Commute was great today. Got home and decided to clean the city grime off of the bike, clean the rim braking surface, the brake pads and check all moving parts. Finished that in the back yard and a storm hit with hail the size of golf balls. My mini-van was parked outside and I couldn't rescue it in time to save it from damage. It looks like it got stoned. Luckily, I have full coverage - even though I will still have to pay the deductible (which I could of used for bike stuff).

But hey, the bike is okay. Got it in just before the hail started.

BB

Got some rain tonight. Beautiful! Let's hope we get some more.

It finally happened, we have a bright sunny morning in new england, I took the long way to work this morning, through the countryside, I saw many animals going about thier business, the traffic was very light. I did push a slight head wind most of the ride but I just spun easy and took my time, Overall my trip to work was 38 miles and it took me just under 2.5 hours. I hope the weather holds out, I may go home the same way.

BB: Glad the bike was brought inside before the storm hit

My commute was very nice. This morning was cooler than it has been for the past several days so I rode in with a long sleeve jersey and tights. I also tried using a pair of cycling gloves and found out that I don't like wearing gloves.

Finally, is us just me or do others have problems with your tights sliding down your regular bike shorts? It seemed every time I got out of the saddle they would slide down a bit

Zack

Another beautiful commute this morning: sunny but chilly (low 50's) with little headwind and mostly clear skies. Although I was a little tired this morning I latched on to another rider who pulled me along for the better part of 5 miles, we were averaging about 18 mph when he pulled away on the Wilson Bridge as I began my cooldown. Even though I've ridden most of my life, my legs are still getting used to the day to day strain of commuting and I feel them burning right now (could just be my morning's lack of stretching and warmup). In any case, I'm looking forward to my ride home, temps should be in the mid 70's.

Wow, it had been pour rain all night long and I expected a wet ride in this morning but it stopped just before I left. The air was so fresh and clean I decided to take the long way in. Part of the fun riding this time of year is that all the the trees and flowers are in bloom and the air is so fragrant. Ahhh, life is good.

Hi Folks,

The trip home last night saw yet another sidewall blowout on a rear tire. At least I was within a mile of home.
I have had 3 or 4 (cant exactly remember how many) instances of this in the last couple of years. Hutchinson Excel kevlars, which are otherwise good tires seem to suffer this problem. Unfortunately I had bought a couple of matching pairs....

Great ride in this morning on the other bike, though it was a bit cold.

Cheers,

Ed

I was able to finally ride without tights, jacket or even long sleeves...and I wore fingerless gloves! The morning sun was enough to keep me warm and happy. I absolutely flew in to work I was in such a good mood. I should have slowed down, or stayed out riding however, as a few individuals here at work quickly decimated my good spirits

Anyway, I'm thinking of blowing off and continuing down the nearby hwy to St. Helens. . . it's really nice outside!

I love the Spring and Fall when a bike commute requires neither putting on a coat or taking one off. Best of all, it was a beautiful sunny morning. I made really good time into work based purely on high spirits.

Paul

I had a light mist this morning and a head wind. Nice still wind on the way home. Spring is in the air.

Today was overcast, with a nasty diagonal head/crosswind which seemed to suck all the life out of my bike. I was surprised to discover that my climbing muscles were quite sore (did Cemetery Hill in a headwind yesterday.) I still rode in the long way, but I didn't climb the big hill. I did roll down it, though. (Good trick, huh?)

The cows are feeling frisky in this warm weather--I've seen a few run along with me lately. I'm glad the fence is there, I have no experience in reading cows' intentions.

Idiots, on the other hand, are easier to read. On the way home, some young men in a gold sports car tried to scare me by driving up behind me quietly, then holding down the horn, gunning the engine, and screaming loudly out the window as they passed. I was glad I was on the part of the highway with the paved shoulder (took the short route home) so I knew they weren't road ragers trying to get me off the road. I got a mild adrenaline rush, wasn't hurt or threatened or thrown-at in any way, so I guess I don't particularly mind someone exercising a juvenile sense of humor at my expense. I wish they wouldn't do it in traffic, though.

BTW, the route has offered several interesting opportunities to watch and compare various rates of decomposition in roadkill lately...a raccoon, a rat, a big pigeon, several smaller birds....

More rain this morning. Loved it. I loved it so much I got up at 4am to do a totally gratuitous and unnecessary 42km pre-work/pre-commute. It felt like I had the entire Gold Coast to myself! The only downside was arriving at work just as it started really p!ssing down.

Finally a ride in without a strong wind. Hopefully no headwind this evening.

It's still raining out there! This is incredible! Tonight I was greeted by the sight of the mist rolling in from the South Pacific while the rain came down. Awesome!!!

I had a nice ride home last night, no ride in this morning, Thursdays are my day off, I work at the shop and get home really late, When it's busy, I just don't feel like riding the 18.5 miles home.

Unusual ride in for me today. A mixed up training schedule led me to leave my messenger bag at work last night. I only realized it this a.m. So my ever-patient wife agreed to drop off my work clothes after she dropped off the kids. With no bag, I was free to ride the roadie, which I did.

So, in honor of Bike to Work Day, I engaged in a Zoom to Work Day. Realizing I had a 9am appointment I still squeezed in a monster hill ride, took a different route that was longer overall (25 miles), and was presented with a nasty headwind about halfway into the ride. Because of the 9am meeting, I basically sprinted the whole way. I am beat now, but charged up.

Didn't see that many other commuters on the way in but it could be that I was running a little late.

Since today is Bike to Work Day, I brought in a change of clothing on Wednesday and rode to work this morning. This weather was nice and cool, perfect morning conditions.

The first part of my ride I managed to get alot of green lights. Once I got into Sunnyvale the lights were more frequent and I managed to catch more of them. I've only commuted a few times but I counted 46 traffic lights over my 15 mile commute. And I need to find a better way to cross Hwy 101.

Anyone know if there are any good East-West routes around Moffet Field?

SteveE

Ah, the joys of commuting in traffic! Some dumb woman nearly collided with me on the way home yesterday. I'm travelling at a great rate of speed in the bike lane and am approaching a street that angles diagonally from the main highway I'm travelling. I had no intention of taking this road, but this woman chose to force the decision otherwise. She pulls alongside me, then proceeds to veer toward the intersecting road. I barely had time to swerve to avoid the side of her car now in my path, jam the brakes as I drew parallel, release the brakes as I hit a depressed storm grate, hit the brakes again and somehow remain upright through it all. I threw up my hands in exasperation and yelled, "Hey," but I'm not even sure she ever noticed me. . . she just continued on.

How could she not notice a fast paced cyclist with legs spinning mad, bright yellow jersey, and blinking lights? She barely overtook me to make the turn, so I was in her field of view, then right beside her? Ditz! My words uttered about her at the scene were much more colorful and derogatory, but I'm sure you all can guess what they might have been, so I'll leave you to imagine.

Anyway, I was cruising against a mild headwind and made great time discounting my slight detour. I think I am feeling the effects of both consistent, daily commuting through winter and now experiencing good weather; I'm feeling strong.

It's Bike to Work day? Well, I sure chose a fine day to relax and take the car.....

I thought it was tomorrow (Friday). Some LBSs are giving away some freebie trinkets. I don't know what exactly, but maybe I'll find out tomorrow.

I think it varies by city. Today was BTWD in Sactown. Free bagels and coffee by some local cafes for the ride in and a rally at lunchtime at the CalEPA building. Got a free bottle and patch kit from the LBS but didn't win the raffle for a $500 gift certificate. "C'mon! Baby needs a full Dura Ace upgrade!"

The bike path was packed this morning. Perfect temperature but a little breezy. Tonight I'll take a detour to the office softball game. Life is good.

cold

It's bike to work day, as is every other day. I got off to a slow start today, didn't really feel like riding, I started my trip under heavy cloud cover and quite cool temperatures, as I got going I felt better and the clouds started to move on. By the time I was half way to work the clouds were gone and I was graced with one of the nicest sunrises I've seen in a long time. It made my morning, I'm glad I decided to ride the bike today.

Well, today was my second day of bike-commuting. I was up early today, so left even earlier than yesterday. It was very grey and cloudy, with mistly/light rain coming down. The temperature was about 11 degrees Celcius, which is a bit warmer than yesterday, but it sure felt colder without the sun. However, I was wearing only shorts, synthetic T-shirt and lightweight long underwear over the T. I warmed up in about 3 mins and didn't feel the cold at all after that. The rain actually felt pretty good, as it woke me up very well! Got to work, had a shower (cold again) and here I am, at my desk, 1/2 hr before I need to be here. It's odd...most of the office is still dark, and there's only a few ppl out and about.

Well, guess that's it for now,

Darren
(Commuting since May 15, 2003)

Bloody hell! It's 'winter' here right now, and it's still warmer than that! I think it was about 15 degrees C this morning, and warmer still on the evening ride. Still, there's nothing quite like watching the full moon rise out of the South Pacific.