How was the commute today?
#2051
Bikeman
Well, here we go again, 32F (-0C), threat of snow (although most of it should go south of us). So, I road my winter bike (you know what would happen if I rode my summer bike). I still had a fairly decent ride in but because of daylight savings time I'm back to using my lights in the morning.

#2052
bici accumulatori
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Hamilton, Ottawa, Maberly, Apsley, Ontario
Posts: 855
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!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This morning's ride had a strange familiarity to it - dark, windy, cold - reminded me of winter!!!. -2 C, (28 F), 25 mph winds with 35 mph gusts made it seem much colder than it was. Headwind/Cross wind for first half of the trip, Tailwind/Crosswind for 2nd half. Found it very difficult to get enthused about riding, but once I got half way in, felt better about it (not better about going to work, though).
Today's forecast calls for just what we need - another 6" of snow!
Today's forecast calls for just what we need - another 6" of snow!

#2054
The Flying Scot
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North Queensferry Scotland and London (and France)
Posts: 1,904
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
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am so annoyed!!
Set up my 40 year old Flying Scot (my summer bike) this weekend, had a trial run out for lunch with my wife on her Roberts on Sunday, couldn't commute yesterday as I was giving a platelet donation in the afternoon, so this morning was to be it.
First time on the Flying Scot this year.
Beautiful blue sky, cool, but no wind. Set off and got a puncture within 1 mile.
A piece of glass on the Forth Road Bridge trashed my tube. I tried unsuccesfully to fix it (not easy on a high bridge) and then went home and caught the bus.
Swearing quotient ---HIGH.
First call I made when in to the office was to the Bridge board. They've arranged to clear the cycle paths.
6th puncture in 900 miles this year. AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Set up my 40 year old Flying Scot (my summer bike) this weekend, had a trial run out for lunch with my wife on her Roberts on Sunday, couldn't commute yesterday as I was giving a platelet donation in the afternoon, so this morning was to be it.
First time on the Flying Scot this year.
Beautiful blue sky, cool, but no wind. Set off and got a puncture within 1 mile.
A piece of glass on the Forth Road Bridge trashed my tube. I tried unsuccesfully to fix it (not easy on a high bridge) and then went home and caught the bus.
Swearing quotient ---HIGH.
First call I made when in to the office was to the Bridge board. They've arranged to clear the cycle paths.
6th puncture in 900 miles this year. AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
__________________
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

#2055
8speed DinoSORAs
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Oxford, UK or Mountain View, Ca
Posts: 2,749
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi Folks,
Bad luck Chewa - that rivals the razor blade incident last week that had me walking miles....
The surprise spell of cold & frosty weather continues here, but it makes for good riding. 18.23 average today, with headwind
Cheers,
Ed
Bad luck Chewa - that rivals the razor blade incident last week that had me walking miles....
The surprise spell of cold & frosty weather continues here, but it makes for good riding. 18.23 average today, with headwind

Cheers,
Ed
__________________
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.

#2056
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,101 Times
in
1,415 Posts
I feel almost guilty gloating about our Chamber of Commerce weather: 50F, calm, clear, beautiful.
This morning there were two young mule deer jogging alongside the American River bike path. Also, ducks and geese and a few big redtail hawks wheeling around high overhead. Absolutely wonderful morning.
This morning there were two young mule deer jogging alongside the American River bike path. Also, ducks and geese and a few big redtail hawks wheeling around high overhead. Absolutely wonderful morning.

#2057
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 940
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Chilly at the start, and pretty dark. Still tired from ride on Sunday but managed to maintain a good speed. 20 mile route. The water pump (??) went up on my car yesterday ... not sure if I'll be able to ride home tonight since I'll be wrestling with that.

#2058
Rider in the Storm
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 736
Bikes: LeMond Zurich, KHS Fiero (Fixed), Centurion Ironman Expert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Wonderful commute last night and this morning. The streets are dry and the climate is cool, but not chilly. That's the spring weather I like to see! I made great time going home last night.
This morning was a bit of a struggle. I just could not drag myself out of bed; I lied there for 20 minutes. I finally got myself together and dashed out the door, but was completely uninspired during the ride; my motivation was non-existent. I was sure surprised when I arrived at work and checked my clock - I absolutely flew! How did that happen? 'Tis a mystery for me now, but maybe I'm just getting better. . .
This morning was a bit of a struggle. I just could not drag myself out of bed; I lied there for 20 minutes. I finally got myself together and dashed out the door, but was completely uninspired during the ride; my motivation was non-existent. I was sure surprised when I arrived at work and checked my clock - I absolutely flew! How did that happen? 'Tis a mystery for me now, but maybe I'm just getting better. . .

#2059
Bring It!
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 611
Bikes: Torelli - Trek 520 - GT - and some old Schwinn Thing
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Haven't ridden yet this week. My ankles are still bothering me from the century. Don't want to push myself. Doing some walking instead.
__________________
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!

#2060
Super Biker
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 1,183
Bikes: 2014 Curtlo, 2006 Serotta Coeur d’Acier, 2005 Independent Fabrication Steel Delux, 2003 Surly 1x1, 2003 Surly Cross Check, 1986 Schwin Worldsport SS commuter, 1980's Mongoose Supergoose
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Great commute this morning. The weather was 50F and overcast; just barely shorts weather. I'm still dodging the employees and golfers at the local pompous Country Club. They haven't said anything to me yet about taking a shortcut through the course on the golf cart track.

#2061
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 57
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
More great weather. Lots of construction these days with the extention of our trolley system. I need to find an alternate route for about a month.

#2062
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 940
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
No jacket tonight !!! Sunshine !!! Tailwind !!!
For a variety of reasons I ended up going on a route I used to do consistently some time ago. It was nice doing it again, a nice change of pace.
For a variety of reasons I ended up going on a route I used to do consistently some time ago. It was nice doing it again, a nice change of pace.

#2063
Every lane is a bike lane
Now that summer's over (you can tell I'm glad about that, can't you), it's just one perfect day after another.

__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.

#2064
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 1,914
Bikes: Rans Stratus, Trek 1420, Rivendell Rambouillet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, I didn't commute today, but yesterday had a wonderful commute. The morning was wet, but in the afternoon (actually the evening) it was really nice. I took the long way back, and had a wonderful ride.
John
John

#2065
Bring It!
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 611
Bikes: Torelli - Trek 520 - GT - and some old Schwinn Thing
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I put the platforms back on my dual-sided SPD pedals. This will help me get to the grocery store by bike w/o putting on any extra stuff. My new Jand grocery panniers are awesome. I just bring my bike into the store, load up the panniers, then check out. Have the grocer pack the panniers as my bag, and I'm off. The bike doesn't take up any more room than the carts, and holds plenty.
As an aside, my ankles felt much better on the bike this eve. I am definately riding to work tomorrow.
As an aside, my ankles felt much better on the bike this eve. I am definately riding to work tomorrow.
__________________
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!

#2066
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 113
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
well I didn't commute today, or yesterday for that matter, and I probably won't commute tomorrow
why?
I am sick, sick, sick, sick of our neverending winter here in DC which this week has gifted us with 3 straight days of rain and 40 degree temps (with the same forecast for thurs and fri) so until mother nature starts to cooperate I'm on strike!
hows that for petulance?
why?
I am sick, sick, sick, sick of our neverending winter here in DC which this week has gifted us with 3 straight days of rain and 40 degree temps (with the same forecast for thurs and fri) so until mother nature starts to cooperate I'm on strike!
hows that for petulance?

#2067
Senior Member
The good is that the cool weather makes my raingear is very comfortable. The bad is that I will not see any blue sky and sunshine until this weekend. The ugly is the rain-induced formation of monster traffic jams -- miles of immobile cars, each containing a frustrated, twitching cager who may take hours to get to work/home.
Fun to ride by them, though!
Paul
Fun to ride by them, though!
Paul

#2068
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,601
Bikes: Mercier Corvus (commuter), Fila Taos (MTB), Trek 660(Got frame for free and put my LeMans Centurian components on it)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice commute. Stopped at the bike week bike to work breakfast and they were out of food and t-shirts! Man, I rode 20 miles for that breakfast!
Anyway, I got a frisbee and an ankle reflector strip as a "Door Prize". There also happened to be a bottle of orange juice left so I guess I didn't leave empty handed. Beautiful commute in though.

Anyway, I got a frisbee and an ankle reflector strip as a "Door Prize". There also happened to be a bottle of orange juice left so I guess I didn't leave empty handed. Beautiful commute in though.
__________________
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.

#2069
Needs a bigger hammer
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 103
Bikes: Fixed/SS Crosscheck, Kona Jake the Snake, Kona Explosif SS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good commute in today. Woke up early to mostly clear skies, a nice change from the heavy rain last night. No views of the mountains on the ride in but it's still nice to be outside getting some exercise. Damn headwind all the way though, boy my legs are tired, I always forget what a difference the wind can make on a bike.
Probably be finding a new route home today trying to follow the lake shore as much as possible. That route should be a beauty in the summer
Probably be finding a new route home today trying to follow the lake shore as much as possible. That route should be a beauty in the summer


#2070
Bring It!
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 611
Bikes: Torelli - Trek 520 - GT - and some old Schwinn Thing
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It felt great to get on the bike again today. Started out wearing my wind jacket, but a couple miles in, and I took it off. Shorts and Jersey only on today's ride. It was great. Sun, warmth, and a smile on my face as I found myself singing all the way to work.
I was in another world all the way in. I snapped back into reality when I realized I drifted into the auto lanes briefly at one point. I am sure I pissed of the driver who slowed down due to my idocy.
I plan to make the most of this weather and get out on the bike at lunch.
Can the weather be like this every day? Who do I have to bribe?
I was in another world all the way in. I snapped back into reality when I realized I drifted into the auto lanes briefly at one point. I am sure I pissed of the driver who slowed down due to my idocy.
I plan to make the most of this weather and get out on the bike at lunch.
Can the weather be like this every day? Who do I have to bribe?
__________________
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!

#2071
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,101 Times
in
1,415 Posts
I don't know where it came from but I had the juice this morning! Didn't get as much sleep last night as I should have so I was super sleepy when I met my buddy at the Amer. Riv. bike trail. Normally we'd spin at 18-19mph but for some reason we just kept going faster and faster. At about the 3/4 mark, John says "hey, I think we can average 20 if we keep this up."
We maxed out at 26.0 mph and averaged 20.2 mph for the 24mi. At one point I look back and I realize that we've picked up a mini-peleton of 5 guys and I'm pulling the train. I was just cranking! It was awesome.
Best commute ever (even though I'm not sure it's strictly a commute since I have to ride past my office to reach the trail and then ride back into work...)
We maxed out at 26.0 mph and averaged 20.2 mph for the 24mi. At one point I look back and I realize that we've picked up a mini-peleton of 5 guys and I'm pulling the train. I was just cranking! It was awesome.
Best commute ever (even though I'm not sure it's strictly a commute since I have to ride past my office to reach the trail and then ride back into work...)


#2072
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Regina, SK, CA
Posts: 945
Bikes: 2002 Rocky HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+14C today. Nice.

#2073
Slow Moving Vehicle
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Norwood, MA
Posts: 1,068
Bikes: Felt F-70, Terry Madeleine, Novara Safari fully customized by me
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Best day of the week. The sleet held off until I got to work. 30-36F/-1to+4C, no real wind (thank you). At least it is light on the trip home, that is a real boost. They are saying we may get over 40 again next week. About time! The Boston Marathon is the 21st, this weather would cause some hypothermia cases.
__________________
Help grow the future of cycling in the world. Volunteer at your local "earn-a-bike" program. In the Boston area https://www.bikesnotbombs.org/about
Help grow the future of cycling in the world. Volunteer at your local "earn-a-bike" program. In the Boston area https://www.bikesnotbombs.org/about

#2074
Bring It!
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 611
Bikes: Torelli - Trek 520 - GT - and some old Schwinn Thing
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The ride home was my fastest yet. Increased my average speed best by .4mph. All this into a headwind too. I felt great.
__________________
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!
Sailing and Cycling make the world go 'round. Quietly Too!

#2075
Grounded
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Wisconsin, Land of the Cheeseheads
Posts: 901
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Second commute of the year! 
Today was sunny and the temperature climbed from the freezing point to 50 degrees by the time I had to leave. I was pedalling into a heavy headwind the whole way, and I got some weird pains in my knee halfway, but it wasn't bad. The first kamikaze bug of the year bounced off my nose (apparently his aim was off after the long winter loafing in front of the bug TV and munching Cheetos crumbs.)
By the time I went home, the wind was gone (figures!) but it didn't get too cold. By the time I got home, the stars were bright.
Something in the small woods near home spooked me by running along beside me noisily for a while--I probably scared a deer, bunny or raccoon.

Today was sunny and the temperature climbed from the freezing point to 50 degrees by the time I had to leave. I was pedalling into a heavy headwind the whole way, and I got some weird pains in my knee halfway, but it wasn't bad. The first kamikaze bug of the year bounced off my nose (apparently his aim was off after the long winter loafing in front of the bug TV and munching Cheetos crumbs.)
By the time I went home, the wind was gone (figures!) but it didn't get too cold. By the time I got home, the stars were bright.

