2012 - How Was the Commute Today?
#3351
Another foggy, damp but warm ride in. I took an alternate route reversing my home commute with the way in today...so I have a great ride along the Annacostia River in SouthEast DC, past the Navy Yard and a large museum Destroyer, I passed our re-developed new park area, passed the baseball stadium, up to the SoiuthWest Waterfront fish market, passed the Jefferson memorial, then along a very quiet Potomac River (this area is full of tour busses when I ride home), passed Lincoln Memorial, and finally to my office.
#3352
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, Maryland
Bikes: Trek 820 mtb, A no name red steel pipe bike, my commuter
A very nice warm ride again at 62f (17c). Everyone is talking Sandy for the begining of next week, so I guess we will see how much rain/wind we get. The blustery mornings are a pleasure, in which to ride. It's those cold windy mornings that are not so nice.
#3353
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
Haven't yet but I'm going to see how long I can bike-commute this year. We can get significant snow during the winter which means that the roads narrower and narrower as the snow plows can't push the snow as far off the road later in the winter as they can during the beginning. However, there is at least one hardy bike-commuter that I will occasionally see during the winter. I would also have to decide what I'm going to ride during the winter, I don't want to use my current bike although it is the only one with disc brakes.
What about you noglider? In NY, you should get significant snow too, especially upstate.
What about you noglider? In NY, you should get significant snow too, especially upstate.
#3354
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
No biking today. Halfway home yesterday, I started to suffer pretty sharp and severe stomach/upper GI cramps and pains. I've never experienced that before to the best of my knowledge. I "hobbled" the rest of the way home, had dinner (no real relief), went to a funeral wake and then straight to bed. I decided to take a break today.
#3355
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Bikes: 2012 Cinelli Mystic Rat, Nashbar CX
Hammer day. For coming off being ill, I rode one of my best today. 12mi in 37:10.
Still failed to crack the 20mph average for this ride though. I gave it everything I had this morning. Whew! Tonight I'm going to recovery ride nice and easy!
Still failed to crack the 20mph average for this ride though. I gave it everything I had this morning. Whew! Tonight I'm going to recovery ride nice and easy!
#3356
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,138
Likes: 6,363
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Another bad thing is that the temperature fluctuates above and below freezing, so the snow melts and refreezes many times, leaving the surface in patches of completely clear and plowed snow banks turned to ice, plus patches of snow, ice, and wet slush. I don't know what tires to use in that case. I guess knobby tires are safest, but I'll be spending most of my time on clear surfaces.
I've been reading the winter cycling section of bikeforums for two or three years. Apparently, the folks there go by the Minnesota saying: there's no bad weather, only bad clothing. I want to see what my limit is. Maybe I won't find one if I find suitable clothing for our worst weather. We get a lot of humidity and wind here, though our milder temperatures will make you smirk.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#3357
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
#3358
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,138
Likes: 6,363
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Short Hills is the next town over. Actually, Short Hills is a zip code in the town of Millburn, which is the next town over.
High Falls isn't anywhere near Oswego. High Falls is near New Paltz, NY, about 100 miles north of New York City. This is where we just bought a weekend house. Cycling there is very pretty. I might try cycling in the winter weather there. There might be some real snow there.
High Falls isn't anywhere near Oswego. High Falls is near New Paltz, NY, about 100 miles north of New York City. This is where we just bought a weekend house. Cycling there is very pretty. I might try cycling in the winter weather there. There might be some real snow there.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#3359
Near perfect day although southerner that I am I needed arm-warmers and gloves. It's been of a no-driving month of commutes, two months actually, minus a visit to the surgeon for my clavicle. It was a risk going back to the bike two weeks after surgery but it turned out well and I'm glad now that I did it.
I'm finally getting my conditioning back, such as it is, and was able to play the "rabbit" yesterday. A few miles at 21-22 mph, but I'm cautious with mup-bikers at underpasses and he passed me there - I could never catch up. LOL the truth is the speed-racers are actually slacking until they get around you but it's still fun to play rabbit and hound with them.
I'm finally getting my conditioning back, such as it is, and was able to play the "rabbit" yesterday. A few miles at 21-22 mph, but I'm cautious with mup-bikers at underpasses and he passed me there - I could never catch up. LOL the truth is the speed-racers are actually slacking until they get around you but it's still fun to play rabbit and hound with them.
#3360
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Nederland, Texas
Bikes: 2011 Specialized Sectuer, 1988 Bianchi
Wind is beginning to shift around from the north as a cool front is approaching...
https://mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=197885391
https://mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=197885391
#3361
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
Short Hills is the next town over. Actually, Short Hills is a zip code in the town of Millburn, which is the next town over.
High Falls isn't anywhere near Oswego. High Falls is near New Paltz, NY, about 100 miles north of New York City. This is where we just bought a weekend house. Cycling there is very pretty. I might try cycling in the winter weather there. There might be some real snow there.
High Falls isn't anywhere near Oswego. High Falls is near New Paltz, NY, about 100 miles north of New York City. This is where we just bought a weekend house. Cycling there is very pretty. I might try cycling in the winter weather there. There might be some real snow there.
I have heard that the finger lakes (?) are beautiful to cycle around, love to try it sometime. Have a great day!
#3362
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
-4C with a light dusting of powdery snow. I'm getting to the limit of my lightweight tights and summer shoes with covers. Spots where cars repeatedly drove had a glazed look, so I was careful when cornering since I didn't have my winter tires on. It was starting to cler near the end of my ride, so the sun should melt that snow quickly.
#3363
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 435
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
It was just about perfect on the way in today.
#3364
About -7C/19F, no appreciable wind. A light dusting of snow overnight was enough to collect on the roads and trails. There were times I wished for studded tires, as I had a bit of rear-tire slippage when mashing up hills or braking down hills. Next week might warm up a bit with highs above freezing, so I'm not sure if I should put the studded tires on yet or not. Slow ride today - I'm blaming the snow for increased rolling resistance.
Hey, I've been to Short Hills!
Hey, I've been to Short Hills!
#3365
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Arnhem, The Netherlands
Today's commute was quite nice. about 5 Celsius but once I warmed up it felt good, except for the runny nose.
Here is a picture of Kilometer 24 going over the Waal river. I get to go over the Rhine and the Waal on my daily commute.
Here is a picture of Kilometer 24 going over the Waal river. I get to go over the Rhine and the Waal on my daily commute.
#3366
www.ocrebels.com
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 8
From: Los Angeles area
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Rick / OCRR
#3367
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 635
Likes: 2
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: CAAD10 5, Trek 1000 Alpha Series
no riding this week due to a cold that hit me full swing monday night. was home sick tuesday and wednesday and drove the rest of the week still not feeling 100%. i'm bummed because this week the colors in the leaves are definitely their most beautiful. starting next week they will all turn brown and fall
#3368
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Bikes: 2012 Cinelli Mystic Rat, Nashbar CX
80 degrees on the way home...Hammered all the way new personal best time 12.5 miles @ 40:05 It was windy as ever though. A couple of places it was at my back, and it was on.
Still no prize only 18.4mph avg.
Still no prize only 18.4mph avg.
#3369
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Nederland, Texas
Bikes: 2011 Specialized Sectuer, 1988 Bianchi
#3370
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
two for one ..well three for one
i was able to ride Wednesday through Friday this week. Wed was quite perfect commute. warmer or less humid maybe and therefore warmer around 53F. I hit green lights all the way down 4th street downtown. about 6-7 lights all green. It was weird there were no cars really out wednesday morning. Plus Coworkers had Krispy Kreme doughnuts that she did not want to take home so I helped her with two of them 
Thursday it was chilly 50 some degrees but higher humidity and felt pretty cold. Wind made my eyes water at first but decided to carry a coffee flask and that made the morning even better. A panera bagel from another coworker was very generous and delicious with my coffee. It was a tough ride home!
I have decided that I would rather ride a longer route home than ride the reverse of my to work commute. Too much traffic and Dumb Drivers in the evenings. To work is more downhill so maybe I am just going faster so the cars are less frustrated. average around 15.8-16 miles an hour to work and less coming home. I got home grumpy and the Mrs. did not like my attitude. She said "but you rode your bike!" Almost to say you are not supposed to be grumpy.
Friday warm morning but still pretty humid. Wind made the eyes water but coffee in my cubicle set me up to power through the day. I rode home a different route and it was one of my fastest times yet. It was a good ride minus one stupid Mercedes SUV driver.
Passing me in a construction zone with other cars coming the other direction.
PS my legs are kinda tired I also went mountain biking the Saturday before this week. Highs in the low 50s next week. Might have to find alternative transportation. I don't have the equipment for rides in that cold of weather.

Thursday it was chilly 50 some degrees but higher humidity and felt pretty cold. Wind made my eyes water at first but decided to carry a coffee flask and that made the morning even better. A panera bagel from another coworker was very generous and delicious with my coffee. It was a tough ride home!
I have decided that I would rather ride a longer route home than ride the reverse of my to work commute. Too much traffic and Dumb Drivers in the evenings. To work is more downhill so maybe I am just going faster so the cars are less frustrated. average around 15.8-16 miles an hour to work and less coming home. I got home grumpy and the Mrs. did not like my attitude. She said "but you rode your bike!" Almost to say you are not supposed to be grumpy. Friday warm morning but still pretty humid. Wind made the eyes water but coffee in my cubicle set me up to power through the day. I rode home a different route and it was one of my fastest times yet. It was a good ride minus one stupid Mercedes SUV driver.
Passing me in a construction zone with other cars coming the other direction.PS my legs are kinda tired I also went mountain biking the Saturday before this week. Highs in the low 50s next week. Might have to find alternative transportation. I don't have the equipment for rides in that cold of weather.
#3371
Today was my first ride ever in a merino wool base layer. OMG, that stuff is made of magic pixie dust. I love it!! Perfect comfort, great temperature and sweat management, and zero stink, just like I had read (but doubted was truly possible). They must get merino wool from magical flying unicorns, that stuff is truly unbelievable.
On a more serious note, I'm wishing good luck for my east coast bicycling friends next week... that Frankenstorm looks serious. Don't be afraid to take a day or two off - that storm sounds like a freak occurrence and possible danger. Be safe out there!
On a more serious note, I'm wishing good luck for my east coast bicycling friends next week... that Frankenstorm looks serious. Don't be afraid to take a day or two off - that storm sounds like a freak occurrence and possible danger. Be safe out there!
#3372
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Bikes: 2012 Cinelli Mystic Rat, Nashbar CX
Today was my first ride ever in a merino wool base layer. OMG, that stuff is made of magic pixie dust. I love it!! Perfect comfort, great temperature and sweat management, and zero stink, just like I had read (but doubted was truly possible). They must get merino wool from magical flying unicorns, that stuff is truly unbelievable.
On a more serious note, I'm wishing good luck for my east coast bicycling friends next week... that Frankenstorm looks serious. Don't be afraid to take a day or two off - that storm sounds like a freak occurrence and possible danger. Be safe out there!
On a more serious note, I'm wishing good luck for my east coast bicycling friends next week... that Frankenstorm looks serious. Don't be afraid to take a day or two off - that storm sounds like a freak occurrence and possible danger. Be safe out there!
#3373
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Arnhem, The Netherlands
Thanks! I will see if I can get a good shot of the Rhine. the bridge that I cross it on, is not particularly pretty.
#3374
Super-spreader
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 101
From: where black is the color, where none is the number
Bikes: shiny red tricycle
Today was my first ride ever in a merino wool base layer. OMG, that stuff is made of magic pixie dust. I love it!! Perfect comfort, great temperature and sweat management, and zero stink, just like I had read (but doubted was truly possible). They must get merino wool from magical flying unicorns, that stuff is truly unbelievable.
#3375
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
What brand of merino base layers are you wearing?



