2012 - How Was the Commute Today?
#3551
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 703
From: Layton, UT
Bikes: 2011 Bent TW Elegance 2014 Carbon Strada Velomobile
I almost wiped out on the MUP on the way home last night. A group of kids were standing around, taking up the whole route. I gave them a honk, but even though I was slowing down a fair bit, the one by the edge accidentally (I assume) let his skateboard get away from him. I veered around it, but my rear tire went off the edge of the MUP into the wet grass. I did a nice rear end skid, but recovered and kept going. Thought about stopping, but usually kids that age aren't going to get it anyway.
I wimped out this morning and drove in when the weather forecaster started talking about freezing fog and possible icy patches on the roads.
I wimped out this morning and drove in when the weather forecaster started talking about freezing fog and possible icy patches on the roads.
#3552
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
I'm trying to get to 2000km for the first time ever, I'm about 130km away, after which I won't push so hard to commute to work: if the weather is good, I'll take the long route; if moderate, I'll take a shorter route; if bad, I'll walk (40 min) or bus it.
#3553
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
There was talk of rain in the Valley on the radio, but the sky was blue. Kind of in-between conditions: 45F and 85% humidity. I wore knickers, a polypro baselayer, long sleeve jersey, and a wind vest. Probably could have done without the vest.
#3554
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
I was amazed how well the Pugsley handled the deep snow on the ride home. I was able to chug along pretty easily. Normally in deep snow I'm wobbling all over the place, but with the fat tires it was very stable and the bike went where I wanted it to go. The Larry tire in the front doesn't have much lateral traction and could slide sideways if I wasn't careful turning. If I wasn't getting studded tires I'd definitely replace that tire with something knobby.
My biggest problems on the ride home were fogging glasses, and deep snow make it impossible to tell where the MUP was.
My biggest problems on the ride home were fogging glasses, and deep snow make it impossible to tell where the MUP was.
#3555
I reached a milestone today... my first ever 5 for 5 commute week! I celebrated with a Diet Coke and a couple of Ibuprofens.
Actually, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. A few months ago, I had an opportunity for 5 in a week and was 4 for 4... but on Thursday night my thighs vetoed any plans for a Friday ride. Since then, I hadn't had many weeks with 5 days in the office (too many business trips). Today, my legs felt pretty good. A tailwind on the way home made it even easier.
Actually, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. A few months ago, I had an opportunity for 5 in a week and was 4 for 4... but on Thursday night my thighs vetoed any plans for a Friday ride. Since then, I hadn't had many weeks with 5 days in the office (too many business trips). Today, my legs felt pretty good. A tailwind on the way home made it even easier.
#3556
Pushed the bike the last quarter mile or so. Probably wasn't even on the MUP at the point of this photo.
#3557
Senior Member



Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,169
Likes: 5,351
From: SF Bay Area, East bay
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
#3558
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
#3559
BE the Ferrari.
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Bikes: Co-Motion Nor'wester Tour
I think it's a very bike friendly place. Turn on the bike paths in Google Maps to get an idea. I live and work on Pt Loma, so I have it pretty good in an already good area. My wife and I lived here for 8 years without a car. Just recently bought one so we could explore more of the desert this winter. We like SoCal a lot and San Diego has better weather than LA. There are a lot of San Diegans on BF. DM me if you have any specific questions.
#3560
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 1,466
From: Merrimac , MA
The ride in today was very nice, as I have not been able to ride since last Wednesday due to rt knee and leg pain. The leg is still achy but I rode anyway. The temp was 45f on my way in with clear skies. It is supposed to get about 65f today so the ride home will be even nicer.
#3561
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
It's the first "cold" commute morning of the season - 34 degrees F - Time to break out the light sweater. Actually, thick wool sweater covered with a water and wind proof shell and I'm good. For some reason the streets seem quieter and everything is "crisp"er in the cold - I like it better than the summer in the desert
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#3562
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
46F/8C with a howling tailwind pushing me along nicely. I'm not enthusiastic about riding home, however. 
I stopped for a pedestrian trying to cross in a crosswalk. He seemed amused that a bicyclist would stop, and thanked me. Cars going the other way weren't stopping and I said, "Nobody wants to stop!", sort of irritated-like, and he just shook his head. Finally a car stopped to let him cross.
It's unseasonably warm, but I'll take it.

I stopped for a pedestrian trying to cross in a crosswalk. He seemed amused that a bicyclist would stop, and thanked me. Cars going the other way weren't stopping and I said, "Nobody wants to stop!", sort of irritated-like, and he just shook his head. Finally a car stopped to let him cross.
It's unseasonably warm, but I'll take it.
#3563
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 871
Likes: 115
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Cannondale '92 T600 '95 H600 '01 RT1000
19F, 10-15mph headwind, and flurries for the ride in. I had to scrounge up some clothing I haven't needed for many months. I saw a couple of wheel tracks in the snow, along with a couple of oncoming cyclists. The crowds are thinning...
#3564
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
It was convenient that there was no class today, as I wouldn't have been able to ride given the conditions of the road. By tomorrow enough of my route should be plowed. And by the evening the MUP should be cleared.
#3565
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: London
Bikes: Tern Link P9
First commute from my new flat and my right pedal snapped clean off pulling away from the lights. Was a very wobbly subsequent few seconds! Good guy at Evans gave me a spare pedal from the bin while my new ones come.
#3566
ride for a change
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: Surly Cross-check & Moonlander, Pivot Mach 429, Ted Wojcik Sof-Trac, Ridley Orion. Santa Cruz Stigmata
more early winter bike porn. It was 70F not 36 hours ago 22F at the time of this shot. Awesome commute today with an inch or two of fresh pow for the Moonlander to float through.
#3567
Cold persistent rain with a slight headwind 44F/7C....but bundled up I was just fine.
Those snow pics are blowing my mind.
Those snow pics are blowing my mind.
#3568
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
roughly 4C/40F.
my ears were cold but otherwise it was extremely nice to get some time on the bike
my ears were cold but otherwise it was extremely nice to get some time on the bike
#3569
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
-4C with a 9km/h SW wind so not bad at all. Rained for much of the day yesterday (high of 14C, record high for Sudbury on Nov 12) and then dropped through the late afternoon and into the night. A bit of ice on the surface of the road but 99% of it was just a thin layer adhering to the contours of the surface. However, I saw a 1m wide flat icy spot too late to do anything but ride over it: fortunately, it was a shallow puddle, only the surface had iced up and I rode right through it.
A bit of salt on the road which I didn't mind when on the newly paved sections because it kept the surface moisture liquid. Too little salt to worry about what it might do to my bike.
A bit of salt on the road which I didn't mind when on the newly paved sections because it kept the surface moisture liquid. Too little salt to worry about what it might do to my bike.
#3570
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Bikes: Trek 7.3FX, Diamondback Edgewood hybrid, KHS Montana
I like the photo modernjess!
I skipped yesterday because of the heavy persistent rains. In retrospect, I should've riden. With half of the office being out for Veteran's Day being a little disheveled because of the wet ride wouldn't have mattered at all.
Clear and cold (to me) this morning, 28° (F) with lots of frost glistening across the landscape.
Uneventful as far as traffic goes. I should have rode yesterday.
I skipped yesterday because of the heavy persistent rains. In retrospect, I should've riden. With half of the office being out for Veteran's Day being a little disheveled because of the wet ride wouldn't have mattered at all.
Clear and cold (to me) this morning, 28° (F) with lots of frost glistening across the landscape.
Uneventful as far as traffic goes. I should have rode yesterday.
#3571
LOL
Looking at the above I don't feel so bad. Today was my first "cold" as opposed to chilly morning commute. The temp was 43°F.
Looking at the above I don't feel so bad. Today was my first "cold" as opposed to chilly morning commute. The temp was 43°F.
#3572
There is an eight mile carpet of sticks and wet leaves covering the greenway, residue of the rain yesterday and last night. Though colder, hovering over freezing, the ride is easier than yesterday if a bit treacherous. It's lonely with no other commuter to be seen, even this morning.
#3573
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 871
Likes: 115
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Cannondale '92 T600 '95 H600 '01 RT1000
23 miles and I didn't see even one other cyclist, a first for the season. It was 19F this morning--the same as yesterday--minus yesterday's unexpected flurries. I wonder if the snow scared them off? There was a four mile stretch going home yesterday that was a bit "uncomfortable" with slick tires, and it was a little better this morning. I really do need to get my hybrid with studded tires running again!
The Mississippi River was a bit calmer and reflective this morning without yesterday's wind. Given the low level of water, it's more like a narrow lake these days. Not much movement of what's there...
The Mississippi River was a bit calmer and reflective this morning without yesterday's wind. Given the low level of water, it's more like a narrow lake these days. Not much movement of what's there...
#3574
ouate de phoque
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
From: La Prairie, Qc, Canada
Bikes: Bianchi, Nakamura,Opus
Last night I got the worst headwind I've ever experienced, took me 1h21 min. to go my 27.15 kms, winds up to 40-45 km/h
This morning it was a 20-25 km/h tailwind/sidewind. I did 58 min. for the same route.
This morning it was a 20-25 km/h tailwind/sidewind. I did 58 min. for the same route.
#3575
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
A sunny 26F this morning, it's now dry cold without the Fall dampness. I guess Winter really is coming. I tried a pair of mittens I use for Winter motorcycling - first time my hands have actually been hot and sweaty - I like it! Also starting to see frozen puddles and once when standing to peddle from a stop the rear tire spun. Starting to pay more attention!




