How was the commute today?
06-27-07 | 06:01 AM
Blasted Weeds
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 2
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Trek 1200C, Specialized Rockhopper, Giant Yukon FX, Giant Acapulco
HOT AND .... STICKY!! And bumpy - have to use the roadbike at the moment and our streets are just awful.
06-27-07 | 06:19 AM
Riding Heaven's Highways on the grand tour
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,675
Likes: 3
7.75 miles of pleasantness this morning.
Nice way to start the day.
Nice way to start the day.
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06-27-07 | 06:34 AM
Bike Fun Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 650
Likes: 17
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: 2020 Trek Checkpoint ALR5, 2012 Surly Disc Trucker
Had a great time this morning - woke up especially early and got out the door by 6:20 AM. It was 70 F and a bit humid. My second time commuting by bike to work, and I was curious how the sweat was going to be (no shower at work - I just do the birdbath thing).
After getting into work and giving myself 10 minutes to cool down, the clean-up worked pretty well. If I can do it this morning I don't think it's going to get that much worse over the rest of the summer.
I also used my new Take a Look sunglass mounted mirror for the first time this morning. Wow, what a difference. That is definitely going to improve my comfort level with bike commuting.
Scott
After getting into work and giving myself 10 minutes to cool down, the clean-up worked pretty well. If I can do it this morning I don't think it's going to get that much worse over the rest of the summer.
I also used my new Take a Look sunglass mounted mirror for the first time this morning. Wow, what a difference. That is definitely going to improve my comfort level with bike commuting.
Scott
06-27-07 | 07:03 AM
YAT-YAS
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: Highland, IN
Bikes: Old Green
No commute today... The wife and I are going to go put a bid in on a house.... Wish us luck!
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Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
06-27-07 | 07:30 AM
J3L 2404
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 1
From: Shanghai
Bikes: 2007 Jamis Nova
Had a scare today... the family friend I'm staying with offered to DRIVE me part way along my commute, and I wasn't sure I could politely decline 
. Everything ended up OK, though, and my commute survived intact 
On the way home last night, I was riding slowly through a park and trying to stay on the right-hand side of the path so as not to spook oncoming pedestrians. It wasn't enough for one homeless guy, who shouted "WHERE THE HELL ARE YA GOIN, YA GOOF?" as I rode by. For some reason, I decided to stop and talk to him, explaining that I was sorry if my riding had somehow threatened him, but I was trying to ride as safely as I could. It turns out he had been hit by a cyclist before and was naturally a bit concerned about it happening again. After talking to him for a while, he grinned and said, "You're all right -- you have a GREAT evening!". Wished him a good evening, too, and rode off...
It made me realise that sometime the angry reactions of pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists to other pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists are often the results of misunderstandings.
. Everything ended up OK, though, and my commute survived intact On the way home last night, I was riding slowly through a park and trying to stay on the right-hand side of the path so as not to spook oncoming pedestrians. It wasn't enough for one homeless guy, who shouted "WHERE THE HELL ARE YA GOIN, YA GOOF?" as I rode by. For some reason, I decided to stop and talk to him, explaining that I was sorry if my riding had somehow threatened him, but I was trying to ride as safely as I could. It turns out he had been hit by a cyclist before and was naturally a bit concerned about it happening again. After talking to him for a while, he grinned and said, "You're all right -- you have a GREAT evening!". Wished him a good evening, too, and rode off...
It made me realise that sometime the angry reactions of pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists to other pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists are often the results of misunderstandings.
06-27-07 | 07:33 AM
SERENITY NOW!!!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Good luck devildog!
Today's commute was hotter and more humid than yesterdays. It's days like these that make me ask, "Why don't I just work from home today?" Then I remember my laptop power adapter's at the office so I ride in anyway. Noticed that the warm blast from riding next to a bus in winter is not as pleasant during the summer. Almost T-boned a car at about 1 mph and almost had a clipless fall, but didn't so that was good.
Today's commute was hotter and more humid than yesterdays. It's days like these that make me ask, "Why don't I just work from home today?" Then I remember my laptop power adapter's at the office so I ride in anyway. Noticed that the warm blast from riding next to a bus in winter is not as pleasant during the summer. Almost T-boned a car at about 1 mph and almost had a clipless fall, but didn't so that was good.
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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!
06-27-07 | 08:16 AM
J3L 2404
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 1
From: Shanghai
Bikes: 2007 Jamis Nova
Glad you made it in safe, jyo. Pretty hot and humid here, too, but still worth the ride...
06-27-07 | 08:29 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 22
From: Calgary
Bikes: 2018 Ghost Square Trekking B2.8 e-bike; 2015 MEC Cote gravel/touring bike; 1985 Boyes-Rosser tourer, now outfitted as Winter Trundle-bike
I took the bus today, my knee was bugging me yesterday. Either my seat needs adjusting again or I just got a bit too ambitious on a hill. Have to admit it was not unpleasant to sit on the bus and read for a change, but I'm glad I don't have to do it every day 
06-27-07 | 08:32 AM
SERENITY NOW!!!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Thanks ****. The almost T-bone happened as I was crossing an intersection where cross traffic was blocking the intersection. I was trying to time my progress w/ a car crossing in front of me, but he slowed down unexpectedly so I had to stop and unclip. I was barely moving by then.
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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!
06-27-07 | 09:08 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.
Another warm, dry ride in. Last night I had to work late, so I missed the Tuesday night road ride. Instead of going straight home, I thought I'd tour through some of the neighborhoods close to downtown on the south side. Wow. Those are some nice houses. I always wondered where all the mid-century modern homes were around here, and I found them. Lots of Frank Lloyd Wright influences, and more than a few Eames lounges looking out across the Elbow valley to the mountains. I think I might move there when I win the lottery...
06-27-07 | 09:17 AM
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)
Good luck devildog!
Maybe said dragonfly needed a ride back to the river and was confused as to where to sit? Glad you caught the almost-fall/t-bone
Interesting gbcb... I must admit I rarely think to stop for that reason, especially at night - sometimes I just don't want to risk any hassles. Makes me feel bad in a way, I'd like to have the time to understand why people say stuff and act like they do (those kind of homeless folk) but I rarely ever follow through.
Rode with someone off BF last night for a rec./training ride - with that and riding to a buddies place and back home I managed about 35miles/60k. Made sure I had plenty of water and we rode near the lake (on the Leslie spit) which made the ride in the horrid heat much more possible/tolerable.
Late night last night + just being tired (and catching a pinch flat 0.5mi from home last night that I just didn't feel like fixing last night) meant I rode in directly via the road today, a whopping 11 minutes of riding - still enough to make me sweat like a fat kid at the fair in this terrible humidity (hopefully the 'scheduled' storm should break some of that for us).
Congrats buglady on the 1000k! I checked my roadie odo and have done 695mi. since May 7th which is about 1100k so I'm happy myself, too!
Maybe said dragonfly needed a ride back to the river and was confused as to where to sit?
Glad you caught the almost-fall/t-bone Interesting gbcb... I must admit I rarely think to stop for that reason, especially at night - sometimes I just don't want to risk any hassles. Makes me feel bad in a way, I'd like to have the time to understand why people say stuff and act like they do (those kind of homeless folk) but I rarely ever follow through.
Rode with someone off BF last night for a rec./training ride - with that and riding to a buddies place and back home I managed about 35miles/60k. Made sure I had plenty of water and we rode near the lake (on the Leslie spit) which made the ride in the horrid heat much more possible/tolerable.
Late night last night + just being tired (and catching a pinch flat 0.5mi from home last night that I just didn't feel like fixing last night) meant I rode in directly via the road today, a whopping 11 minutes of riding - still enough to make me sweat like a fat kid at the fair in this terrible humidity (hopefully the 'scheduled' storm should break some of that for us).
Congrats buglady on the 1000k! I checked my roadie odo and have done 695mi. since May 7th which is about 1100k so I'm happy myself, too!
06-27-07 | 09:28 AM
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
Today's commute was a good one...my first! Got my first road bike last week, and decided last night that today would be the day to start. Hopefully I'll keep it up.
06-27-07 | 09:49 AM
J3L 2404
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 1
From: Shanghai
Bikes: 2007 Jamis Nova
Welcome to the HHCMF club, hophead! The more you do it, the less you think of it as "keeping it up"... it's just something you DO, simple as that.
Edit: Flimflam, I understand where you're coming from. I think I've been more talkative than usual because I'm so excited to be in a place where everyone is speaking English for a change. I usually wouldn't have stopped, but it was in a nice park on a bright and warm summer evening, and I thought I'd give it a go.
Edit: Flimflam, I understand where you're coming from. I think I've been more talkative than usual because I'm so excited to be in a place where everyone is speaking English for a change
. I usually wouldn't have stopped, but it was in a nice park on a bright and warm summer evening, and I thought I'd give it a go.
06-27-07 | 10:02 AM
Who you callin' Senior?
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ
Bikes: Cannondale T2000; Peugeot UO8; Schwinn World Tour; Ibex Aprisa
It was wonderful.
I haven't been able to commute since last summer due to distance and time constraints.
Glad I started again. 10.5 with three brutal hills.
Even with 80 degree temps and high humidity - it was worth it.
I haven't been able to commute since last summer due to distance and time constraints.
Glad I started again. 10.5 with three brutal hills.
Even with 80 degree temps and high humidity - it was worth it.
06-27-07 | 10:02 AM
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
Warm and very humid this morning-get used to it, it's DC. I was absolutely soaked when I got to work even after riding at a much easier pace. It will be so hot this afternoon, in fact, that I chose to leave my helmet at home today. I am a believer in helmets but it'll be so hot this afternoon that I would have to take it off anyway (as I did yesterday), I figured it'll save me the trouble of bringing it home. I know it's a stupid idea but I ride on the MV Trail for about 80% of my commute and am much more cautious when helmet-less. Just making sure that I'm hydrating well today in preparation, sun screen too.
06-27-07 | 10:22 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
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From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Uneventful this morning. I gave blood this morning after the commute--I thought the collection officer was gonna stroke out when she realized I'll be biking home again this afternoon.
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06-27-07 | 12:11 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Had a dentist appointment and then rode in afterwards. I've decided that any activity that gets the blood pumping after having your gums cut on and a tooth drilled is not a good idea. The whole side of my face was painfully thudding by the time I got to work. Besides that I'm just waiting for the torrential rain we're supposed to be getting today. Missed it this morning, we'll see if my luck holds for the return voyage.
06-27-07 | 12:42 PM
Late but good. Bright side of missing rush hour, no traffic to speak of, bike or car.
06-27-07 | 01:12 PM
J3L 2404
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 1
From: Shanghai
Bikes: 2007 Jamis Nova
Dang, we've got a severe thunderstorm watch, with hail warnings. Will have to weigh my options for the ride home.
Originally Posted by Environment Canada
City of Toronto
2:45 PM EDT Wednesday 27 June 2007
Severe thunderstorm watch for
City of Toronto continued
Severe thunderstorms are possible early this afternoon and evening.
This is an alert to the potential development of severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds.
Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements. If threatening weather approaches take immediate safety precautions.
Weather radar and satellite show scattered severe thunderstorms are developing in the hot and humid air. These storms are capable of producing torrential rain and damaging wind gusts up to 100 km/h. Furthermore funnel clouds have been reported near Sarnia so there is still a risk of a tornado with these storms.
A cold front currently over northeastern Ontario will sweep across southern Ontario today triggering thunderstorms early this afternoon and evening in the hot and humid airmass. A few thunderstorms will also trigger before the advance of the cold front over southwestern and southcentral Ontario along lake breeze boundaries which will form off of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
There is potential that some of these thunderstorms may become severe with main threats being damaging winds...Torrential downpours...And intense lightning. Hail is also possible and there is a lesser risk of a tornado.
2:45 PM EDT Wednesday 27 June 2007
Severe thunderstorm watch for
City of Toronto continued
Severe thunderstorms are possible early this afternoon and evening.
This is an alert to the potential development of severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds.
Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements. If threatening weather approaches take immediate safety precautions.
Weather radar and satellite show scattered severe thunderstorms are developing in the hot and humid air. These storms are capable of producing torrential rain and damaging wind gusts up to 100 km/h. Furthermore funnel clouds have been reported near Sarnia so there is still a risk of a tornado with these storms.
A cold front currently over northeastern Ontario will sweep across southern Ontario today triggering thunderstorms early this afternoon and evening in the hot and humid airmass. A few thunderstorms will also trigger before the advance of the cold front over southwestern and southcentral Ontario along lake breeze boundaries which will form off of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
There is potential that some of these thunderstorms may become severe with main threats being damaging winds...Torrential downpours...And intense lightning. Hail is also possible and there is a lesser risk of a tornado.
06-27-07 | 01:25 PM
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Originally Posted by Buglady
at "stretchy time." I know EXACTLY how that works! For me, it's part and parcel of ADHD. When I was first given Ritalin, that was the first thing I noticed - so THAT's what "time" is! (But I didn't like the side effects).Replying to a few other things at once:
Yes, I got my massage (ow. Shoulder was kinda locked up there from stress. Ow.) and feel much better
(I am also drinking a Guinness at the moment, by way of a recovery drink 
)Support staff = administrative assistant positions, student advisor, that sort of thing
Workingbike, what kind of thing are you looking for? And may one inquire what happened? (I bet mine is more dramatic!) Then again maybe I should try one, see if helps my shoulder. Yes, I dare say your situation was more dramatic. I work at a retail refurbished computer place, the boss has been getting fed up with the business lately, although it is still profitable. Somebody came along and offered a sum for the industrial unit we are in that he felt he was unable to turn down, so he is going off to do other things. The retail operation is going on, being run by his "partner" from a smaller rental unit, he doesn't think he can justify employing someone else to run it so, there you go.
I have done many things, I was, 15 years ago, a Civil Engineering technician in the UK, though I have no oil and gas experience and my AutoCAD is out of date so I doubt I can get back into that. I can't give you a job description, but I would like something where I can do some problem solving, anything that doesn't involve mind numbing drudgery. Money doesn't have to be fabulous, my needs are small but it has to be better than minimum wage stuff. If it involves some manual labor, thats OK too, though I couldn't handle full on warehouse work. I have some irons in the fire, but nothing is making me excited yet.
Last edited by workingbike; 06-27-07 at 01:40 PM.
06-27-07 | 06:45 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, Australia
Wet, cold and windy today. I can't complain though as I can't remember the last time I had to wear my raincoat whilst riding. We've had some showers but not rain like this. We have had 10inches of rain in some parts of the state and lots of flooding (thankfully not here in Melbourne).
06-27-07 | 09:53 PM
Two H's!!! TWO!!!!!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 12
From: Toronto, ON
Originally Posted by gbcb
Dang, we've got a severe thunderstorm watch, with hail warnings. Will have to weigh my options for the ride home.
06-27-07 | 10:04 PM
PacktInACrushdTinBox
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, Indiana
Was supposed to be at work at 9:30am since I'd be opening up at 10am.. I didn't make it until 9:50am. I really pushed myself and made it in a hair over 8 minutes (commute usually takes 8.75-9 minutes), so at least I'm making some progress since I started riding/commuting
06-27-07 | 10:45 PM
Bossy Bunny
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: The Valley of the Sun
Bikes: A comfy little Diamond Wildwood
Originally Posted by gbcb
On the way home last night, I was riding slowly through a park and trying to stay on the right-hand side of the path so as not to spook oncoming pedestrians. It wasn't enough for one homeless guy, who shouted "WHERE THE HELL ARE YA GOIN, YA GOOF?" as I rode by. For some reason, I decided to stop and talk to him, explaining that I was sorry if my riding had somehow threatened him, but I was trying to ride as safely as I could. It turns out he had been hit by a cyclist before and was naturally a bit concerned about it happening again. After talking to him for a while, he grinned and said, "You're all right -- you have a GREAT evening!". Wished him a good evening, too, and rode off...
It made me realise that sometime the angry reactions of pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists to other pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists are often the results of misunderstandings.
It made me realise that sometime the angry reactions of pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists to other pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists are often the results of misunderstandings.
Notice I said "I try."
Seriously, though, it's sort of one of my own little personal core values.And: Good luck, Devildog! Let us know how you make out.
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Margie
"Assume a virtue, if you have it not." ~ William Shakespeare
This advice is the reason I'm masquerading as an athletic person.
Margie
"Assume a virtue, if you have it not." ~ William Shakespeare
This advice is the reason I'm masquerading as an athletic person.
06-28-07 | 12:11 AM
Bit late but... Good Luck Devildog!
Just miserable conditions out there Today. The air quality just sucks along with the heat and humidity.
I was running about 25MPH, this AM, down past The Museum on CPW, taking the outer lane, trying to make *that* light, when I noticed a White car right on my wheel. I didn't think much of it because it's Two lanes in either direction on CPW. Sure enough the driver swung out into the other lane and started passing, but then the passenger rolls down his window and yells, "You are not a car!". D'uH. The driver then floored it. It felt really good to pass them a couple of blocks on when the traffic backed up.
I thought about posting this over in A+S, what with the vehicular aspects involved and all, but, well... you know.
Just miserable conditions out there Today. The air quality just sucks along with the heat and humidity.
I was running about 25MPH, this AM, down past The Museum on CPW, taking the outer lane, trying to make *that* light, when I noticed a White car right on my wheel. I didn't think much of it because it's Two lanes in either direction on CPW. Sure enough the driver swung out into the other lane and started passing, but then the passenger rolls down his window and yells, "You are not a car!". D'uH. The driver then floored it. It felt really good to pass them a couple of blocks on when the traffic backed up.
I thought about posting this over in A+S, what with the vehicular aspects involved and all, but, well... you know.