longer--now that I'm figuring out when i can safely run the lights--so that part is no big deal.
I moved this week. Same commute, basically, just a half-mile further out. That new half-mile is the worst of the whole ride. It's dark (I commute home late at night), and narrow lanes make it hard for the cagers to pass me. And two more traffic lights--neither one on blink mode late at night. Still it's only 3 or 4 minutes longer--now that I'm figuring out when i can safely run the lights--so that part is no big deal.
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"
07-29-06 | 02:04 PM
SERENITY NOW!!!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Yesterday's ride home was up Madison Ave., also a new route to my commute. I never noticed before how the lights aren't synchronized right. I had to keep stopping for reds every 4-5 blocks. Usually, I can go at least twice that before hitting a red.
I forgot to mention on yesterday's commute to work, an older man carrying two walking sticks crossed in front of me on a Segway. He was riding on the street.
I forgot to mention on yesterday's commute to work, an older man carrying two walking sticks crossed in front of me on a Segway. He was riding on the street.
__________________
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!
07-31-06 | 06:33 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Bikes: Cannondale T1 touring bike, Specialized Roubaix, Raleigh tandem, Raliegh SC40 comfort bike
Today's commute - hot/humid
75 degrees and humid at 4:30am -- very hot for mid-Michigan; supposed to be mid 90s and humid for the return trip this afternoon. I guess this is what the Gulf Coast down South gets all summer. 21.54 miles in 1 hour 24 minutes.
Today was only my third commuting day of July; vacation, scheduling and lack of motivation cut into my bike commuting this month. I saw a doe (female deer) standing in the middle of the road; I gave her a blast on the Air Zounds and she casually trotted off into the field.
Today was only my third commuting day of July; vacation, scheduling and lack of motivation cut into my bike commuting this month. I saw a doe (female deer) standing in the middle of the road; I gave her a blast on the Air Zounds and she casually trotted off into the field.
07-31-06 | 06:56 AM
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Somewhat fast this morning, even with a 15-20MPH headwind. I caught a roadie on the MUP who happened to be be moving along at my favorite cruise speed, so he made a perfect pace bike. I was pretty close to him for a while but he kept looking back and I didn't want to annoy him so I backed way off. Didn't want to turn it into a race on a Monday morning. 
Temps were in the high 50s. Very nice riding weather. Unfortunately we're about to get the heat and humidity that's moving east across the U.S. Yuck.
Temps were in the high 50s. Very nice riding weather. Unfortunately we're about to get the heat and humidity that's moving east across the U.S. Yuck.
07-31-06 | 07:08 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Marlborough, MA
Bikes: Felt F85 (2007), Fuji Regis (1980's)
Had a nice ride in this morning even though the temps were in the mid 70s and the humidity is sky high. Not much traffic out which was very nice. Over the weekend I saw a lot of cyclists out and about when I was driving to my soccer game and then back home, probably saw 15-20 in a matter of a half hour. Didn't see anybody out this morning though. The heat is coming though and will be in the upper 90s this afternoon for the ride home.
07-31-06 | 07:14 AM
Pedaling Backwards
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Michigan
Bikes: '04 Cannondale F300, '92 Park Pre Rigid MTB
Good ride this morning, it was about 75 + 93% humidity. I biked hard since I was running late and sweated up a storm. Thankfully I can shower at work 
Tonight'll be a pain, it's predicted to be 100 degrees with about 90-95% humidity. Better make sure I fill those bottles
Tonight'll be a pain, it's predicted to be 100 degrees with about 90-95% humidity. Better make sure I fill those bottles
07-31-06 | 07:38 AM
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 59
From: Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Bikes: Giant easy e, Priority Onyx, Scott Sub 40, Marin Belvedere Commuter
Originally Posted by Wulfheir
um...what the heck is a "come to Jesus meeting"?
Ride was not bad this morning but the remainder of the week is predicted hot and humid. I only have 10 miles each way so it's not a big deal after all the miles done this summer.
Last edited by capejohn; 07-31-06 at 08:12 AM.
07-31-06 | 08:17 AM
Shut Up and Ride
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: Cannondale t-700 [commuter], Cannondale MT-800 [Tandem so the Lil Misses can keep up], GT I drive Team [My tricked out Racer MTB]
It was nice to be on the road bike after this weekend's Death March on the MTB. That's the last time I let someone else pick the trail
No riding yesterday since I had to replace 2 windows that some idot vandal busted out of the daughters car while it was parked downtown. They took nothing, just busted out the windows. People suck.
This morning was clear, cool, and calm. People seemed extra nice in their cars today...maybe they were happy to be going back to work. Or, I guess they could be taking their time on the commute, delaying the ultimate distenation as long as possible. I know that's what I did
No riding yesterday since I had to replace 2 windows that some idot vandal busted out of the daughters car while it was parked downtown. They took nothing, just busted out the windows. People suck.
This morning was clear, cool, and calm. People seemed extra nice in their cars today...maybe they were happy to be going back to work. Or, I guess they could be taking their time on the commute, delaying the ultimate distenation as long as possible. I know that's what I did
07-31-06 | 08:32 AM
Railgun of Patience
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bikes: 1997 KHS Summit
It has been raining here every night for a couple of weeks, so the roads are a bit wet and have sand over them taking away some traction. Other than that, it was a fine ride in.
07-31-06 | 08:49 AM
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.
We had a big storm last night, which has caused the ambient temperature to fall about 10C. I was actually contemplating the use of a jacket. Regardless, I rode in with my wife this morning, and we hit heavy traffic all the way in. We were didging peds, cagers and other bikers. It was nutz!
On Sunday I hit a big sale at one of the bike shops near me. The final bill was ~$600, and that was after a 45% discount! I love materialism! 
On Sunday I hit a big sale at one of the bike shops near me. The final bill was ~$600, and that was after a 45% discount!
I love materialism!
07-31-06 | 08:54 AM
Easily distracted...
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, Ga
Bikes: Surley Cross Check
Originally Posted by RonH
I thought long and hard about this last night, so today, we are having a "come to Jesus meeting" about him assuming that my car will always be available for work related errands.
about him assuming that my car will always be available for work related errands.Well I'm pretty darn happy today. After a loooong weekend of traveling to and from a wedding, I'm back on the bike this morning. Off to south Georgia for a meeting tomorrow, then back home to hopefully get some sleep.
07-31-06 | 09:03 AM
Yet another evil monday.
I ended up with a flat caused by a strand of thick copper wire.
Pulled off into a park and spent 30 minutes fighting with my rear tire that have never been removed from its rim. I just love removing a tire for the first time
Then while inflating the new tube the spare's valve broke. ugh
I patched the original tube and repeated the whole process. At least the tire was easier to remove the second time. Consequently, I was an hr late.
I am now going to purchase a different brand of tubes and carry 2 instead of one. Than goodness for patch kits.
I ended up with a flat caused by a strand of thick copper wire.
Pulled off into a park and spent 30 minutes fighting with my rear tire that have never been removed from its rim. I just love removing a tire for the first time
Then while inflating the new tube the spare's valve broke. ugh
I patched the original tube and repeated the whole process. At least the tire was easier to remove the second time. Consequently, I was an hr late.
I am now going to purchase a different brand of tubes and carry 2 instead of one. Than goodness for patch kits.
07-31-06 | 09:30 AM
Atop my White Spider
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Specialized - Allez Sport Triple
Pretty decent ride this morning. The trail wasn't as busy as usual, but that might have something to do with the humidity and heat. Hopefully the ride this evening won't be a killer. I did manage to shave a few minutes off the time in this morning (don't know how I did that), but I'm sure this evening will make up for those few minutes.
07-31-06 | 09:38 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Originally Posted by DataJunkie
Yet another evil monday.
I ended up with a flat caused by a strand of thick copper wire.
I ended up with a flat caused by a strand of thick copper wire.
I should know better by now--never assume that the work the other person has done is correct. I got the tire off, went to put the spare on, and the car wasn't high enough. He says, "Oh, I used my jack from my car! Probably not tall enough." Sigh. Get the SUVs jack out, jack the car, still not high enough. At this point I get the owner's manual out. You have to place the jack on the suspension arm, not the chassis! Thank God we had the second jack or we'd have been SOL.
Anyway, my good deed must have paid off karmically, as the commute after all that was easy and no one hassled me at all.
07-31-06 | 09:46 AM
My goodness.
Our camry's passenger right rear tire flatted out the week before. I'm getting sick of tire issues.
Anyhow, y'all are making me look bad. I need to find a motorist to help out.
Our camry's passenger right rear tire flatted out the week before. I'm getting sick of tire issues.
Anyhow, y'all are making me look bad. I need to find a motorist to help out.
07-31-06 | 10:36 AM
Great ride in today; dropped the kids, and their trailer, at 8am; 'no way I can make it to my desk by 8:30', my nominal goal. Then I got in at 8:31, so I was pleased. Also ran into the other person who bike-trailers kids to the daycare, so we got to chat a bit.
07-31-06 | 02:03 PM
commuting Canuck
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Bikes: 07 Rocky Mtn ETSX-70, 00 Rocky Mountain Hammer (commuter) 98 Lemond Chambery
Originally Posted by pinkrobe
We had a big storm last night, which has caused the ambient temperature to fall about 10C. I was actually contemplating the use of a jacket. Regardless, I rode in with my wife this morning, and we hit heavy traffic all the way in. We were didging peds, cagers and other bikers. It was nutz!
On Sunday I hit a big sale at one of the bike shops near me. The final bill was ~$600, and that was after a 45% discount! I love materialism!
On Sunday I hit a big sale at one of the bike shops near me. The final bill was ~$600, and that was after a 45% discount!
I love materialism!
07-31-06 | 07:27 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 1
From: south jersey
usual ride in today, no issues, concerns, praise, or complaint!
put an extra 22.0 mile extra return in this "heat - wave" in s nj to show by example it can be done (cranked 2166.9 miles this year, 258.1 miles this month, with 8 non-commute by bike days/2006 so far)!
it was significantly hot (+sweat), but do-able. had 1 old cager male cut me off at a left turn (signal displayed), rest went well, and ended day with swim in local river, then weights, closing with a few beers and tomatoe sandwhiches.
life is good!
put an extra 22.0 mile extra return in this "heat - wave" in s nj to show by example it can be done (cranked 2166.9 miles this year, 258.1 miles this month, with 8 non-commute by bike days/2006 so far)!
it was significantly hot (+sweat), but do-able. had 1 old cager male cut me off at a left turn (signal displayed), rest went well, and ended day with swim in local river, then weights, closing with a few beers and tomatoe sandwhiches.
life is good!
07-31-06 | 08:43 PM
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Bikes: trek 5200, surly cross chex, trek 5.9 mt bike, specialized sinlgle speed
hot really hot @ 0515 it was still in the mid 80s and 90% humidity. I guess it could be worse I could go to work at 1200
08-01-06 | 06:12 AM
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Wet! See attached radar. I rode through that. It's too hot for a rain jacket, as I discovered. Glad to be at work in an air-conditioned building!
MUP population density, persons per mile, 0.4.
MUP population density, persons per mile, 0.4.
08-01-06 | 06:43 AM
Pedaling Backwards
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Michigan
Bikes: '04 Cannondale F300, '92 Park Pre Rigid MTB
Last night: The heat index said it was 103, I actually stopped halfway and switches to a cooler shirt. Went through both water bottles, but otherwise, the commute was nice. Im sure I got a nice tan, or burn
This morning: Good ride in, it was about 75, sunny, light breeze. Course, tonight's supposed to be hotter then yesterday. Time to start hydrating
This morning: Good ride in, it was about 75, sunny, light breeze. Course, tonight's supposed to be hotter then yesterday. Time to start hydrating