How was the commute today?
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
It was 25*F this morning here. I've been wearing full finger gloves in the morning for several days, and sometimes in the evening too (it was 40 yesterday at 4PM). Today it's supposed to be 59 so I'd normally switch gloves, but I can only find one of them so I guess I'm wearing the full gloves this afternoon too.
The commute was beautiful, as it always is.
A couple of weeks ago being on a bike helped a lot; a truck had managed to wedge itself under the stone railway bridge in town, leaving only about 5 feet on either side of it. I asked the cop if I could go through, he said "Sure, you're the only one that can." Everyone else had to detour about 3 miles.
The commute was beautiful, as it always is.
A couple of weeks ago being on a bike helped a lot; a truck had managed to wedge itself under the stone railway bridge in town, leaving only about 5 feet on either side of it. I asked the cop if I could go through, he said "Sure, you're the only one that can." Everyone else had to detour about 3 miles.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Some strong headwind today but i was rewarded with wonderful temperatures around 59 F. Warming up to the 70s for the ride home. To boot only a few cars on my commute this am and very few red lights.
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 182
From: south Puget Sound
Nice sunny ride. Must be spring, my wife rode today, 1st time since a bad day MLK week, which itself was the 1st time probably since November or October. So I rode w/ 6 yr old to his school as usual, and she trailered 3 yr old downtown to her daycare, and we wound up meeting, fortuitously, at about my halfway mark. I will trailer 3 yr old back up the hill at the end of the day.
Seeing things
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Maryland, USA
Bikes: '73 Bertin, '04 LeMond Poprad, Miyata 1000, and counting...
Full gloves this morning for me too. ~43F/6C.
Kinda strange to be wearing shorts and full-fingers, I guess, but my fingertips are extra sensitive to cold (a winter climbing indescretion in my youth).
Kinda strange to be wearing shorts and full-fingers, I guess, but my fingertips are extra sensitive to cold (a winter climbing indescretion in my youth).
Paleo Pennsylvania
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Trevose, Pa
Bikes: 2008 Surly Cross Check Blk
Contrapuntal
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Today was almost perfect - cloudy & breezy & 65 degrees. A big relief after the last few days here (80s in the morning, 90s by afternoon). Bit of a headwind but not too bad.
The baby bunnies are out on the MUP in force - they haven't yet figured out how to handle traffic, so tend to freeze when they see me coming, then bolt at the very last minute. Almost always in the right direction. So my ride is a bit repetitive:
"Oh the cuteness! Awwww!"
(+2 sec) "Time to run, little fella!"
(+2 sec) "No, you need to run NOW!!"
(+1 sec) "NO REALLY GET OFF THE ROAD!"
(+.375 sec) "LEFT OR RIGHT - Move it NOW, dumb@ss!"
<bolt>
"Stupid G*ddmn bunnies"
15 seconds later... "Oh the cuteness!"
I suppose if one does get caught in the spokes I am doing my part for natural selection. Ick.
The baby bunnies are out on the MUP in force - they haven't yet figured out how to handle traffic, so tend to freeze when they see me coming, then bolt at the very last minute. Almost always in the right direction. So my ride is a bit repetitive:
"Oh the cuteness! Awwww!"
(+2 sec) "Time to run, little fella!"
(+2 sec) "No, you need to run NOW!!"
(+1 sec) "NO REALLY GET OFF THE ROAD!"
(+.375 sec) "LEFT OR RIGHT - Move it NOW, dumb@ss!"
<bolt>
"Stupid G*ddmn bunnies"
15 seconds later... "Oh the cuteness!"
I suppose if one does get caught in the spokes I am doing my part for natural selection. Ick.
my nose itches
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Temple, Texas
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2013 Redline Conquest Disc
Mid 40s so a little chilly in short sleeves and shorts, but just a light wind. A nice ride. Will be in the low 80s this afternoon with maybe a bit of a tailwind.
Back in the game...

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Keller, TX
Bikes: 1985 Trek 400; 1999 Specialized Rock Hopper (rigid, slicks); 2007 Crosscheck
Yikes! I got a late start this morning, and was in knee warmers in 60 degrees - that felt perfect!
Ride this morning started off pretty well. 12+ MPH winds across my bow, but they didn't bother me because I knew that 6 miles in I would turn and they would blow me the rest of the way to the office. Except... About 6 miles in I started to feel some wobbling in my left pedal - first thought it might be a loose cleat, but it was holding so I kept going. Wobble got more noticeable and I started to get worried, so about 8 miles in I pulled into a driveway and proceeded to check out the cleat (nope); pedal (nope); crank (Damn... loose...) My multi-tool doesn't have that sized wrench, so I used to carry a wrench in my bag that size, but apparently used it for something and didn't put it back. So, 8 miles in, with 7 to go, and less than an hour to my next meeting, I called dw - "Please come pick me up..." Cute girl I've seen at the LBS rode by on a tri bike and offered to help, but had absolutely no tools with her... Nice of her to stop by, though.
Ride last night was into a brutal headwind - seemed like it took forever, but I felt great at the end of it. Very nice...
Ride this morning started off pretty well. 12+ MPH winds across my bow, but they didn't bother me because I knew that 6 miles in I would turn and they would blow me the rest of the way to the office. Except... About 6 miles in I started to feel some wobbling in my left pedal - first thought it might be a loose cleat, but it was holding so I kept going. Wobble got more noticeable and I started to get worried, so about 8 miles in I pulled into a driveway and proceeded to check out the cleat (nope); pedal (nope); crank (Damn... loose...) My multi-tool doesn't have that sized wrench, so I used to carry a wrench in my bag that size, but apparently used it for something and didn't put it back. So, 8 miles in, with 7 to go, and less than an hour to my next meeting, I called dw - "Please come pick me up..." Cute girl I've seen at the LBS rode by on a tri bike and offered to help, but had absolutely no tools with her... Nice of her to stop by, though.
Ride last night was into a brutal headwind - seemed like it took forever, but I felt great at the end of it. Very nice...
runnin' down a dream
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere out there
Bikes: Turner Flux, Orbea Onix Dama.
kipuka explorer

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 2
From: Hilo Town, East Hawai'i
Bikes: 1994 Trek 820, 2004 Fuji Absolute, 2005 Jamis Nova, 1977 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36
My fricken plastic fender spontaneously snapped in half and started dragging on the ground! Fortunately I only had about 200 feet left to go. I taped it back together, but now every time I hit a bump the fender drags on the tire for a moment. Skip, skip, skip... Need to order a new one from Nashbar.
__________________
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
Would have been a perfect commute had I not gotten a late start and then a flat tire 1/3 of the way in to work. Made me slightly late to work, had to play a little catch up. 39*F, no wind, sweats, T-shirt and a light jacket were perfect.
Ride home was sporty - intense traffic, bit of a headwind, 60*F. Otherwise, pretty good.
Got some grease on my Brooks saddle when I changed the tube, darn it.
Ride home was sporty - intense traffic, bit of a headwind, 60*F. Otherwise, pretty good.
Got some grease on my Brooks saddle when I changed the tube, darn it.
Not the most stellar of commutes today. Started off a little late, so trying to make it up, when I'm greeted with a 20 mph headwind for the majority of my ride. I then hit a critical part of my commute where I must switch sides of a busy, wide street. I get tot he center, try to quasi-track stand, unclip my right (as always), but fall left. Ruined my favorite pair of plaid shorts, left some flesh on the inside of my favorite bibs, scraped up my seat (a Selle Italia which I acquired at a 70% discount), and now must replace at least the left side of my bar wrap.
And it might rain tonight, which makes a 6:00 a.m. return home a little chilly. Thank God it's my Friday.
And it might rain tonight, which makes a 6:00 a.m. return home a little chilly. Thank God it's my Friday.
n00b-sauce
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Guymon, OK
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse SL 2, Trek 1000
Just went to Wal-Mart for groceries. 6 miles round trip. Head wind both ways, gusts of 25mph, steady at around 10mph though. Gotta love Oklahoma.
circus bear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Bikes: 97(?) GT Richochet, 00 Schwinn SuperSport
not too shabby! The MTB has a popped spoke already so I took out the SS for the very first time. The last 2 miles into work are all uphill so THAT was interesting...And a whole lot of just spinning down hills for now. Geared pretty low since I didn't know where to start, what with the inclines to work.
Caught a fella from my work site on the way home and kept up and lead after a bit. Guess he has been off the bike for most of the winter. Almost had two head-ons with spring roadies, the first one refusing to not ride two abreast with is partner. Felt jerseys on that one. The second was a fella merging onto the MUP and he drifted towards me as I was coming out of the MUP. I think it scared him more than me even though I was on the last 11/2 inches of path before coming off into bad siding.
Oh well. Its Spring.
oh yeah, I'm running 53/20 on the Panic. Not too bad but after a couple of weeks I think I'll need to step up the rear to about an 18, maybe a 17/16 if I feel like dry heaving on the way to work.
Caught a fella from my work site on the way home and kept up and lead after a bit. Guess he has been off the bike for most of the winter. Almost had two head-ons with spring roadies, the first one refusing to not ride two abreast with is partner. Felt jerseys on that one. The second was a fella merging onto the MUP and he drifted towards me as I was coming out of the MUP. I think it scared him more than me even though I was on the last 11/2 inches of path before coming off into bad siding.
Oh well. Its Spring.

oh yeah, I'm running 53/20 on the Panic. Not too bad but after a couple of weeks I think I'll need to step up the rear to about an 18, maybe a 17/16 if I feel like dry heaving on the way to work.
Living Life On Two Wheels
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Salinas in California
Bikes: Giant Rincon 2007 Model - Black & Grey
Rain -
how about this ride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgR_qXFt4wg
Pretty straight forward day keeps life interesting.
how about this ride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgR_qXFt4wgPretty straight forward day keeps life interesting.
Living Life On Two Wheels
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Salinas in California
Bikes: Giant Rincon 2007 Model - Black & Grey
datajunkie - glad to hear the good news, definitely welcome back ... it is the mark of a true cycle commuter who comes back after an accident to ride again bravo. Good news is great to hear.
Anyone try using a cutup milk carton for the fender?
Anyone try using a cutup milk carton for the fender?
Living Life On Two Wheels
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Salinas in California
Bikes: Giant Rincon 2007 Model - Black & Grey
Gloves are good.
The commute in was awesome. It was finally shorts weather! My bright white legs made me more visible to motorists.
I had my first really scary dog encounter, though. Right when I was getting off the bike path, I saw a gorgeous, unleashed, scary fast husky. He had this look on his face (his whole body, actually) like "OMFG it's a TOY! And there's a FOOD on top of it! LET'S GO!" He sprinted down the off-ramp from the path to the street. I got off my bike and stood still. The dog's owners called him back. I walked my bike until I saw one of the owners, a teenage boy, put a leash on the dog.
The ride back, surprisingly, was also awesome. I've been having trouble with my commutes, especially the ride back, ever since I started. A three-mile bike ride should not leave me exhausted! I asked the internet and my brother for advice. They told me to raise my seat, go really slow, and take breaks. I raised my seat (I'm not sure it's enough, but I feel a difference) and took it really slow on the way home. It helped! I do not feel like my legs are going to fall off. Yay!
I had my first really scary dog encounter, though. Right when I was getting off the bike path, I saw a gorgeous, unleashed, scary fast husky. He had this look on his face (his whole body, actually) like "OMFG it's a TOY! And there's a FOOD on top of it! LET'S GO!" He sprinted down the off-ramp from the path to the street. I got off my bike and stood still. The dog's owners called him back. I walked my bike until I saw one of the owners, a teenage boy, put a leash on the dog.The ride back, surprisingly, was also awesome. I've been having trouble with my commutes, especially the ride back, ever since I started. A three-mile bike ride should not leave me exhausted! I asked the internet and my brother for advice. They told me to raise my seat, go really slow, and take breaks. I raised my seat (I'm not sure it's enough, but I feel a difference) and took it really slow on the way home. It helped! I do not feel like my legs are going to fall off. Yay!
Super Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: San Clemente, CA
Bikes: 2008 Fuji Roubaix, 1988 Peugeot Monaco; 1985 Peugeot PH501
I logged 41 miles today, to make up for not riding on Friday, Monday or Tuesday; nor tomorrow or Friday
I did an extra 7 on the way in by riding to the train station one stop away, and did the full 30 miles home. This was my second week with and SPD shoe/pedal setup. I got it with the intention of traveling farther, so I put it to the test tonight.
I had never driven the route so I didn't know what to expect. I'd say 17+miles were some sort of uphill grade and I was fighting a constant headwind. It took me 2.33 hours which puts me somewhere around 12.5 mph average; not to bad considering all the stoplights, hills and 5 min pit stop for a powerbar and redbull (I've got to keep some more afternoon snacks at the office). And besides being incredibly hungry, my body feels otherwise fine.

I did an extra 7 on the way in by riding to the train station one stop away, and did the full 30 miles home. This was my second week with and SPD shoe/pedal setup. I got it with the intention of traveling farther, so I put it to the test tonight.
I had never driven the route so I didn't know what to expect. I'd say 17+miles were some sort of uphill grade and I was fighting a constant headwind. It took me 2.33 hours which puts me somewhere around 12.5 mph average; not to bad considering all the stoplights, hills and 5 min pit stop for a powerbar and redbull (I've got to keep some more afternoon snacks at the office). And besides being incredibly hungry, my body feels otherwise fine.
Seeing things
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Maryland, USA
Bikes: '73 Bertin, '04 LeMond Poprad, Miyata 1000, and counting...
~40F/4.5C, clear and calm. Shorts and gloves again. A little chilly for the first mile or so (downhill incline in steps), but zips open and sleeves pushed up the rest of the way (microweight Smartwool and hi vis vest).
Too bad my job is not really a good fit for me--day-in and day-out, I couldn't ask for a better ride situation (though many days it feels too short).
Too bad my job is not really a good fit for me--day-in and day-out, I couldn't ask for a better ride situation (though many days it feels too short).
Rim crusher
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Exceedingly pleasant ride in today! ~50F with no winds on the way in. Will have to deal with a 10-15 mph headwind on the way home, but other than that, should be a picture perfect day at ~78F with low humidity.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
The weather doesn't get any better than this in NC. Sunny, light wind and mild temperatures. The pollen is finally starting to let up. We better enjoy it while it lasts, as it doesn't take long for the afternoon temperatures to start hitting 90F and higher.
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Low 30s(F) and sunny. No wind. Caught two cyclists. Passed one. Let the other one set my pace. Saw a couple of cyclists going the other way, too.
Also, BEAVER! Destructive little beasts. I might start commuting with my gun. I need a new fur hat.
Also, BEAVER! Destructive little beasts. I might start commuting with my gun. I need a new fur hat.

Hi, my name is Tom and I'm a bicycle commuter...
Today was my first ride from my apartment to my office (Downtown Jacksonville, NC to Camp Lejeune, NC).
I'm lucky in that the entire way is a fitness trail. The traffic 'round these parts is pretty darned scary.
It's just more than 7 miles and it took just at an hour (I enjoy a leisurely pace!)
I'm so glad that the City spent a little bit of money for the Rails-to-Trails project. It's definitely better (safer, less stressful) to ride the paths than on the streets with 43,000 Marines that have nothing better to do than curse, yell, honk, or throw stuff at cyclsts (been the recipient of all that before!).
The weather was a bit chilly for me. Even though I had a long sleeve shirt over a t-shirt, and shorts (I can't ride in pants. Makes me crazy) I was a bit more cool than I prefer. Of course, a hot shower at my office made that all better!
It's the bike from now on, baby!
Today was my first ride from my apartment to my office (Downtown Jacksonville, NC to Camp Lejeune, NC).
I'm lucky in that the entire way is a fitness trail. The traffic 'round these parts is pretty darned scary.
It's just more than 7 miles and it took just at an hour (I enjoy a leisurely pace!)
I'm so glad that the City spent a little bit of money for the Rails-to-Trails project. It's definitely better (safer, less stressful) to ride the paths than on the streets with 43,000 Marines that have nothing better to do than curse, yell, honk, or throw stuff at cyclsts (been the recipient of all that before!).
The weather was a bit chilly for me. Even though I had a long sleeve shirt over a t-shirt, and shorts (I can't ride in pants. Makes me crazy) I was a bit more cool than I prefer. Of course, a hot shower at my office made that all better!
It's the bike from now on, baby!
Where did whooooo go

Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: UTOPIA
Bikes: trek 7100, 70's schwinn free spirit.{building into the second commuter}
40's, sunny, fog rising off the smokies...., somewhere a bird chirps.... get there and feel the endorphine rush.. ahh life is good! Man I missed this! Terri is finally out for the next few months so I can ride again... not so many stops to make... I never thought I would miss cycling this much.




