Sailguy

Light rain this morning. It was a fun ride in and I was able to do it without warmers again. I am glad things are getting a bit warmer. I'm a short's kind of guy. I just hope we have sun this weekend for Tierra Bella.

Andy Dreisch

Sailguy, your post is #2000 on this thread !!!

AndrewP

Today was my first bike commute of the season as they have now opened the sidewalk on the Jacques Cartier bridge over the St Lawrence. Temp -8C (18F), but the sun was shining and no wind. I took it really easy as I'm totally out of shape - 1 hr 40 mins rather than the 1 hr 10 mins that I took last summer. I dont think I will ride again this week as rain or snow is forecast every day.

tchazzard

We keep going back and forth between true spring weather and late winter here in Maine. Today was the first time I had seen black ice in a couple of weeks. I had taken my studded tires off for the summer so had to use some care. Other than that, it was way windy and a head wind all the way to work.

Sailguy

I guess it was. Sweet.

Andy Dreisch

Sailguy, fess up. You did that on purpose just to be #2000. You didn't even ride today, I bet !!

I remember not too long ago when the magic #1000 was breached. It's only been a couple months I think.

Jean Beetham Smith 

Strange day. I rode in on a beautiful, clear but cold morning. Stopped to take a couple of pictures and compare salamander sightings with one of the Audubon Society folks. The vernal pools were covered with the very thinnest sheets of ice. Mid-day it warmed nicely. Typical early spring day. Then about 4:00pm it started snowing. By the time I left at 6 it was covering the lawn. As I rode by the vernal pools, in a blinding snow squall, I could hear spring peepers. I do believe we are in our "mud & flood" season. Both rides were good times. Flora feels so light compared to VR.

Sailguy

Andy, After my ride home, I wish I didn't ride.

What a crappy ride. After an extremely frustrating ride, and feeling exhausted, I set out. My ride was very slow. Once my blood started pumping, I began to get out of my funk and had a smile on my face for the first time since I got to work. Then, wouldn't you know it, a rear flat. I knew I shouldn't of even glanced at that "How long have you gone without a flat" thread.

The flat did nothing more than refuel my frustrations. During the fix, the sun set, I cooled down, and I still felt crappy. I was really hoping my commute tonight would have put me in a better mood before I got home.

Time for some Bike Forums to help (I'll stay out of the political forum this eve). Tommorow should be better.

Chris L

At the rate we're going, we'll get 3,000 by this weekend.

Inkwolf

I'm baaaaa-aaaack!

First commute of the season for me! This morning it was raining and snowing, but it cleared up and turned into a wonderful, warm day. I rode in under a beautiful sunny sky, in the 50's.

Unfortunately, by the time I went home a killer, icy crosswind had come up, so the return wasn't much fun. I did make it, though, and at least the wind was in the right direction to push me uphill on my last little quarter-mile turn off.

NO BUGS YET!!!

Andy Dreisch

Inkwolf!!! We've missed you !!! How long has it been since your last commuting post? Since about November I think? Welcome back to the best thread on BF.

How was the ride on your butt and legs? It's been a while ... was it tough? Did you go the same route you did before? Did you think about your book on the way?

Inkwolf

Heya, Andy!

My butt feels fine, though my legs are a little rubbery. My toes were numb when I got home, but I'm not sure whether it was the cold wind or the new Shimano biking shoes I've been wearing. I stuck to the short, highway route--8 miles each way. I probably won't push it by going again tomorrow, though Maybe Thursday, if it feels good and the weather's nice.

Great to be sharing the commuting thread with you guys again! So, have you been enjoying balmy California, Andy?

antonius

Started out okay, beautiful morning, very slight headwind. After 18k, rear flat. (I just replaced the tube last night from a previous flat.) Walked a half a block to a service station, went to a handicapped parking stall and removed the rear wheel. Noticed a big glob of dogp__p on the tire. Darn dogs. Didn't even notice the pile of crud laying in the middle of the parking stall. Murphy's law...the propensity to actually stroll through the crap at that very spot.

Then 2km from work, crossed a set of railroad tracks and hit a couple of bumps hard enough to knock off my pannier onto the road. Well that does it for that, need to contact the manufacturer for proper replacement tiedowns that broke off 2 years ago. And replace the clips. Then I noticed the rear fender was torn off the rear support struts. Now the bike is beginning to look all beat up.

The way home was much better, very nice tailwind.

Tonight, I took a look at the rear brakes (sidepull single pivot) and they were askew and one pad was rubbing against the rim. Did some adjusting, the wheel turns, then I put on the brake, pad goes back to rubbing against the rim. Went to the Park Tool website to reasearch again, realized I don't have the proper wrench(es). I'm going to bed. I'll wait to pick up my new bike on Saturday. Fix the old bike later. Back to commuting by car for the rest of the week.

But wait till next week.

Paul L.

Hi Inkwolf. Speaking of bugs, I think that is another sign of spring. I don't think I have ever eaten so many bugs as I have lately! I didn't start commuting last year until the summer (even the bugs think it's too hot during the day). I am having to learn to commute with a closed mouth smile instead of a big toothy grin. At least they are not big bugs, just little gnats.

Inkwolf

Ouch, Antonius, that sucks! Good luck witrh the new bike and repairs.

I threw away my old tent (my dog ripped a chunk out of it) and I saved the window mesh to make myself a bug bandanna! I'll let you guys know how it works.

Ed Holland

Hi Folks,

One of those mornings where one wakes up but is still asleep, if you know what I mean. Then to face the ride to work against a northerly headwind... I just hope it holds course for the ride home

Cheers Folks,

Ed

Paul L.

Hmmm. I shouldn't have read that Flat Tire thread. I think I got cursed. I ran over a handful of razor blades scattered across the shoulder and curb. Don't know if they were purposely placed there or fell out of a truck, but they sure did a number on my tire. I had to take the bus from there. Going to go get a new tire after lunch (and I just ordered some IRC Triathlons from Nashbar yesterday too!). Anyway, it was kind of a bummer of a ride. Glad I went back to the house and grabbed my bus tickets!

Hants Commuter

Commuting has been good so far this week. My knee is holding up without any problems. Weather has been good as well. Normally clear blue skies in the morning but still a little chilly.

ChezJfrey

LOL! I just added a similar comment to that thread myself. I didn't post initially, but I read it. . . and sure enough I flatted yesterday evening for the first time in a very long while.

A strong headwind last night made for a slow ride. It took twice the effort, but only about 10 extra minutes to get home. This morning was NICE, however - sunny, mildly cool and the wind was at my back! It's nice to not have to work so hard every ride.

Sailguy

So that makes three of us that got killed by that thread. Lets hope it only happens in threes.

Chris L

Well talk about frustrating! No, I didn't get any flats today. I set off at 4.30am to get a quick 40-odd km in before work (I did mention that my commute isn't long enough to satisfy me). So I get home just as a storm starts, I get ready for work, then I leave for work just as the storm finishes, meaning that I miss out on riding in the rain, but because of the wet roads I've still got a heap of crap to clean off my bike. It's Thursday, right?

pinerider

Chris, come on up here and you can try riding in freezing rain - so much more fun than the regular kind! We're having a beautiful spring so far - This morning temp was +1C, 34 F, NorthEast wind of 25 mph bringing 200 miles worth of Lake Ontario open water dampness and drizzle. Not freezing drizzle yet, that's forecast for this afternoon. We're supposed to have this for the next 3 days.
This morning's ride was a character builder, the 25 mph wind was a cross wind, so I got to practice riding with the bike at a nice lean to the side. I found a nice yellow bungee chord on the way, made the whole trip worthwhile!
Still wearing the winter stuff, except lighter shoes and beanie instead of balaclava. Isn't spring a great time of year?

KrisA

Ugg. Just got about 8 inches of snow, and stupid me had to bike to work today. The road conditions are the worst so far this year: lots of snow with solid ice underneth. I was thinking of turning around and staying at home today when I was 2 blocks from home walking my bike through the snow, but stupid me decides not too.

I think I'll leave my bike at work today and walk/run the 5km home.

Szpirit

Pinerider:
I have been following your posts regarding your commutes to work. I live in Dundas. From where to where do you commute each day? I plan to start commuting from Dundas to St. Joseph's Hospital where I work but am waiting for better weather.

pinerider

Szpirit, welcome! Don't wait for better weather, I don't think we're going to get any for a while!
Over the past year, I've had 3 varying length commutes, all starting from King & Parkdale in East Hamilton
1. Basic (short) commute: 12km, about 25 minutes. to Skyway sewage plant in Burlington - nice ride (not great scenery) along Parkdale, Melvin, Woodward and Beach Boulevard/Eastport Drive or Beach Bike Path.
2. Longer (scenic) commute: 22km, about an hour. Around the bay, through downtown Hamilton, York Blvd, Plains Rd/Northshore Blvd to Skyway sewage plant in Burlington. This route was forced on me in the winter with the lift bridge closure, but I found it was a very nice ride and really enjoyed it (most of the time)
3. Longer commute in nice weather: 27km, about an hour - along the beach, past Skyway plant, along Lakeshore Rd and Bronte Rd. to QEW & hwy 25.

I have to drive after I bike, so there is usually some prior planning involved in where I bike to.