How was the commute today?
#1976
Senior Member

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Wow, what a ride home. My legs were surprisingly strong after a pretty tough morning ride and after a pretty tough week overall of running and biking. The unusual headwind of the morning turned into the customary tailwind of the afternoon -- customary for the summertime pattern, which appeared today for real. Low 70s and a 10-15 MPH tailwind ... what could be better?
Still, I did the 20-miler at blazing speeds and I am now officially beat as a result. I semi-bonked today, too, and devoured a Milky Way bar which fired me up for the remainder of the ride.
I'm going to have to start stocking up on Gatorade. The season's are a-changing !! Potential for 80s this weekend. Love it.
Still, I did the 20-miler at blazing speeds and I am now officially beat as a result. I semi-bonked today, too, and devoured a Milky Way bar which fired me up for the remainder of the ride.
I'm going to have to start stocking up on Gatorade. The season's are a-changing !! Potential for 80s this weekend. Love it.
#1977
Every lane is a bike lane


Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 9,666
Likes: 16
From: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
First day of the new job today (and the last day of summer in Queensland, and boy did it try to leave an impression!). At least one co-worker described the idea of cycling to work as "interesting", although I'm not sure he's ready to take it up just yet. Quite a pleasant ride, mostly by the seaside, although through Surfers Paradise this time
. Nice view from Narrowneck on the way home, although nowhere near as good as the old view I used to have from Kirra point every afternoon. 
I also need to find more km from somewhere. A 26.5km round trip isn't enough for me.
. Nice view from Narrowneck on the way home, although nowhere near as good as the old view I used to have from Kirra point every afternoon. 
I also need to find more km from somewhere. A 26.5km round trip isn't enough for me.
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I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
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I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#1978
Every lane is a bike lane


Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 9,666
Likes: 16
From: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Neglected to mention that I almost embarrassed myself by forgetting my computer as I left. Would have totally embarrassed myself if anybody had actually been there when I went back for it.
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I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#1979
The Flying Scot

Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 0
From: North Queensferry Scotland and London (and France)
Bikes: Custom (Colin Laing) 531c fast tourer/audax, 1964 Flying Scot Continental, 1995 Cinelli Supercorsa, Holdsworth Mistral single speed, Dahon Speed 6 (folder), Micmo Sirocco and a few more
Lovely ride in this morning. Officially British summer time so the clocks jumped forward an hour. (Suits me as my body never adjusts to winter time).
No wind, clear blue skiesand a steady ride in.
Looks good for the way home, but with a slight headwind picking up. forecast for the rest of the week is not so good.
No wind, clear blue skiesand a steady ride in.
Looks good for the way home, but with a slight headwind picking up. forecast for the rest of the week is not so good.
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plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
#1980
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
these are the days I find the hardest - when it should be warmer but its still FREEZING - we had snow yesterday and cold winds today her in DC - its hard to take when the high on sat is 74 and the high on sun is 40
my ride today wasn't great - my asthma flared up so I had to take it fairly easy
my ride today wasn't great - my asthma flared up so I had to take it fairly easy
#1981
Senior Member

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
No jacket. No head beanie; just a headband. Shorts. Open-fingered gloves. My usual summertime garb. I even (gasp!) washed my bike last night and the oiled chain was actually silent rather than sounding like a mulch-making device.
This made for a superb, warm ride today at high speeds.
This made for a superb, warm ride today at high speeds.
#1982
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, BC, Canada
Commuted by car this morning thinking how wonderful it would have been on the bike, sunny here in Vancouver BC. Half way to work I was rear-ended after coming to a stop at an intersection for a red light. So far no aches or pains. Only outside damage is scuff marks on the rear bumper.
Should have fixed my flat yesterday. Was too lazy to do it this morning. Well tomorrow is another day to bike to work.
Should have fixed my flat yesterday. Was too lazy to do it this morning. Well tomorrow is another day to bike to work.
#1983
Rider in the Storm

Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Portland, Oregon
Bikes: LeMond Zurich, KHS Fiero (Fixed), Centurion Ironman Expert
After two days of rest, my legs felt strong. But I made horrible time into work today. . . could it have been the torrential downpour and the extra 5 pounds of water weight? My full-fingered gloves and booties were filling with water by the time I arrived at work. But I like the rain - it's like riding and showering simultaneously
#1984
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Winds off the desert this week. It makes it very dry, but very warm. Took my road bike out. I still prefer my hybrid for the commute.
#1985
Bring It!

Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
Bikes: Torelli - Trek 520 - GT - and some old Schwinn Thing
Wonderfully warm commute this morning. I had a great time coming into work. The sun was beaming, nobody was on the roads, except a truck who passed someone in the bike lane. I gave it a good smack with my hand to try to get the driver's attention, but not even a glance up.
Other than that, I loved the ride in. I have definately been feeling stronger. Hopefully the rain will be light this week, as I love not wearing all the winter crap.
Other than that, I loved the ride in. I have definately been feeling stronger. Hopefully the rain will be light this week, as I love not wearing all the winter crap.
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Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!
#1986
Hmmmm... I really envy you folks down in the warmer clim's. Don't get me wrong, what we are getting now sure beats the below zero stuff of winter but once you get a taste of 60 F it's hard to except these below freezing mornings. I suppose allot of this grumpyness is coming from it being Monday. I did have a nice commute this morning and saw a beautiful sunrise (before the clouds came in) to the sound of seagulls... yah, seagulls, go figure.
#1987
wonderer, wanderer

Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 2
From: portland, or
Bikes: surly crosscheck, yeti 575, salsa moto rapido, kona ute
it was beautiful yesterday (sunday)... then i stepped outside this morning and it was pouring!!! very wet ride, but for some reason i couldn't stop smiling the whole way there.
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Bicycle-eye
Bicycle-eye
#1988
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Originally posted by gonesh9
it was beautiful yesterday (sunday)... then i stepped outside this morning and it was pouring!!! very wet ride, but for some reason i couldn't stop smiling the whole way there.
it was beautiful yesterday (sunday)... then i stepped outside this morning and it was pouring!!! very wet ride, but for some reason i couldn't stop smiling the whole way there.
#1990
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 0
From: Norwood, MA
Bikes: Felt F-70, Terry Madeleine, Novara Safari fully customized by me
Such blissful silence riding this morning, no studded tires. A little snow and black ice, but easy to dodge. First time riding my hybrid this spring. I forgot how perfect Flora is.
#1991
Every lane is a bike lane


Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 9,666
Likes: 16
From: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Nice pleasant ride this morning, except for the usual "idiot" related delays in Surfers Paradise. At least red lights can be allowed for.
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#1992
Senior Member

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
It was a whole lot cooler tonight coming home. Cold front evidently passed through. There was, however, a pretty stiff northerly wind and I live 20 miles due south of where I work so ... zoom baby !!! I probably could have shaved 10-15 mins off the commute time if it hadn't been for the red lights.
#1993
Every lane is a bike lane


Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 9,666
Likes: 16
From: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Originally posted by Andy Dreisch
I probably could have shaved 10-15 mins off the commute time if it hadn't been for the red lights.
I probably could have shaved 10-15 mins off the commute time if it hadn't been for the red lights.
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#1994
Junior Member

Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Cork, Ireland
Had a great month of commuting in March, 20 days to/from work, clocking around 268 miles. It was the driest March on record in Ireland. Also I tried some different routes, less traffic, more climbing. At the moment I drive to my parents house in the morning and cycle to work from there (6.5 miles one way). After work I either cycle back to my parents house or I cycle around 10 miles towards home and get collected. Home is in the country, parents live in suburbia, and work is in the city.
Plan to buy a road bike shortly, and increase my commuting distance gradually so that eventually I will commute from home to work and back(26 miles one way).
Plan to buy a road bike shortly, and increase my commuting distance gradually so that eventually I will commute from home to work and back(26 miles one way).
#1995
Hi Folks,
A change to our recent gorgeous weather, it was windy this morning. Looks like rain has set in for the afternoon...
Cheers,
Ed
A change to our recent gorgeous weather, it was windy this morning. Looks like rain has set in for the afternoon...
Cheers,
Ed
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Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
#1996
bici accumulatori

Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton, Ottawa, Maberly, Apsley, Ontario
Bikes: 1985 Nishiki International Touring Bike, 1992 Vitus 979 road bike, 1996 Bianchi Premio road bike, 2002 Thin Blue LIne CO2 mountain bike, 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa touring bike, 1964 CCM roadster, 1959 CCM Motorbike, 2002 KHS FXT mtb + more to fix!
Bussed to work yesterday due to chest cold and general feeling of crappiness on weekend. Snow was forecast for this morning, none when I started getting ready, snowing like crazy when I left the house. A winter wonderland if this was December, a pain in the arse in April!. Finished my ride before the salt trucks showed up and messed up everything, but the slicks and snow combined for a few anxious moments. Crossing the snow covered steel deck of the lift bridge was very similar to skating with never- been- sharpened skates. I was moving, but no guarantees on which direction. An intelligent person would have walked the bike over the bridge, but... I made it without capsizing or colliding with anything. Hopefully last snow of the season, supposed to be +7 C (45 F) this afternoon, so this stuff will be gone today!
#1997
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 106
From: Washington, DC
Got a flat tire and walked the last mile and a half to work. Not a great start to the day. Up until I noticed that the bike was starting to ride hard over expansion joints and bumps, it was a great morning -- cool, but not cold.
Paul
Paul
#1998
Rider in the Storm

Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Portland, Oregon
Bikes: LeMond Zurich, KHS Fiero (Fixed), Centurion Ironman Expert
Another wet day, but not near as wet as yesterday. Played leap-frog with a bus for about 8 miles into the downtown area. I always enjoy that for some reason. I wonder if anyone notices that I can arrive downtown just as quickly as they can. . . without the hassle. And I've always wondered about those bicycles I sometimes see strapped to the front rack - why are they there?
Well, now I know - I was following (chasing?) a guy at the beginning of my route but I suddenly lost sight of him in a moment of distraction. As I proceeded to start the first climb, I saw him standing on the sidewalk where the bus stops. I shouted, "Hey, you're not gonna climb the hill?"
He laughed, "No, I'm cheating."
Just as I suspected, cheaters
And to think. . . all those people at work that think he cycles the WHOLE way. . . well I caught him and I now know better!
Well, now I know - I was following (chasing?) a guy at the beginning of my route but I suddenly lost sight of him in a moment of distraction. As I proceeded to start the first climb, I saw him standing on the sidewalk where the bus stops. I shouted, "Hey, you're not gonna climb the hill?"
He laughed, "No, I'm cheating."
Just as I suspected, cheaters
And to think. . . all those people at work that think he cycles the WHOLE way. . . well I caught him and I now know better!
#1999
Originally posted by ChezJfrey
Played leap-frog with a bus for about 8 miles into the downtown area. I always enjoy that for some reason. I wonder if anyone notices that I can arrive downtown just as quickly as they can. . . without the hassle.
Played leap-frog with a bus for about 8 miles into the downtown area. I always enjoy that for some reason. I wonder if anyone notices that I can arrive downtown just as quickly as they can. . . without the hassle.
#2000
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
You guys are providing a good example and maybe an inspiration to those bus riders. Maybe they'll think, "Hey. I could do that!"
Started raining just as I turned down the street from my house. I was going to meet my buddy at the bike trail. He calls himself a weather wimp and said that if it's raining, we'd have an agreement not to meet. I had a heavy weekend of riding, so I can't say that I was too disappointed and I turned around and went back to bed for an hour.
Then I totally wimped out and drove into downtown with my wife. Oh, well.
Started raining just as I turned down the street from my house. I was going to meet my buddy at the bike trail. He calls himself a weather wimp and said that if it's raining, we'd have an agreement not to meet. I had a heavy weekend of riding, so I can't say that I was too disappointed and I turned around and went back to bed for an hour.
Then I totally wimped out and drove into downtown with my wife. Oh, well.




