How was the commute today?
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 56F, 26 degree change in 2 days. Ride home was 53. No problems, route is light on traffic every Sunday.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Marlborough, MA
Bikes: Felt F85 (2007), Fuji Regis (1980's)
Cold and wet this morning, but the rain has stopped. Temp was in the mid 30s with a little bit of a headwind most of the way in. Roads were wet and some of the creeks were up pretty high. No school today meant less traffic which was nice.
Pedaling Backwards
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Michigan
Bikes: '04 Cannondale F300, '92 Park Pre Rigid MTB
Today was the first time I have ever ridden in more then a dusting of snow. Oye....did I learn some lessons.
-Leaving 15 minutes early is a godsend in terms of traffic. I was able to handle that just fine.
-The 1 mile pathway I take in the middle of my ride was not plowed, ever. I was the first person on the pathway so I was going through 6-8 inches of snow....that wasn't very easy.
-My brakes did not work nearly as well as I thought they might. In fact, the front brake didn't stop me at all and I needed a lot more distance to stop for the back brakes. Yikes!
But I was warm! At least I dressed right
I have a coworker giving me a ride home tonight....I know I could probably bike it, but with the brake problems and the heavy traffic I encounter on the way home, I figure it's just not worth the risk. I'll fix that stuff and give it another shot later
-Leaving 15 minutes early is a godsend in terms of traffic. I was able to handle that just fine.
-The 1 mile pathway I take in the middle of my ride was not plowed, ever. I was the first person on the pathway so I was going through 6-8 inches of snow....that wasn't very easy.
-My brakes did not work nearly as well as I thought they might. In fact, the front brake didn't stop me at all and I needed a lot more distance to stop for the back brakes. Yikes!
But I was warm! At least I dressed right

I have a coworker giving me a ride home tonight....I know I could probably bike it, but with the brake problems and the heavy traffic I encounter on the way home, I figure it's just not worth the risk. I'll fix that stuff and give it another shot later

Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Oh, pretty reflectiveness. Yeah, 6-8 inches is when it begins to get tough, even when it's fluffy. I had to plow through 4 or 5 of heavier snow with a crusty top last week. Not fun. The good news is that you don't need to dress up too much to keep warm. 
I haven't cycled to work in 3 workdays now. My unplowed MUP was too hairy. This morning, I walked on about a mile of it, and I think it's sufficiently packed down to give it a try tomorrow. The only thing I hate about winter is the unplowed MUP.

I haven't cycled to work in 3 workdays now. My unplowed MUP was too hairy. This morning, I walked on about a mile of it, and I think it's sufficiently packed down to give it a try tomorrow. The only thing I hate about winter is the unplowed MUP.
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.
Aye, we've got a Chinook blowin' through, bringing warm weather and dispatching the snow back to where it came from. Unfortunately, there's still enough sludge on the streets to make skinny-tire riding dicey. Oh, and my rear brake isn't working - it will go on, but not off.
I should have gone with a flip-flop rear hub...
I should have gone with a flip-flop rear hub...
Pedaling Backwards
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Michigan
Bikes: '04 Cannondale F300, '92 Park Pre Rigid MTB
Originally Posted by vtjim
Oh, pretty reflectiveness. Yeah, 6-8 inches is when it begins to get tough, even when it's fluffy. I had to plow through 4 or 5 of heavier snow with a crusty top last week. Not fun. The good news is that you don't need to dress up too much to keep warm. 
I haven't cycled to work in 3 workdays now. My unplowed MUP was too hairy. This morning, I walked on about a mile of it, and I think it's sufficiently packed down to give it a try tomorrow. The only thing I hate about winter is the unplowed MUP.

I haven't cycled to work in 3 workdays now. My unplowed MUP was too hairy. This morning, I walked on about a mile of it, and I think it's sufficiently packed down to give it a try tomorrow. The only thing I hate about winter is the unplowed MUP.


And yeah, I wore extra layers cause it was really cold....wow, they were soaked at the end
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: IRO Model 19, Surly Crosscheck, 1989 Arnie Nashbar, Cannondale CAADX, Niner Air 9
I whimped out this morning and regretted it upon walking to the Metro. It seemed that the temps were warmer than the reported 32 degrees and most of last night's snow/sleet was simply slush. I thought it would be icy and with my Randonneur 28's, I thought I'd have real problems. I probably could have made it.
Can anyone tell me what the MV Trail looked like this morning? With temps in the 40's it should all just be a slushy mess by tomorrow. I'll definitely be back on the bike tomorrow.
Can anyone tell me what the MV Trail looked like this morning? With temps in the 40's it should all just be a slushy mess by tomorrow. I'll definitely be back on the bike tomorrow.
winter has 'blessed' us with 1" snow/ice in the dc/balto area. hairy commute, but I have been looking forward to it.
Originally Posted by mjw16
I whimped out this morning and regretted it upon walking to the Metro. It seemed that the temps were warmer than the reported 32 degrees and most of last night's snow/sleet was simply slush. I thought it would be icy and with my Randonneur 28's, I thought I'd have real problems. I probably could have made it.
Can anyone tell me what the MV Trail looked like this morning? With temps in the 40's it should all just be a slushy mess by tomorrow. I'll definitely be back on the bike tomorrow.
Can anyone tell me what the MV Trail looked like this morning? With temps in the 40's it should all just be a slushy mess by tomorrow. I'll definitely be back on the bike tomorrow.
Dances With Cars
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,527
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
-7C and a bit of slush, no biggie.
I was picking my bike up so I had to walk to the shop on FRiday...... I usually leave shoes here at work.
I'm wearing my cycling shoes at the office today.
I was picking my bike up so I had to walk to the shop on FRiday...... I usually leave shoes here at work.
I'm wearing my cycling shoes at the office today.
Last edited by TRaffic Jammer; 01-22-07 at 09:53 AM.
Gone, but not forgotten
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,508
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
Bikes: spicer fixie, Haro BMX, cyclops track, Soma Double Cross, KHS Flite 100
My fingers got cold!
Raving looney
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
Bikes: 70s Leader Precision w/Shimano 600 (road), IRO Rob Roy (Fixed)
Left my bike at the office on Friday night, felt naked without it (even though it would've stayed at home) all weekend... I'll be riding it back tonight.
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
Beautiful day today (40s, cloudy, no precip), nice ride. I seem to accumulate crankiness over the weekend away from the bike, burn it off coming into work Monday am. Patriots' losing doesn't help that (but I'm free of that for ~9 months now).
La Paz Commuter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: La Paz, Bolivia
Bikes: Bortolussi (made in Germany), Titus Motolite 2
Originally Posted by mjw16
Can anyone tell me what the MV Trail looked like this morning? With temps in the 40's it should all just be a slushy mess by tomorrow. I'll definitely be back on the bike tomorrow.
I looked out the window today while riding Metro and the Mount Vernon Trail around the airport seemed to be fairly clear. There were several spots with slush, but they looked like they could be easily avoided. The only tricky part tomorrow morning may be the two overpasses near the airport.
I think the path along the 14th Street Bridge will be okay because enough salt comes over the barrier onto the path when the trucks are out treating the roads. I'll be out there tomorrow. Good luck and be careful.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: chesterfield county, va
Bikes: surly
Not too bad this morning with temps hovering around freezing. No ice on the roads but nice to see ice bending the pine trees along the route though Petersburg National Battlefield Park. I had to come to complete stop this morning to allow a convoy of deer to pass before me.
Damn, winter bike developed a problem! Its left crankarm is all loose and wants to come off. I did hammer it in place with a U-lock - but a handful of revolutions later it was precariously dangling again. So I had to ride my summer bike - except I quickly switched the front wheels, so at least I have a knobby on the front. Much more stable that way! And much more effort required to keep the blasted thing going! Of course after I did that there was no clearance for front fender... I'll have to wash my jacket today... 
Today I put on a bunch of new clothes: new jersey (my fanciest
), MEC tights (cycling tights with seams in the crotch?.. come on people!) and army boots. I've had leaky boots for a long time and got very tired of them. Army boots are GOOD. No leaks, baby. 
I'll have to run a few errands later today. Will rack up a bunch of miles... which is always good of course. The roads are so clear it's boh-ring! Sno-ow? Hel-lo-o?

Today I put on a bunch of new clothes: new jersey (my fanciest
), MEC tights (cycling tights with seams in the crotch?.. come on people!) and army boots. I've had leaky boots for a long time and got very tired of them. Army boots are GOOD. No leaks, baby. 
I'll have to run a few errands later today. Will rack up a bunch of miles... which is always good of course. The roads are so clear it's boh-ring! Sno-ow? Hel-lo-o?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Cold and wet again!! Icy conditions with a bit of snow for good measure. Had to go easy! Not too much wind so can't complain. Expect it to be the same tomorrow.
Another nice, sunny ride in SoCal.
Commuter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maine
Bikes: 2006 Giant Cypress EX (7-speed internal hub)
It's 3:34 PM here and has been snowing pretty good since about Noon! I haven't ridden in snow like this so far this year. It's not quite a blizzard, but it's pretty steady. Can't wait to go home! I love the sight of snow in my headlights!
Retro-nerd
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,638
Likes: 57
From: Morningside - Atlanta
Bikes: 1991 Serotta Colorado II, 1986 Vitus 979, 1971 Juene Classic, 2008 Surly Crosscheck, 1956 Riva Sport
Mid to high 40's in Atlanta. A little bit windy. My ears were cold. Need to find a better headgear.
__________________
Would you like a dream with that?
Would you like a dream with that?
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 106
From: Washington, DC
Originally Posted by mjw16
Can anyone tell me what the MV Trail looked like this morning? With temps in the 40's it should all just be a slushy mess by tomorrow. I'll definitely be back on the bike tomorrow.
Paul
A bit foggy in areas. But for the most part cloudy and cold. I waited a little longer before I left the house so I had to pick it up a notch to make it on time. Still beat my co-workers and it took me 2.5 hours (give or take) to get here. 
43.13 miles
17.7 mph

43.13 miles
17.7 mph
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
2F, and lousy today.
I got over 1.5 miles into my ride on bumpy, packed snow, and noticed my front SKS fender was gone. WTF. Turned around, rode all the way home. No fender to be found. Now I can't remember when I last saw it. Maybe it fell off a long time ago and I never noticed. Duh? I don't know. It has fallen off once before and I barely realized it. Now I guess it's gone forever. The mounting mechanism is pretty lousy: An expanding plastic plug that sticks in the steering tube above the wheel. If it gets loose, it falls out.
A utility vehicle had driven on the MUP, making a couple of nicely-packed snow tracks for me to use. I passed another cyclist on the MUP as well. He was heading north, and I south. We exchanged greetings.
Then I was almost at my office building, taking the lane for a left turn, and some yutz in an SUV with NH plates pulls out of a hotel parking garage to go the same way as me, right next to me, staring at me the whole time. I just glared at him. Some people have no idea how to deal with bicycles.
I got over 1.5 miles into my ride on bumpy, packed snow, and noticed my front SKS fender was gone. WTF. Turned around, rode all the way home. No fender to be found. Now I can't remember when I last saw it. Maybe it fell off a long time ago and I never noticed. Duh? I don't know. It has fallen off once before and I barely realized it. Now I guess it's gone forever. The mounting mechanism is pretty lousy: An expanding plastic plug that sticks in the steering tube above the wheel. If it gets loose, it falls out.A utility vehicle had driven on the MUP, making a couple of nicely-packed snow tracks for me to use. I passed another cyclist on the MUP as well. He was heading north, and I south. We exchanged greetings.
Then I was almost at my office building, taking the lane for a left turn, and some yutz in an SUV with NH plates pulls out of a hotel parking garage to go the same way as me, right next to me, staring at me the whole time. I just glared at him. Some people have no idea how to deal with bicycles.
Dances With Cars
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,527
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
-10 with the wind, such as it was, it's zero to -3, basically ...it's warm for the end of Jan. Lovely rush hour ride (read...uneventful), exchanged pleasantries with a bike riding law enforcement officer as I a squeaked through the crosswalk and jumped the green light by carving behind the car sitting in the intersection on the red....I wish I could train bike cops I think that would be a blast.
La Paz Commuter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: La Paz, Bolivia
Bikes: Bortolussi (made in Germany), Titus Motolite 2
The Mount Vernon Trail was clear except for the two overpasses by the airport. It was quite a challenge to ride over the ice/snow without falling--my first time on ice. I thought the 14th Street Bridge would be better from the salt spreaders on the bridge, but it was pretty well coated with ice. There was a six inch clear single track that allowed safe passage, though.
My normal route through the Capitol grounds was closed in preparation for the State of the Union address, so I had to make a short detour.
My normal route through the Capitol grounds was closed in preparation for the State of the Union address, so I had to make a short detour.




