How was the commute today?
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 180
From: south Puget Sound
Whew scooted out of work a bit early at 3:30 and the gridlock had already begun, about an hour early. Nice to ride past them all. Although w/ one 7 min agonizing light sequence (2 lights a half mile apart) a motorcycle person I had passed a long time ago did eventually get a large lead on me.
Rather scary commute this morning, entirely my own fault.
I decided to ride my Bertoni today, which is by far my fastest bike and one that always tempts me to go faster than I should. I turned out of my apartment complex and began riding (quite fast) to the entrance of the MUP parking lot which is about a quarter mile away. I always like to turn into the entrance at a pretty good speed because it's fun, and on this bike I can really let loose! So I got up to about 20-22-ish and as I'm approaching the turn I start checking for loose gravel, debris, etc. Nothing there so I go for it. That's when I notice that the gate is locked and approaching fast as it's no farther than 15 feet away from the main road! I laid on the brakes hard, the rear wheel locked up as I slid sideways, then it lifted off the ground. My right foot came off the pedal and touched the ground, and I was stopped. About 8 inches from the gate. Whew! If I had been on any of my other road bikes without modern brakes, I doubt I'd be at home typing this right now! Of course, on my other bikes I wouldn't have been going as fast...
Needless to say, I'll be looking at the gate from now on.
I decided to ride my Bertoni today, which is by far my fastest bike and one that always tempts me to go faster than I should. I turned out of my apartment complex and began riding (quite fast) to the entrance of the MUP parking lot which is about a quarter mile away. I always like to turn into the entrance at a pretty good speed because it's fun, and on this bike I can really let loose! So I got up to about 20-22-ish and as I'm approaching the turn I start checking for loose gravel, debris, etc. Nothing there so I go for it. That's when I notice that the gate is locked and approaching fast as it's no farther than 15 feet away from the main road! I laid on the brakes hard, the rear wheel locked up as I slid sideways, then it lifted off the ground. My right foot came off the pedal and touched the ground, and I was stopped. About 8 inches from the gate. Whew! If I had been on any of my other road bikes without modern brakes, I doubt I'd be at home typing this right now! Of course, on my other bikes I wouldn't have been going as fast...Needless to say, I'll be looking at the gate from now on.
Foggy.
And fog is very rare in southern Saskatchewan.
I was soaked when I got to work yet I wasn't riding in the rain.
And fog is very rare in southern Saskatchewan.
I was soaked when I got to work yet I wasn't riding in the rain.
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
For some reason that picture makes me want to go flying. 
I had a nice ride home today. Another beautiful sunny afternoon. I stopped over the Winooski River and was admiring the Adirondacks and one of my neighbors rode past but didn't recognize me. I chased him down and said hi. He was commuting home too. He said if he's really lucky, maybe someday he'll be as fast as me.

I had a nice ride home today. Another beautiful sunny afternoon. I stopped over the Winooski River and was admiring the Adirondacks and one of my neighbors rode past but didn't recognize me. I chased him down and said hi. He was commuting home too. He said if he's really lucky, maybe someday he'll be as fast as me.
Full Member

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 461
Likes: 42
From: Fishers Indiana
Bikes: Longbikes Slipstream
End of good 600+ mile month yesteday, and extra bonus to finally have a warm, humid, evening (85F) to ride home. Rotten grinding rear bearing noise the last 5 miles, but it'll give me something to do today now that the storm is passed.
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Longbikes Slipstream
Longbikes Slipstream
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
I have to work today. I missed my favorite group ride and today was probably an epic day. Lots of big horses and a strong crosswind means great suffering in the midpack. But here I am at my desk. So I stopped at Peet's for a large Major and a bar of Scharffen Berger. The girl at the counter said "Now that's a great breakfast!"
Yeah, the Dutch diet. I think I'm going to have mayonnaise-slathered fries for lunch.
Yeah, the Dutch diet. I think I'm going to have mayonnaise-slathered fries for lunch.
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: huntington beach, ca
Bikes: Scattante CFR, Giant Trance 4
^that sounds damn good.
my commute yesturday was very nice, i took the shorter non PCH route and used the mountain bike instead of the road bike. i like doing a little offroading on the dirt paths and off the curbs here and there too
my commute yesturday was very nice, i took the shorter non PCH route and used the mountain bike instead of the road bike. i like doing a little offroading on the dirt paths and off the curbs here and there too
Registered User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
My commute is awesome!
I head out the door around 5:15 AM go down to the U of A masters swim practice at 6 AM until 7 AM which is 10 miles. Take a shower and then ride another 10 miles to work. Work then ride another 10 miles home for a total of 30 miles and 1 hour of swimming.
This is a good site on gas prices and why commuting on a bike is the way to go.
www.gasbuddy.com
I head out the door around 5:15 AM go down to the U of A masters swim practice at 6 AM until 7 AM which is 10 miles. Take a shower and then ride another 10 miles to work. Work then ride another 10 miles home for a total of 30 miles and 1 hour of swimming.
This is a good site on gas prices and why commuting on a bike is the way to go.
www.gasbuddy.com
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
My commute on Sat morn. started out as usual at 4:10am. I checked the weather radar to see where the storms were. I saw what looked to be an open window in the storm front that stretched back to the other side of Union county. Cool, I said. Looks like I'm going to avoid getting dumped on. No such luck. I got about halfway thru my commute and ran into a wall of water. I ducked into a Hotel overhang and put my rain gear on, then continued on. That storm front was moving fast. Later I found out that it was moving at about 60mph. Anyway, the rain got worse, coming down in buckets. My feet got soaked even with the shoe covers on. So much for being water-proof. Had to dodge a few lightning bolts. Boy, those will get your attention. Made it to the BP in Linworth to get a paper, and by the time I came back out it stopped. Only to start up again as I was at work. Tis the season. The aftn ride was the usual great ride in the sun with a nice tailwind. More storms to come later.
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_________________
Yesterday was my third commute in the past 11 days of work. My commute is 71 kms round trip ... not something I do everyday. However, yesterday's ride ended up being 75 kms.
The ride to work was great! The starting temp was 8 degrees, and it was about 12 degrees by the time I arrived. The sun was shining, and I had a tailwind all the way.
Everything was green and lovely ... I wish it would stay that way ... and the birds were singing. It was one of those mornings where cycling is a joy.
Going home was a bit more challenging. It was windy - a headwind - so that slowed me up. I also decided to explore a different route. However, I got a bit mixed up, and took a road I didn't intend to take which added an extra 4 kms to the route. I won't likely be repeating that. But I think I found the route I meant to take and it might be a bit shorter. I see next time I commute.
The ride to work was great! The starting temp was 8 degrees, and it was about 12 degrees by the time I arrived. The sun was shining, and I had a tailwind all the way.
Everything was green and lovely ... I wish it would stay that way ... and the birds were singing. It was one of those mornings where cycling is a joy.Going home was a bit more challenging. It was windy - a headwind - so that slowed me up. I also decided to explore a different route. However, I got a bit mixed up, and took a road I didn't intend to take which added an extra 4 kms to the route. I won't likely be repeating that. But I think I found the route I meant to take and it might be a bit shorter. I see next time I commute.
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Oakland, Ca
Bikes: Trek 7.3 FX
It was sooooo great. I finally found a rack that could fit onto my bike. Now given it attaches around the seat post..it still has side frames to be able to hold my panniers. The seat post attachment isn't a quick release either..you have to use some type of screws.
I went to REI and returned the stuff I bought there since it didn't work and headed out to the first of 3 stores on my list to look for panniers. The first store had it alll. It was cheaper too. This was all in the car because I had to go really really far. And I am just starting out w/ the using the bike to run errands.
Anywhooo my commute. Was excellent. I threw my books and gear into my panniers and I went about 4 miles (27 minutes) to starbucks to sit down read and write. Just relaxed. I than loaded back up to go a few more miles to my Aunts house to chill out for a while...than I headed back home.
Now going to my aunts house..I had a strong head wind (???). My max speed was 16.3mph and the avg was 10.6mph.
Coming home was the hardest. Because coming back it's like a slow slow growing hill and than the incline increases suddenly and dramatically on one block. I was so tired I got off my bike and walked up that hill. lol
I bought two tail lights and attached them to my helmet. Set them on blink. That was pretty cool.
I went to REI and returned the stuff I bought there since it didn't work and headed out to the first of 3 stores on my list to look for panniers. The first store had it alll. It was cheaper too. This was all in the car because I had to go really really far. And I am just starting out w/ the using the bike to run errands.
Anywhooo my commute. Was excellent. I threw my books and gear into my panniers and I went about 4 miles (27 minutes) to starbucks to sit down read and write. Just relaxed. I than loaded back up to go a few more miles to my Aunts house to chill out for a while...than I headed back home.
Now going to my aunts house..I had a strong head wind (???). My max speed was 16.3mph and the avg was 10.6mph.
Coming home was the hardest. Because coming back it's like a slow slow growing hill and than the incline increases suddenly and dramatically on one block. I was so tired I got off my bike and walked up that hill. lol
I bought two tail lights and attached them to my helmet. Set them on blink. That was pretty cool.
Last edited by HeIncreasesMe; 06-01-08 at 12:43 AM.
This is the stuff that leaves me feeling down about bicycle commuting.
There is no defense against imbeciles in cars.
They are out there. We've all had our close calls.
Scary stuff.
Glad she didn't get you.
There is no defense against imbeciles in cars.
They are out there. We've all had our close calls.
Scary stuff.
Glad she didn't get you.
Very close call this morning. I'm riding in the middle of an 8 foot wide shoulder. Speed limit is 50 mph. Suddenly there is a black F150 blowing by me about 6 inches away then pulls back into the lane.
Amazingly, I caught up to the truck at the next red light 1/4 mile away, skidded to a stop, pounded on the hood and began to yell at the boneheaded lady driver who seemed more interested in sanding her nails.
She actually had the nerve to say "Well, there is a sidewalk."
The Adrenalin rush and let down destroyed the rest of my ride.
Amazingly, I caught up to the truck at the next red light 1/4 mile away, skidded to a stop, pounded on the hood and began to yell at the boneheaded lady driver who seemed more interested in sanding her nails.
She actually had the nerve to say "Well, there is a sidewalk."
The Adrenalin rush and let down destroyed the rest of my ride.
Moving on.. Good commute both directions Today: well Today and Yesterday really. Ride in in the AM. Get home roughly Midnight the next day.
A little rain in the morning but nothing major. Rather pleasant actually. Keeps the hoards off the MUP and provides a bit of cooling.
On the way home my rear blinky was on the fritz. It's a TL-LD1000. It does not work in humid conditions very well. Finally tossed it. a rear blinky that's unreliable just is not something to hang on to.
Looking forward to the AM commute Today. Weather looks to be stellar.
A little rain in the morning but nothing major. Rather pleasant actually. Keeps the hoards off the MUP and provides a bit of cooling.
On the way home my rear blinky was on the fritz. It's a TL-LD1000. It does not work in humid conditions very well. Finally tossed it. a rear blinky that's unreliable just is not something to hang on to.
Looking forward to the AM commute Today. Weather looks to be stellar.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Oakland, Ca
Bikes: Trek 7.3 FX
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 873
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From: Livonia, MI
Bikes: Pacific Duece AL with mods
Tri 4 chiropractic studen
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Irving, TX
Bikes: Hopefully a Giant FCR1 or a Trek 7.5FX
It looks like I have a nice 10 day forecast. In TX I am convinced there are 2 seasons; summer and everything else in between...
https://www.weather.com/weather/tenda...ink_undeclared
https://www.weather.com/weather/tenda...ink_undeclared
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Witnessed a near-collision this morning. A sedan on a sidestreet blew a stop sign and rolled across a busy two-lane one-way arterial. Could have been ugly but lucky for the sign-blower everybody else was paying attention.
Otherwise quiet as you would expect on Sunday morning.
Otherwise quiet as you would expect on Sunday morning.
I had a lot of headwind on the way back home today. Almost no one was outdoors except I met two smug cyclists who had the wind in their backs!
I stopped to walk up one of the two hills on my way but decided that walking was even more boring than dog-paddling on the bike so I got back on and conquered the hill. Slowly. The ride home took me 50 minutes.
Apparantly the wind is not getting any better tomorrow. Still, it's more enjoyable than driving.
I stopped to walk up one of the two hills on my way but decided that walking was even more boring than dog-paddling on the bike so I got back on and conquered the hill. Slowly. The ride home took me 50 minutes.Apparantly the wind is not getting any better tomorrow. Still, it's more enjoyable than driving.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 281
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, OH
Bikes: '08 Schwinn Super Sport "Betty, '09 Trek 1.2 "Veronica"
Didn't ride today, but rode yesterday. Left at 5am to get there at 6, only took me 34 min( 8.2 mi ) . Back was a different story, ran into my first terminally ignorant person. She was hanging around off my back tire, I waved her around, she pulls up next to me and tells me to "get the hell off the road". the next ligh turned red so I pulled up next to her and told her that by law I have to be on the road. she retorted with "I don't give a f**k." I responded with an " I don't give a f**k either and you can kiss my ass" gave her a one-finger salute and turned down the street. Immature I know but at that point I had had enough. Other than that, it went great.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: TORONTO , ONT , CA
Bikes: 1 x Raleigh Grand Prix (bought 1975) ; 1 x no-name ruster MTB ; 1 x unused new Raleigh MTB (Avenger?)
If I get pissed enough I just take a full lane and force the driver to wait behind me.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
I just got a new apt thats twice as far of a commute. Now I have to ride a whole mile to work every day. luckily the bike shop I work at is located right on the tow path so some mornings I'll ride a couple extra miles on it before or after work. I guess the toughest part of my commute is deciding what bike to ride. I'm glad to see so many people out there riding more. I think its making drivers more aware that we need to share the roads.
3 year old with credit
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: West Seattle
Bikes: Allez, lovingly hand re-built steel single speed, Moyer Track machine, Penny Farthing/Bone Shaker, beat upon 29er MTB
Have allergies – pollen sucks here right now. Ride in was good. 35 minutes door to door on my SS and rolled onto the ferry just as the ramp was going up. Sun was shinning and there was a cool breeze coming down The Elbe. I have had worse commutes… Am taking tomorrow off and am just going to spin around town, drink some coffee, and maybe haul my kayak to the house on the trailer for some needed tlc.
Seeing things
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Maryland, USA
Bikes: '73 Bertin, '04 LeMond Poprad, Miyata 1000, and counting...
Always nice to hear from parts of the world not North American. 
Absolutely delightful conditions this morning here--62F/16.5-ishC clear and calm. This time of year I have early sunrise colors in my rear-view for much of the way.
I finally got my cross-style bike put together (Redline Conquest Sport) and rode it in today. Different drivetrain, pedals, and particularly posture; I've been riding a hybrid with flat bars with their more upright posture--now it's drop bars. Can't make a judgement yet because I have to get used to leaning forward a bit more and different hand positions again (not to mentions the brifters). Feels pretty good, though--the aluminum frame vs the clunky old steel is awfully zippy in comparison...

Absolutely delightful conditions this morning here--62F/16.5-ishC clear and calm. This time of year I have early sunrise colors in my rear-view for much of the way.
I finally got my cross-style bike put together (Redline Conquest Sport) and rode it in today. Different drivetrain, pedals, and particularly posture; I've been riding a hybrid with flat bars with their more upright posture--now it's drop bars. Can't make a judgement yet because I have to get used to leaning forward a bit more and different hand positions again (not to mentions the brifters). Feels pretty good, though--the aluminum frame vs the clunky old steel is awfully zippy in comparison...
Rim crusher
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Yup, very pleasant this AM! 62F, humidity relatively low, beautiful sunrise, etc....Its going to get hot and steamy later this week, and probably will stay that way until mid Sept.
Had a wonderful ride this morning. There was slight spray initially but it cleared up almost before I started and I spent most of the ride simply enjoying to be out on my bike. 
It's however obvious that the Bike to Work competition is finished. The bike shed was stashed with bikes during the competition, this morning I counted three bikes other than mine when arriving at 10. One or two may have been there when I was working yesterday as well.

It's however obvious that the Bike to Work competition is finished. The bike shed was stashed with bikes during the competition, this morning I counted three bikes other than mine when arriving at 10. One or two may have been there when I was working yesterday as well.





