How was the commute today?
04-29-08, 12:20 PM
Dudebroguy
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Congrats mobilechimp and welcome to the Happy Healthy Commuting MuthaFers Club (HHCMF). We are universally admired, respected and desired by non-members for our ability to simultaneously save money and be healthy while commuting to work.
My commute today was windy and chilly (for NC in late April, that is). Missed the rain yesterday afternoon. Whoo hoo!
Oh, and a funny story to share with everyone. My bikes hang near the door to the house in the garage. Every afternoon when my 14-month-old daughter (that's her picture to the left) comes home and we carry her into the house, she insists on stopping at the bikes. She demands to be held close to my commuter and then touches the saddle, handlebars, barmap, computer, and seat tube and sometimes various other parts. As you might guess, I'm VERY pleased with this behavior and hope it's a sign of things to come. My wife....not so much.
My commute today was windy and chilly (for NC in late April, that is). Missed the rain yesterday afternoon. Whoo hoo!
Oh, and a funny story to share with everyone. My bikes hang near the door to the house in the garage. Every afternoon when my 14-month-old daughter (that's her picture to the left) comes home and we carry her into the house, she insists on stopping at the bikes. She demands to be held close to my commuter and then touches the saddle, handlebars, barmap, computer, and seat tube and sometimes various other parts. As you might guess, I'm VERY pleased with this behavior and hope it's a sign of things to come. My wife....not so much.
Ooooooh when do I get my membership card!
04-29-08, 01:16 PM
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Very windy, 80's and the engine is starting to show signs of exhaustion. Avg. was only 14mph, only my 4th day commuting.
04-29-08, 01:22 PM
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Ride in was okay - but I'm tired & my legs are tired. Commuting on a single speed is fun, but more work. I'm not really looking forward to the ride home. Oh yeah, and my commute is only 8.5km. Sad, I know.
04-29-08, 01:40 PM
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it was raining all day yesterday so no ride. it was raining again this morning, so no ride... only now the sun has come out and it looks beautiful and perfect. i'm kicking myself now because i have to take the subway home instead of enjoying being outside w/ wind in my hair and adrenaline in my veins 
04-29-08, 02:04 PM
On your what?!?
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Nice morning! Temp was over 50F! (or so they said on the TV) & NO WIND!
Was fun to bike commute with my girl for part of the way. Sure made the fist half of the commute go by so much faster. Once we hit the PRT she turned south, and I headed north.
It was like car-pooling, only better.
Was fun to bike commute with my girl for part of the way. Sure made the fist half of the commute go by so much faster. Once we hit the PRT she turned south, and I headed north.
It was like car-pooling, only better.
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My web site.
Proud member of Colorado's Best Cycling Club - Club Hypoxia
04-29-08, 05:13 PM
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WOE AND MISERY...
Yesterday
Yesterday
04-29-08, 05:17 PM
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WOE AND MISERY...yesterday I did my 29.2 mile commute from North Andover MA to Boston. On the way home it was raining cats and dogs, which meant that the interior of my Novara panniers were going to get wet. Not a problem, because my BlackBerry and pager were in a plastic bag, right?
Well, not if the plastic bag has a microscopic hole in it, and not if the panniers accumulate water in the bottom of the bag. So two hours in pouring rain were just enough to dunk the BlackBerry, rendering it a very expensive paperweight. Should'a paid for the insurance on it. Oh well. But it was a good excuse to get a new BlackBerry Pearl.
Anyone have any clever tricks they use to ensure that electronics stay dry? Obviously, more bags, or brand-new bags, would be better than what I used. But anyone do anything interesting?
Well, not if the plastic bag has a microscopic hole in it, and not if the panniers accumulate water in the bottom of the bag. So two hours in pouring rain were just enough to dunk the BlackBerry, rendering it a very expensive paperweight. Should'a paid for the insurance on it. Oh well. But it was a good excuse to get a new BlackBerry Pearl.
Anyone have any clever tricks they use to ensure that electronics stay dry? Obviously, more bags, or brand-new bags, would be better than what I used. But anyone do anything interesting?
04-29-08, 05:26 PM
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WOE AND MISERY...yesterday I did my 29.2 mile commute from North Andover MA to Boston. On the way home it was raining cats and dogs, which meant that the interior of my Novara panniers were going to get wet. Not a problem, because my BlackBerry and pager were in a plastic bag, right?
Well, not if the plastic bag has a microscopic hole in it, and not if the panniers accumulate water in the bottom of the bag. So two hours in pouring rain were just enough to dunk the BlackBerry, rendering it a very expensive paperweight. Should'a paid for the insurance on it. Oh well. But it was a good excuse to get a new BlackBerry Pearl.
Anyone have any clever tricks they use to ensure that electronics stay dry? Obviously, more bags, or brand-new bags, would be better than what I used. But anyone do anything interesting?
Well, not if the plastic bag has a microscopic hole in it, and not if the panniers accumulate water in the bottom of the bag. So two hours in pouring rain were just enough to dunk the BlackBerry, rendering it a very expensive paperweight. Should'a paid for the insurance on it. Oh well. But it was a good excuse to get a new BlackBerry Pearl.
Anyone have any clever tricks they use to ensure that electronics stay dry? Obviously, more bags, or brand-new bags, would be better than what I used. But anyone do anything interesting?
04-29-08, 05:42 PM
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A bit of rain killed the thing? Was it at the bottom of the bag sitting in a puddle? Perhaps putting a drain hole in the bottom of the bag would have at least helped it from submerging. Most electronics can survive a healthy wetting as long as they don't submerge, and some will even bounce back if given time to dry out with the power supply taken out. In the future perhaps just turn it off (and maybe even take the battery out) before you ride. If it gets wet give it a few days to dry off (taking it apart helps if you are comfortable with it).
In the future, naturally, I'll double-bag it and/or put it in one of those hard plastic things designed to carry your money & credit cards in while you're swimming, and I'll pack it in the top pockets where a puddle can't form. Live and learn...only you can prevent forest fires.
04-29-08, 05:46 PM
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Wow. Riding this mountain bike 10 miles each way is kicking my rear.
2.1" wide knobby tires do make a cool noise when you are riding at about 20 mph. Anyhow, I may just keep this as my primary commute. Basically, a shorter and more intense ride. I think I may actually be getting a better workout.
2.1" wide knobby tires do make a cool noise when you are riding at about 20 mph. Anyhow, I may just keep this as my primary commute. Basically, a shorter and more intense ride. I think I may actually be getting a better workout.
04-29-08, 05:48 PM
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A cheap item to include with your regular gear is a hair net. They are really light and can pack really small. You can even get a few free ones the next time you stay in a hotel . I have big square panniers that can hold water too and a hair net fits right over them. So long as you aren't going too fast (I wouldn't know how fast) they should stay on fairly well, and keep your stuff pretty dry.
. I have big square panniers that can hold water too and a hair net fits right over them. So long as you aren't going too fast (I wouldn't know how fast) they should stay on fairly well, and keep your stuff pretty dry.
04-29-08, 06:55 PM
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Because I had to work absurdly late this evening, I at least was able to miss rush hour coming home. Riding home was much more pleasant than usual...
04-29-08, 09:09 PM
----
WOE AND MISERY...yesterday I did my 29.2 mile commute from North Andover MA to Boston. On the way home it was raining cats and dogs, which meant that the interior of my Novara panniers were going to get wet. Not a problem, because my BlackBerry and pager were in a plastic bag, right?
Well, not if the plastic bag has a microscopic hole in it, and not if the panniers accumulate water in the bottom of the bag. So two hours in pouring rain were just enough to dunk the BlackBerry, rendering it a very expensive paperweight. Should'a paid for the insurance on it. Oh well. But it was a good excuse to get a new BlackBerry Pearl.
Anyone have any clever tricks they use to ensure that electronics stay dry? Obviously, more bags, or brand-new bags, would be better than what I used. But anyone do anything interesting?
Well, not if the plastic bag has a microscopic hole in it, and not if the panniers accumulate water in the bottom of the bag. So two hours in pouring rain were just enough to dunk the BlackBerry, rendering it a very expensive paperweight. Should'a paid for the insurance on it. Oh well. But it was a good excuse to get a new BlackBerry Pearl.
Anyone have any clever tricks they use to ensure that electronics stay dry? Obviously, more bags, or brand-new bags, would be better than what I used. But anyone do anything interesting?
first of all- congrats on a long commute. I rode in that rain, too- my commute's only 10.5 each way and it was a soaker but what a bummer to have the water get in the panniers! I think you really wanted a new BlackBerry Pearl.
I'm paranoid when I carry any expensive electronics on my bike- super bags and tight when I carry stuff- your post had made me even more paranoid.My commute today was windy again with a touch of rain on the way home. Slow ride home into the headwind.
04-30-08, 05:38 AM
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This is my first week commuting, 2nd trip due to rain. It was pretty damn cold in MA, but I toughed it out and warmed up pretty quick. Its a 14 mile one way commute, takes about 70 min. The funniest part was me getting passed by a much older guy while I was climbing a hill! I need to get some panniers or a proper messenger bag, I have this big bulky messenger style bag that moves every time I stand up.
04-30-08, 05:53 AM
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very chilly this morning at 40F compared to the way it has been here (57F+) - actually had to break out my jacket and pants instead of just wearing shorts and t-shirt. Good ride in - no incidents.
04-30-08, 06:08 AM
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I was running 5 minutes ahead of time this morning, so something had to come up. When I got ready to leave home, I realized the rear tire on my commuter bike was flat. I couldn't ride one of my other bikes because I had too much gear to carry today and only my commuter has a large enough seatbag. So, I fixed the flat. Actually, I put a new tube AND tire on my bike because the Panaracer Paselas I've been using had 2,400 miles on them and I figured they might be due for a change. Surprisingly, they still have a lot of tread left, but I didn't have time to search for the cause of the leak, so slapped on the new tire and tube.
I suspect the flat was a slow leak caused by hitting a large piece of gravel dead-on yesterday morning. It was large enough to make the rear of my bike jump. Also, I was experimenting running a slightly lower pressure in my tires to see how they would ride. Bad decision. From experience, the best way to prevent flats is to keep your tires pumped up to full pressure. Now that I recall, my ride home was surprisingly slow and my bike felt a little squirrely, so the air pressure was probably already getting low.
Another gorgeous day in NC. Sunny and relatively cool. The high yesterday was only 60F, which is chilly for the SE this time of year. This morning, the low was about 40F, also very unseasonal.
I suspect the flat was a slow leak caused by hitting a large piece of gravel dead-on yesterday morning. It was large enough to make the rear of my bike jump. Also, I was experimenting running a slightly lower pressure in my tires to see how they would ride. Bad decision. From experience, the best way to prevent flats is to keep your tires pumped up to full pressure. Now that I recall, my ride home was surprisingly slow and my bike felt a little squirrely, so the air pressure was probably already getting low.
Another gorgeous day in NC. Sunny and relatively cool. The high yesterday was only 60F, which is chilly for the SE this time of year. This morning, the low was about 40F, also very unseasonal.
04-30-08, 06:26 AM
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Nice to see the sun this morning after all the grey and rain we had yesterday. When I rolled out of the driveway it was 40f so I grabbed my lightweight gloves which was just what I needed.
Great ride in although my legs felt a bit tired since I ran at the gym last night.
Feeling lean and energized.
It seems that my chain on my steamroller is loose again, I think I may look into a tensioner so I don't have to fiddle with it as much, from what I have read I don't want to end up throwing a chain.
Love commuting fixed
Great ride in although my legs felt a bit tired since I ran at the gym last night.
Feeling lean and energized.
It seems that my chain on my steamroller is loose again, I think I may look into a tensioner so I don't have to fiddle with it as much, from what I have read I don't want to end up throwing a chain.
Love commuting fixed
04-30-08, 06:29 AM
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Still stuck in the cage ... My knee is responding nicely though so I plan to ride Thursday. I can't wait.
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Last edited by dalmore; 04-30-08 at 06:37 AM.
04-30-08, 06:34 AM
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Nice ride this morning. Mid 30Fs, sunshine, and a very light wind at my back. I caught up to a girl on an MTB who was riding with a pink tennis racket dangling from her bars. I used her to set an effortless pace for me. 12 or 13MPH mostly. I'm running after work so I don't want to blow up my legs commuting.
12 or 13MPH mostly. I'm running after work so I don't want to blow up my legs commuting.
04-30-08, 06:36 AM
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Ok isn't it almost May? An unseasonably cool ride this morning made my legs feel a bit old.
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04-30-08, 07:27 AM
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Got in 11 bike commute days this month. Feeling good about that.
Mid 30s this morning after a few days of rain. Some damp spots on the road, which I think scared the other bike commuters away - didn't see any today.
The morning after two days of rain leaves interesting things in the road. Got to work to find worm guts on the seat stay. Eww.
Moderate headwinds predicted for the ride home. Won't be a record-breaking run, then.
Mid 30s this morning after a few days of rain. Some damp spots on the road, which I think scared the other bike commuters away - didn't see any today.
The morning after two days of rain leaves interesting things in the road. Got to work to find worm guts on the seat stay. Eww.
Moderate headwinds predicted for the ride home. Won't be a record-breaking run, then.
04-30-08, 07:28 AM
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20-30 mph headwind on the way in =
30-40 mph tailwind on the way home this afternoon =
I can't wait!
However, some a** in a truck with the front sticking out in the right lane about 80% of the way just past the intersection came up with an interesting joke. He thought it would be funny to wait for the light to turn green with me 1st in the right lane and motorists in the left before pulling out into the left lane right as I was about to pass across his front bumper. Needless to say we exchanged a few choice words.
30-40 mph tailwind on the way home this afternoon =
I can't wait!However, some a** in a truck with the front sticking out in the right lane about 80% of the way just past the intersection came up with an interesting joke. He thought it would be funny to wait for the light to turn green with me 1st in the right lane and motorists in the left before pulling out into the left lane right as I was about to pass across his front bumper. Needless to say we exchanged a few choice words.
04-30-08, 08:49 AM
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Why didn't I wear gloves? OMG my finger tips were absolutely frozen this morning! Live and learn
04-30-08, 09:21 AM
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Wore gloves this AM, glad I did! Was a bit chilly for this fair weather commuter. Had a decent headwind for most of the commute, (it was coming out of the NW and I was going north then west!) All the pollen in the air had my eyes watering pretty bad, of course right at the roughest section of road that I encounter on my ride in. Argh! Made it in OK, not a record time or anything, but was nice to get to ride in this week, as the rest of the week will be determined by the morning radar data.
04-30-08, 09:27 AM
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Wore gloves this AM, glad I did! Was a bit chilly for this fair weather commuter. Had a decent headwind for most of the commute, (it was coming out of the NW and I was going north then west!) All the pollen in the air had my eyes watering pretty bad, of course right at the roughest section of road that I encounter on my ride in. Argh! Made it in OK, not a record time or anything, but was nice to get to ride in this week, as the rest of the week will be determined by the morning radar data.
