How was the commute today?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
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From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Originally Posted by luckysnafu
I can't wait to see what is in store for tomorrow's ride 

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"Everyone is entitled to an opinion" is only half-right.
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"Everyone is entitled to an opinion" is only half-right.
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DNPAIMFB
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,655
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From: Cowtown, AB
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
I snapped a bolt on my seatpost while I was riding home last night, so I did half my commute standing. I pulled a seat and seatpost off of another bike and used that today. Unfortunately it's set 1/2" too high, so I have to take care of that before I head home.
Oh, and because I broke the seatpost, I have to get a new bike. It's a rule or something.
Oh, and because I broke the seatpost, I have to get a new bike. It's a rule or something.
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
Lots of frost, 20sF, but no ice, no freezing fog like Monday. I got my smartwool long johns yesterday, wore them in today (as tights, w/ jogging shorts over them), I have to say they were amazingly comfortable. Next step, see how they do when it's wetter.
Neat - w/ ice on the side
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,200
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From: Big Ring. Little Cog.
Bikes: 2005 Dahon Speed TR, 2006 Dahon Mu SL, 2000 GT XiZang, 1999ish Rock Lobster, 2007 Dean Animas CTI
Originally Posted by pinkrobe
Oh, and because I broke the seatpost, I have to get a new bike. It's a rule or something.
and heading over to fiddle with my seatbolts.
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Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 1
From: Beantown
Bikes: 2011 Tsunami, 2004 Fuji Team Issue and More!!!
Been riding all week and it's been mostly good. Today I had to dodge some cup cake who was in a heaving rush to catch-up to the rest of the traffic.
Enjoy

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,165
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From: Seattle metro
Bikes: Trek 5200
Originally Posted by gendasza
Tons of frost in Seattle today... I was coming down 15th Ave from Capitol Hill and skidded out just past Galer. Thankfully, I had my helmet - it suffered a dent.
Yeah bikes!
Boo frost!
Yeah bikes!
Boo frost!
26F More frost and ice today. No bunny hops over the speed bumps...took it nice and easy on the turns. Saw other bikers on the route. Still pretty good for January (usually there are none for Jan)
Had a very impressive wipe out on the way in today. For one quarter miles section I decided to take a little 'sidewalk shortcut' due to the snowy weather this morning and wanting to avoid a particually busy stretch. The sidewalk look nice and clear all the way up to my interesection. No peds out so I was travelling at a good clip. Ofcouse a there was a little bridge covered in ice. Didn't see the ice due to the fresh dusting on snow. My bike left me behind and I fould myself sliding across the ice. Amazingly no damage to me or bike. However - a marked fireman car saw the whole thing and turned on his light and stopped in the middle of the road to make sure I was okay. Also a guy in a big truck stopped to ask if I'd like a ride. It was very nice but I declined. As I was pedaling later I realized I left my glasses where I wrecked. Didn't go back- they are 2 dollar hardware glasses. Maybe I'll look on the way home.
So I think the moral of my morning is - when conditions are questionable stay on the course you know is safe. I've done my commute enough over the last few weeks to know where the ice is and to avoid it. It was stupid of my to try to 'shortcut' and I could of hurt myself.
Anyway the ride home will be fun with some fresh poweder. Maybe one day it will get above freezing and this mess will finally just go away.
So I think the moral of my morning is - when conditions are questionable stay on the course you know is safe. I've done my commute enough over the last few weeks to know where the ice is and to avoid it. It was stupid of my to try to 'shortcut' and I could of hurt myself.
Anyway the ride home will be fun with some fresh poweder. Maybe one day it will get above freezing and this mess will finally just go away.
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
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From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
I didn't ride today because it was too warm. +2F.
Spring must be right around the corner. I walked to the bus instead. Needed a break from riding the unplowed MUP.
But last night I had a funny experience when I got home. It was around 0F. I took off my helmet, goggles, and balaclava, and walked down my driveway to get the mail. When I got back inside and took off my nylon jacket, I noticed the inside was covered with ice.
It was so cold that my fleece top was wicking sweat, which was then condensing on my jacket and freezing.
Hard. Core.
Spring must be right around the corner. I walked to the bus instead. Needed a break from riding the unplowed MUP.But last night I had a funny experience when I got home. It was around 0F. I took off my helmet, goggles, and balaclava, and walked down my driveway to get the mail. When I got back inside and took off my nylon jacket, I noticed the inside was covered with ice.
It was so cold that my fleece top was wicking sweat, which was then condensing on my jacket and freezing.
Hard. Core.
Was 22 degrees in our nation's capital as I left the house this morning. As I rode in, there were (naturally) not that many commuters out. But then in a grand moment of synergy, four of us all pulled up to a red light at almost exactly the same time. We all gave each other stoic greetings, and then pedalled on. Any of you guys a BFer? (I'm the one who drapes his dress shirts over his pack)
Bike Commuter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 66
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From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Mt. Shasta - Capella
Last night the cold weather caused a solder joint on my headlight to get brittle and break
so I had to use the (totally inadequate) emergency backup I always have with me. A quick solder job fixed the light when I got home, and hopefully the electrical tape applied will provide some necessary strain relief.
This morning was fairly brutal -- it wasn't so much the cold, but the headwinds gusting to 24 mph and maintaining around 17 that tested my will. I even had some sweat freeze on my beard during one prolonged blast ... that was an odd sensation. Looking forward to tonight's commute -- the wind is supposed to be quite a bit more subdued.
so I had to use the (totally inadequate) emergency backup I always have with me. A quick solder job fixed the light when I got home, and hopefully the electrical tape applied will provide some necessary strain relief.This morning was fairly brutal -- it wasn't so much the cold, but the headwinds gusting to 24 mph and maintaining around 17 that tested my will. I even had some sweat freeze on my beard during one prolonged blast ... that was an odd sensation. Looking forward to tonight's commute -- the wind is supposed to be quite a bit more subdued.
So much wind, I lost about 1/4 of my normal speed. Nothing like pedaling hard to keep up 14mph on a downhill where I'm normally coasting at 18+. Good exercise though
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In the words of Einstein
"And now I think I'll take a bath"
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"And now I think I'll take a bath"
No one carries the DogBoy

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,320
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From: Upper Midwest USA
Bikes: Roubaix Expert Di2, Jamis Renegade, Surly Disc Trucker, Cervelo P2, CoMotion Tandem
Temp as I rolled out of bed was -2 F. Nice headwind. Got more than the usual amount of staring as I walked past the smoker-penguin-huddle. Today is one of those days when I question why I do this.
It's MY mountain

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 4,207
From: Mt.Diablo
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
January: 23 work days, 23 commutes by bicycle.
Today I didn't even wear my jacket - just a T-shirt and shorts with knee warmers.
Today I didn't even wear my jacket - just a T-shirt and shorts with knee warmers.
Originally Posted by DiabloScott
January: 23 work days, 23 commutes by bicycle.
Today I didn't even wear my jacket - just a T-shirt and shorts with knee warmers.
Today I didn't even wear my jacket - just a T-shirt and shorts with knee warmers.
I mean congrats!
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In the words of Einstein
"And now I think I'll take a bath"
In the words of Einstein
"And now I think I'll take a bath"
chanced the ride in today... 60% chance of rain but I managed to beat it in-- we'll see if I'm so lucky on the way home.
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"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
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Fairhaven, MA
Bikes: Motobecane Jubilee Sport, Viner, Raleigh Super Course
I'm jealous reading all you guys stories of riding to/from work...I just moved to Durham, NC and I am wondering why I haven't started doing this myself since I live about 5 miles from my job...Now that I'm actually motivated to start tomorrow, we're supposed to get snow, rain, ice! I guess I'll have to stay jealous for another day...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 698
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It's been rainy for the past two days in Tucson. Today it starting raining 5 seconds after I walked out of work. Luckily I went out and bought rain gear last night. Exchanged a hello with a fellow fg rider at the bike crossing.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 698
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Originally Posted by blackcannon
Now that I'm actually motivated to start tomorrow, we're supposed to get snow, rain, ice! I guess I'll have to stay jealous for another day
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
A wonderful morning. Left the house before 6 to take a long cool ride in the fog to Clarksburg and back. Returning just after 7, I was energized but starved so I whipped up a batch of pancakes and went upstairs to check the kids. My son was coming down the stairs as I was coming up and we had a great dad and son breakfast. Ran outside mid-pancake to wave at the guys on the garbage truck. Upstairs to wake my wife and daughter, shower, change, and switch bikes for the ride to work. Still cool and foggy.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 54
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Lovely morning for a ride today. Top of about 90 today so it will be warm on the way home. Had a nice chat to a lady I see quite often on my way to work. I have been encouraging her to have a go at one of our club triathlons for quite a while. Well she actually did in early January and said she'll be back for more. Feels good to get a newcomer hooked on the sport.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 535
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From: College Park, MD
in the 20's this morning, definitely cold enough for the balaclava. good, relatively fast ride in. had to make a detour to stop by my bike locker and pick up my lock. I hope I can get a new lock mount soon. I counted at least 7 other cyclists this morning... good to know I'm not the only one crazy enough to get my pedal on in this weather.
got out late, so I rode over to campus for some dinner then back from there. only added an extra mile and a half or so to the ride back. fast and fun, although traffic was heavy in some spots.
got out late, so I rode over to campus for some dinner then back from there. only added an extra mile and a half or so to the ride back. fast and fun, although traffic was heavy in some spots.
Enjoy

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,165
Likes: 0
From: Seattle metro
Bikes: Trek 5200
26F Awesome...great sunrise and sunset. Frosty with black ice
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Originally Posted by Aves
Don't let a little weather stop you 

I'll be riding tomorrow. It's supposed to be in the 20s! Shorts and jersey weather!
Delightful. It was windy and a bit nippy, but very enjoyable in the sun. I had my longer commute where I take the train and my bike to an afternoon meeting. On the way home, there were no hooks available to hang my bike, but that was ok. This very nice guy let me lean my bike all over his, he even shared his dinner with me. That would be my wonderful, little brother! I mean, if you can't lean your bike against your brother's, well, that would be too sad to contemplate. It was so much fun to run into him on our commutes home. We laughed, joked, and generally horrified the quiet folk on the train.
Then we shared our bike ride from downtown for a good long way before our ways diverged. I'll be coming home that way at the same time as him every Wednesday for the next month, so watch out Washington County MAX commuters! We'll be driving you bonkers at about 5:30 once a week!
Then we shared our bike ride from downtown for a good long way before our ways diverged. I'll be coming home that way at the same time as him every Wednesday for the next month, so watch out Washington County MAX commuters! We'll be driving you bonkers at about 5:30 once a week!
Riding Heaven's Highway
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Deep South Texas in the USA
Bikes: Raleigh 27" Comfort ride SUV
You people are amazing in my eyes. Your stories are incredible to read everyday. I was reading today and it seemed that some of you are wiping out in the awful weather conditions. Please be careful my fellow riders. I can not afford to crash, so I make it a goal to get to work without injury. This morning on the local weather they were saying the roads are slick out there. As I started out in the wet weather I tried to remember the roads are slick and to take the corners a little bit slower today. It is in the upper 50's and wind about 10mph behind me. I was a crusin' man. The only time I get slowed down is an overpass that drops the gears down to a crawl, but once over it and in high gear and a coast down hill, standing up, it was so peaceful and a great ride.
On the way home from work, I came upon a walker. I said, excuse me, coming by you. and she gladly pulled to the side. A short distance away I had to stop for a red light and she caught up to me. She starting talking to me about her husband that was behind her and she thought it was him when I came by. She said to herself how in the heck did he catch up. I looked back and he was 500 ft back. Crazy.
She told me that my bike was big, and I said yep, I am six six and really like the bike. She then asked if I was a hollander, I thought for a second, What!...., then I just said, Nope I'm a Texan, have a good day.
Home safe and sound again. You guys be careful out there and have fun riding to and from work. I hope for warm weather for all of you that need it. Please try to stay warm if you can, spring well be here soon.
Happy Biking!
On the way home from work, I came upon a walker. I said, excuse me, coming by you. and she gladly pulled to the side. A short distance away I had to stop for a red light and she caught up to me. She starting talking to me about her husband that was behind her and she thought it was him when I came by. She said to herself how in the heck did he catch up. I looked back and he was 500 ft back. Crazy.
She told me that my bike was big, and I said yep, I am six six and really like the bike. She then asked if I was a hollander, I thought for a second, What!...., then I just said, Nope I'm a Texan, have a good day.
Home safe and sound again. You guys be careful out there and have fun riding to and from work. I hope for warm weather for all of you that need it. Please try to stay warm if you can, spring well be here soon.
Happy Biking!




