How was the commute today?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
Likes: 8
From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Rough encounter this morning, since the fairweathers are all coming out of the woodwork. That means ninja joggers on the MUP, which normally aren't an issue since I run a good headlight. This morning was not a 'normally' kind of morning.
Where the MUP goes under a bridge by Redhook Brewery, there's a downhill turn either direction going under the bridge. There's a concrete retaining wall on one side, a 4' high guardrail to keep you from falling in the river on the other side. Big signs on either side of the bridge warn people: "Trail users stay to right of trail." There's a yellow painted solid line dividing the trail into 'right' and 'left' sides to emphasize the sign's point.
A group of joggers was approaching under the bridge this morning. The pack leader was wearing a couple of LED blinkies. The rest of the group were ninjas; not even reflective piping on their clothes. 3 of them moved to the far right when they saw my headlight. The last guy in the line wasn't so lucky. He decided it was a good idea to step directly into my headlight like a frightened doe. He was not originally in my way. I don't know what compelled him to step in front of me. (Did he think playing 'chicken' sounded fun? Was he just freaked out like a skittish woodland creature? Is he part moth and attracted to the light?) I dodged him as best I could w/o slamming myself into the concrete wall, but still ended up giving him a gnarly bike-polo style shoulder check which knocked him back into the proper lane. I think he's gonna be a curb-hugger from here on out.
Where the MUP goes under a bridge by Redhook Brewery, there's a downhill turn either direction going under the bridge. There's a concrete retaining wall on one side, a 4' high guardrail to keep you from falling in the river on the other side. Big signs on either side of the bridge warn people: "Trail users stay to right of trail." There's a yellow painted solid line dividing the trail into 'right' and 'left' sides to emphasize the sign's point.
A group of joggers was approaching under the bridge this morning. The pack leader was wearing a couple of LED blinkies. The rest of the group were ninjas; not even reflective piping on their clothes. 3 of them moved to the far right when they saw my headlight. The last guy in the line wasn't so lucky. He decided it was a good idea to step directly into my headlight like a frightened doe. He was not originally in my way. I don't know what compelled him to step in front of me. (Did he think playing 'chicken' sounded fun? Was he just freaked out like a skittish woodland creature? Is he part moth and attracted to the light?) I dodged him as best I could w/o slamming myself into the concrete wall, but still ended up giving him a gnarly bike-polo style shoulder check which knocked him back into the proper lane. I think he's gonna be a curb-hugger from here on out.
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"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
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
Nothing interesting to report. Got to work on time and in one piece.
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
Radio said 30F, but it wasn't, there was only heavy dew, no frost. There was very heavy fog though, so I crossed to work at x-walk and biked up the last half block on the sidewalk rather than cross traffic that maybe I couldn't see as well and surely couldn't see me as well, headlight or now.
I did have to dodge a ninja bob-and-weaver.
I did have to dodge a ninja bob-and-weaver.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 7
From: Sunnyvale, CA
Bikes: '84 Centurion Accordo RS, '06 Gary Fisher Marlin, '06 Schwinn Fastback 27, '06 Litespeed Teramo
Took it nice and easy today. Cold morning, light traffic, only other commuters seems to be going the opposite direction. The lane is mine, all mine, Mwahahahahahaaa....ahem. Kept an eye out for any bags of money or wallets but no luck. Maybe tonight. 
To Robtown: Sorry, don't know what a Pinopian is. Filipino? Then yes.

To Robtown: Sorry, don't know what a Pinopian is. Filipino? Then yes.
It just seems to early in the year for me to be wringing out my tshirt and helmet pads. Had a ford EXcrusion try to put me on the side walk of a four lane road (with median in the middle). A wrong way motorist deciced to take up the exact middle. So basically someone's bad driving skills, blocked someone's attempt to not share the road.
One of those times where I wish I had a bike/helmet mounted video camera.
One of those times where I wish I had a bike/helmet mounted video camera.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
I forgot to include this in my earlier post about my commute. I had a new experience yesterday.
To leave my building I have to ride up a driveway that's about .1 miles. As I'm riding up the driveway yesterday I hear a honk. I ignore it. I hear another honk that's a little longer. On the slim chance there's something back there I need to know, I look back at the car.
It's a freaking security pickup for my own company! The jackoffs are supposed to be watching out for the well-being of the company AND ITS EMPLOYEES and they're honking at me?
Apparently the security guys here have hassled 2 other commuters for not riding on the exercise path. Of course, the exercise path in question (which is frequently used by joggers and is barely wide enough for one person) doesn't even reach our building. How are we supposed to get here? Geniuses.
To leave my building I have to ride up a driveway that's about .1 miles. As I'm riding up the driveway yesterday I hear a honk. I ignore it. I hear another honk that's a little longer. On the slim chance there's something back there I need to know, I look back at the car.
It's a freaking security pickup for my own company! The jackoffs are supposed to be watching out for the well-being of the company AND ITS EMPLOYEES and they're honking at me?
Apparently the security guys here have hassled 2 other commuters for not riding on the exercise path. Of course, the exercise path in question (which is frequently used by joggers and is barely wide enough for one person) doesn't even reach our building. How are we supposed to get here? Geniuses.
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"Everyone is entitled to an opinion" is only half-right.
Everyone is entitled to an informed opinion.
"Everyone is entitled to an opinion" is only half-right.
Everyone is entitled to an informed opinion.
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Well my afternoon commute (~15 minutes from now) should be fun. Here are the last readings from the airport: 35019G27KT
North wind (in my face), 22MPH gusting to 31MPH.
On studded Hakkas.
Whee!
North wind (in my face), 22MPH gusting to 31MPH.
On studded Hakkas.
Whee!
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
Originally Posted by vtjim
North wind (in my face), 22MPH gusting to 31MPH.
On studded Hakkas.
Whee!
On studded Hakkas.
Whee!Enjoy

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,165
Likes: 0
From: Seattle metro
Bikes: Trek 5200
Another great commute. The new chain makes it easier to pedal.
First commute post relocation
After a daily commute in Memphis....I moved to NH where things are just a tad colder...and whiter! Built a new ride over the winter and after a few weekend dry runs I did the deed yesterday! Oh, ya, the day with 30 MPH gusts from the north...and you guessed it, I was heading north. Easy ride in. Not so easy ride home. Hopefully the first of many more rides. Guess I am a weather wimp!
Crankenstein
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 3
From: Spokane
Bikes: Novara Randonee (TankerBelle)
Snowy. And a bit of an adrenaline rush when I kicked the sh*t outta the JAM that jumped out of his car at a red light and chased me after I flipped him off for cutting me off.
Who knew the scrawny 'kid' on the bike could take out someone twice his size?
Then, when I've got him on the ground beating the crap out of him, he screams "Enough, enough, enough!" So... I back off, and let him get up. What does he do? He pulls a f***ing knife!
"What're you gonna do with that?" *stepping towards him* "You better just get back in your f***ing car"
He turned and RAN back to his car, jumps in and locks the doors. I walked back (He's blocking the intersection at a red light... yes, it turned green while we were fighting) and snap a pic of his plate... he runs the red light and makes an illegal left turn to try to get away from me.
Fun stuff, huh?
Who knew the scrawny 'kid' on the bike could take out someone twice his size?

Then, when I've got him on the ground beating the crap out of him, he screams "Enough, enough, enough!" So... I back off, and let him get up. What does he do? He pulls a f***ing knife!
"What're you gonna do with that?" *stepping towards him* "You better just get back in your f***ing car"
He turned and RAN back to his car, jumps in and locks the doors. I walked back (He's blocking the intersection at a red light... yes, it turned green while we were fighting) and snap a pic of his plate... he runs the red light and makes an illegal left turn to try to get away from me.
Fun stuff, huh?
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa, KS
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
Originally Posted by bmclaughlin807
Snowy. And a bit of an adrenaline rush when I kicked the sh*t outta the JAM that jumped out of his car at a red light and chased me after I flipped him off for cutting me off.
Who knew the scrawny 'kid' on the bike could take out someone twice his size?
Then, when I've got him on the ground beating the crap out of him, he screams "Enough, enough, enough!" So... I back off, and let him get up. What does he do? He pulls a f***ing knife!
"What're you gonna do with that?" *stepping towards him* "You better just get back in your f***ing car"
He turned and RAN back to his car, jumps in and locks the doors. I walked back (He's blocking the intersection at a red light... yes, it turned green while we were fighting) and snap a pic of his plate... he runs the red light and makes an illegal left turn to try to get away from me.
Fun stuff, huh?
Who knew the scrawny 'kid' on the bike could take out someone twice his size?

Then, when I've got him on the ground beating the crap out of him, he screams "Enough, enough, enough!" So... I back off, and let him get up. What does he do? He pulls a f***ing knife!
"What're you gonna do with that?" *stepping towards him* "You better just get back in your f***ing car"
He turned and RAN back to his car, jumps in and locks the doors. I walked back (He's blocking the intersection at a red light... yes, it turned green while we were fighting) and snap a pic of his plate... he runs the red light and makes an illegal left turn to try to get away from me.
Fun stuff, huh?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Wellington, New Zealand
Bikes: Thorn Nomad S+S, Trek 520 - 2007 (out on loan), and a crap Repco MTB
I'm not much of a violence orientated guy, but people here in Brisbane HATE bicycle riders. Anyway, I was on my way home riding well on the shoulder on a straight 1.5 km road with almost no traffic, when these two rednecks pass me and throw a FULL glass tallie (600ml) beer bottle at me! It slams into my helmet and falls on the ground, but didn't smash. I was absolutely fuming, because this could have easily killed me, so I picked the bottle up, slammed my 520 into top gear and caught up with the rednecks stopped at the next traffic light. I don't think they expected a glass bottle to shatter their front and side windscreen like that! Needless to say, I hightailed it out of there! (I should have just reported them to the police, though)
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Sparsely updated blog
Sparsely updated blog
Crankenstein
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 3
From: Spokane
Bikes: Novara Randonee (TankerBelle)
Originally Posted by ax0n
Post the pic. Mooowwwahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! *pinky to corner of mouth, Dr. Evil style*
haven't posted in about a week. but it's been a good full week of commuting. love having the bike ride to look forward to when I'm on the hectic schedule.
it's been getting warmer every day of the week. a little windy tonight but sweet ride. The snow is almost completely gone just an occasional little pile here and there.
it's been getting warmer every day of the week. a little windy tonight but sweet ride. The snow is almost completely gone just an occasional little pile here and there.
Just a commuter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Stockholm, Sweden
Bikes: Scott Metrix 20 for commuting, Specialized Dolce Elite for fun
Cold. My toes are still numb.
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
It's going to feel like early spring today. Morning temps in the low 50s (11C). Brrrrr.
The morning low for the past few weeks has been in the high 50s to low 60s. The high is only supposed to reach ~63F (17C) -- no sun today. Hope I don't freeze.
The morning low for the past few weeks has been in the high 50s to low 60s. The high is only supposed to reach ~63F (17C) -- no sun today. Hope I don't freeze.
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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.
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Northern KY
Bikes: 2k7 Rocky Mountain Metro
Today was smooth--it's my second week of commuting (almost) exclusively. I'm starting to see other cyclists more often, and people are starting to greet me here and there. I'm getting used to being on the streets, and my route is starting to become more solid, which I like.
The weather was a bit chilly, just under 50, and now the sun's beginning to pop up over the other skyscrapers, not a cloud in the sky. This afternoon's going to be awesome.
The weather was a bit chilly, just under 50, and now the sun's beginning to pop up over the other skyscrapers, not a cloud in the sky. This afternoon's going to be awesome.
Pedaling Backwards
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Michigan
Bikes: '04 Cannondale F300, '92 Park Pre Rigid MTB
A real pick me up. The wind was calm, it was about 30 some degrees, and light traffic (except the one JAM who got so close to me I could have hit his mirror by moving my hand one inch).
Along the MUP I take I had a group of 4 deer run alongside of me for a while before dashing into a field. Then at work I had the chance to watch a couple hot air ballons going through the sky over the university.
Never woulda seen either of those if I were in a car
Along the MUP I take I had a group of 4 deer run alongside of me for a while before dashing into a field. Then at work I had the chance to watch a couple hot air ballons going through the sky over the university.
Never woulda seen either of those if I were in a car
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Originally Posted by bmclaughlin807
And a bit of an adrenaline rush when I kicked the sh*t outta the JAM that jumped out of his car at a red light and chased me after I flipped him off for cutting me off.
Fun stuff, huh?
Fun stuff, huh?
I'm SO tired of drivers thinking they can just push a cyclist around w/o consequences.
__________________
"Everyone is entitled to an opinion" is only half-right.
Everyone is entitled to an informed opinion.
"Everyone is entitled to an opinion" is only half-right.
Everyone is entitled to an informed opinion.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Likes: 3
My god Bill! That would have been a sight to see.
No commute. 7 inches of snow yesterday and the bus I was riding in was rear ended by a SUV. No harm but I am a tad paranoid due to my crashes. That and the weather person said a strong possibility of ice this morning. However, I have yet to see any ice. Oh well. I'm already at work.
No commute. 7 inches of snow yesterday and the bus I was riding in was rear ended by a SUV. No harm but I am a tad paranoid due to my crashes. That and the weather person said a strong possibility of ice this morning. However, I have yet to see any ice. Oh well. I'm already at work.
La Paz Commuter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: La Paz, Bolivia
Bikes: Bortolussi (made in Germany), Titus Motolite 2
Had my fastest commuter ever yesterday, with an average speed of 15mph. I must be getting in shape, or it could have been the tailwind. The cherry blossoms are now in bloom, making for a beautiful ride in.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
Likes: 8
From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Last night's ride home was awesome. The weather was great, no wind, and I got a sweet draft behind a 15' box truck for about a mile. Nothing like a 28mph zip through the center of town and barely having to pedal for it!
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
The wrong side of normal
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: '98 GT Agressor/ just gifted Iron Horse Maverick/ Cannondale Synapse Sport (FAST)
I wish there was a video of dukearcher breaking the car windows with their own bottle, I have had people throw their **** at me as well, I just never catch up to them afterwards...
last night I had a dream about beating the s### out of a motorist who cut me off, maby I have too much anger bottled up inside
or I just really want to be like bmclaughlin807...
last night I had a dream about beating the s### out of a motorist who cut me off, maby I have too much anger bottled up inside
or I just really want to be like bmclaughlin807...
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 7
From: Sunnyvale, CA
Bikes: '84 Centurion Accordo RS, '06 Gary Fisher Marlin, '06 Schwinn Fastback 27, '06 Litespeed Teramo
The commute last night was great. 69F, no wind, but lots of traffic but tame. I did delay a van for 5 seconds because I was right in between the right lane and the turn lane so I had to ride behind the cars in front of me. As the van passed me the passenger started coughing out loud(to complain?) as they slow to pass me and then sped away. Well, "cough, cough, cough!" to you too buddy. Weird people.






