2012 - How Was the Commute Today?
01-31-12 | 03:52 PM
#376
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, MO
It was 56 degrees at 7 this morning. What month is it again? It looks like a nice this evening also with the temps in the 60's.
01-31-12 | 05:30 PM
#377
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
It was great today, especially on the afternoon trip home! I got to my street and didn't want to get off the bike, so me and The Rig flew kamikazi style up and down the neighborhood streets, it just felt so great.
Ride in pre-sunrise was almost 50 degrees, when 33 was the forecast so that was good too. I love bike commuting, I don't know why more people don't do it - it just kicks.
Ride in pre-sunrise was almost 50 degrees, when 33 was the forecast so that was good too. I love bike commuting, I don't know why more people don't do it - it just kicks.
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Trikeman
Trikeman
01-31-12 | 06:37 PM
#378
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
The commute to and from work has become 'common place' after only a few weeks. I get up in the morning, get rigged to ride, have my breakfast and then get out on my Bacchetta and go! The afternoons have been windy, but since the first week I have had no near misses, no flat tires, no angst...it's gotten a little boring! I should knock on wood I guess, it's been fun, and I really enjoy getting on my bike twice a day and making the 8.29 mile ride. The mileage really racks up when you ride nearly every day too. I'm thinner and, I'm sure, healthier than I was when I drove my pickup to work, and I haven't bought a tank of gas in three weeks!!!! Lots of good things about commuting on a bike....
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
01-31-12 | 08:25 PM
#379
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
Not a bad run today. Unlike last Thursday I didn't lose a single thing! Rode through snow with salt underneath so needless to say it was a little dodgy getting to the end of the street then it was fine till I got a ways up the MUP. The city had cleared the least used section of the trail and left the heavily travelled bit alone. So I powered though trambled snow for about 5 km or so. Could barely maintain 15-16 km/h. The way back was great at the temp soared to about 8C and it all melted and felt like I was breaking the sound barrier compared to the AM run.
01-31-12 | 08:27 PM
#380
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
01-31-12 | 08:36 PM
#381
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
Cold (22 F.) on the way out, but I doubled up on socks under my cycling shoes, tripled up on gloves (made shifting just a tiny bit tougher, but no real issues), and wore my jacket over polypro base layer and light wool sweater. Only one layer (over shorts) on the bottom--Reebok light running pants. Love 'em. Balaclava, but pulled the mask under my chin halfway there.
I noticed something on the morning commute. When I drive (which I have to do two or three days a week
), on cold mornings, there's an intersection where the needle on the temperature gauge finally moves off "C" and I can turn on the heat. On my bike commute, I approach that intersection from a different direction, but it turns out that's the exact spot most mornings when I stop feeling at all cold. Two completely different modes of transportation but the same feeling, and for the same reason: the engine's warmed up.
The way home was warmer and I was feeling great, but had my first close call of 2012. Was going up a little hill to an intersection where I have to make a left. Got within about 100 feet of the intersection and looked to move off the curb and into the lane. Checked my mirror and saw a pickup pretty far back. He looked to be moving pretty fast, but he had plenty of time to see me (and I'm very visible--I'm a hi-viz geek). I signaled left and moved over. Got to the center line to give him room to pass me on the right if he wanted to. I guess I misgauged both his speed and what a tool he was, because within three seconds I get blasted with a horn and the dips**t blows past me on the left.
Felt the rage start to flow. Screamed out a loud, "WTF [uncensored version] and started to stand on the pedals, but thought better of it. At that speed, I'd need a rocket to catch him, and I didn't really want to deal with him.
Lesson learned? Watch out for the speeders. I assumed it was okay to move left because of the distance this guy was behind me, but I didn't watch him long enough to check his speed, which was way, way over the speed limit.
I was right, and that counts for something, but if he'd hit me, it would have been very bad news.
So, all things considered, not a bad day on the bike.
I noticed something on the morning commute. When I drive (which I have to do two or three days a week
), on cold mornings, there's an intersection where the needle on the temperature gauge finally moves off "C" and I can turn on the heat. On my bike commute, I approach that intersection from a different direction, but it turns out that's the exact spot most mornings when I stop feeling at all cold. Two completely different modes of transportation but the same feeling, and for the same reason: the engine's warmed up. The way home was warmer and I was feeling great, but had my first close call of 2012. Was going up a little hill to an intersection where I have to make a left. Got within about 100 feet of the intersection and looked to move off the curb and into the lane. Checked my mirror and saw a pickup pretty far back. He looked to be moving pretty fast, but he had plenty of time to see me (and I'm very visible--I'm a hi-viz geek). I signaled left and moved over. Got to the center line to give him room to pass me on the right if he wanted to. I guess I misgauged both his speed and what a tool he was, because within three seconds I get blasted with a horn and the dips**t blows past me on the left.
Felt the rage start to flow. Screamed out a loud, "WTF [uncensored version] and started to stand on the pedals, but thought better of it. At that speed, I'd need a rocket to catch him, and I didn't really want to deal with him.
Lesson learned? Watch out for the speeders. I assumed it was okay to move left because of the distance this guy was behind me, but I didn't watch him long enough to check his speed, which was way, way over the speed limit.
I was right, and that counts for something, but if he'd hit me, it would have been very bad news.
So, all things considered, not a bad day on the bike.
01-31-12 | 08:38 PM
#382
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Bikes: 2012 Jamis Xenith Race, 2009 Jamis Aurora, 1993 Bianchi Ibex, 1964 Schwinn Traveler 3-Speed
What a difference a day makes. 22 F. yesterday morning. 44 F. this morning. 58 F. this afternoon. Thinking ahead I brought shorts for the ride home, and shucked the jacket in favor of the safety-geek vest. It all felt easy today.
If somebody had told me this time last year that I'd have racked up 355 miles on my bike in January alone, I'd have been intrigued, but would have assumed he was talking about somebody else, but that's my first-month-of-the-year mileage total. Shooting for 5000 in 2012 (figuring the summer might mean more riding). I may not make it, but I'm sure having fun trying. Off to a great start.
If somebody had told me this time last year that I'd have racked up 355 miles on my bike in January alone, I'd have been intrigued, but would have assumed he was talking about somebody else, but that's my first-month-of-the-year mileage total. Shooting for 5000 in 2012 (figuring the summer might mean more riding). I may not make it, but I'm sure having fun trying. Off to a great start.
01-31-12 | 09:45 PM
#383
Rode in on the ice bike today but I didn't need to. The snow squalls that were predicted never came or dropped nothing of any consequence. The ice bike is a bit of a grind but I need the workout I've been riding slowly lately and I need to up it a notch or two. Did the 9 flights of stairs to a class today. A bit winded by the top. I can do better.
01-31-12 | 10:28 PM
#384
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 354
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From: South Brooklyn, NYC
Bikes: '80 Trek 710, '81 Trek 613, '82 Trek 613, '86 Trek 500, '87 Bridgestone MB2, '87 Specialized Rockhopper, '87 Schwinn Circuit, '88 Miyata 712, '89 Trek 400, '97 Trek 6000, '11 Trek Utopia, '13 Specialized Allez Race, '15 All City Macho Man
Riding home from work about half an hour ago was brutal. I had a garbage truck turn the wrong way down a one way street and then a car pass me with about 2 or 3 inches clearance on a one lane road. I think where I reide every day is one of the most bike hating areas in all the 5 boroughs of NYC. I find it eaisier to ride through times square than a quiet side street over here.
02-01-12 | 05:01 AM
#385
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
Very warm this morning at 55f (13c). I rode in a llight rain all the way. I wasn't expectinig rain, but I was mostly ready for it.
02-01-12 | 06:27 AM
#386
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
What Fletch said...had the rain gear on for a nice ride in.
02-01-12 | 06:53 AM
#387
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 1
From: NoVA
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport
Rain. Glad it wasn't cold rain.
02-01-12 | 08:07 AM
#388
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
Warm temps this morning, but that generally means I'll have a headwind, so it was a tough ride to work despite temps about 50 F. My legs are also getting tired from riding a lot this week. Another bike commuter caught up with me at the last traffic light before my office and we chatted briefly, and I realized after talking that he uses the same website for tracking rides, so I sent him a message after I got in my office. Ironically, I got a flat tire while we were chatting and had to walk my bike the last 25 feet to the bike rack.
02-01-12 | 09:27 AM
#389
The Drive Side is Within
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,344
Likes: 47
From: New Haven, CT, USA
Bikes: Road, Cargo, Tandem, Etc.
50+ degrees and I have snow tires on??? WTH? It was raining, though, which seems to quiet the studs-- they felt fast today over the wet roads for some reason.
I need rain friendly sneakers for the ride.
I need rain friendly sneakers for the ride.
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The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
02-01-12 | 10:45 AM
#391
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 16
From: Oxnard, CA
Bikes: 2009 Fuji Roubaix RC; 2011 Fuji Cross 2.0; '92 Diamond Back Ascent EX
Got buzzed by a jacked up pick up this morning. I was stopped at a light in the #2 lane (there is a one block section of this road without bike lanes) and he pulled up behind me. Crossed the intersection once the light turned green and moved into the bike lane when it started back up. The guy floored it and swerved over toward the bike lane. Fortunately, I had enough room to avoid his mirror. Gotta love these guys that get behind you then are pi$$ed off you are in front of them.
02-01-12 | 11:17 AM
#392
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 351
Likes: 18
From: McLean, VA/Burlington, VT
Bikes: Obed Baseline, Cannondale Topstone, Specialized Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse
Unlike the other DC area guys, I rode in after the rain stopped this morning. Wet or damp pavement, but nothing falling. Looking forward to riding home in shorts and a short-sleeved jersey. Supposed to be well into the 60s F (~20 C).
02-01-12 | 11:21 AM
#393
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
I was jealous of the people riding in the other direction last night heading home, since that meant they had a twenty mile per hour tailwind. Temps comfortable though and the ride was otherwise nice.
Rain ended just before I left for work this morning around 7. That meant wet roads and trails, but no precip on the way in. Enjoyed a vivid pink sunrise veiled by clouds in the east and clearing cloudless skies to the north and west. If I granny been in a little bit of a rush to get to work I would have stopped to dig out my phone and snap a photo of the sunrise.
Rain ended just before I left for work this morning around 7. That meant wet roads and trails, but no precip on the way in. Enjoyed a vivid pink sunrise veiled by clouds in the east and clearing cloudless skies to the north and west. If I granny been in a little bit of a rush to get to work I would have stopped to dig out my phone and snap a photo of the sunrise.
02-01-12 | 11:28 AM
#394
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Southeast Oklahoma
Bikes: 2011 Diamondback Edgewood LX, 2008 Schwinn Prelude Road Bike
Got buzzed by a jacked up pick up this morning. I was stopped at a light in the #2 lane (there is a one block section of this road without bike lanes) and he pulled up behind me. Crossed the intersection once the light turned green and moved into the bike lane when it started back up. The guy floored it and swerved over toward the bike lane. Fortunately, I had enough room to avoid his mirror. Gotta love these guys that get behind you then are pi$$ed off you are in front of them.
02-01-12 | 11:29 AM
#395
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Patchogue, NY
Bikes: Trek Madon 4.5, Fausto Coppi Masciaghi
Opened the garage door at 6.30 and saw a wall of mist / fog. Almost went to change and take the metal box, but didn't. Once I rode through the weather / it cleared up I took some nice photos. https://www.dropbox.com/gallery/5992...eb12/?h=f84b60
Nice and warm at 50F, trip home will be almost 70F. Have already planned a detour to get a beer! This is the second commute this week of 46 miles round trip!
Nice and warm at 50F, trip home will be almost 70F. Have already planned a detour to get a beer! This is the second commute this week of 46 miles round trip!
02-01-12 | 11:41 AM
#396
SERENITY NOW!!!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,739
Likes: 2
From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Good thing I had this bag to keep my back clean.
That's the stuff that made it past the fender.
That's the stuff that made it past the fender.
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HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
02-01-12 | 11:53 AM
#397
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 83
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From: Leesburg, VA
Sorry, late post. Been busy this morning. Like gevad, I missed the morning rain the other DC commuters hit this morning. A little wet pavement was all I saw. Temps in the low 50's were very pleasant. Hard to believe its February with these temps. Will be even harder to believe on the way home when its in the mid 60's and I'm wearing shorts. Good times.
02-01-12 | 06:26 PM
#398
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
The ride in was 38 degrees and wonderful. But, coming home, when I caught the bus to go from downtown to where I lock my bike the bus broke down! So I walked to my house (only 30 minutes, the house was closer than the bike) and now I'm going to drive the car over to pick up the bicycle. I'll start over tomorrow! Hahahahahaha
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Trikeman
Trikeman
02-01-12 | 08:12 PM
#399
Rode in today and it was warm and nice but rain clouds moving in and big drops of rain- and I didn't bring my rain gear!
As I swung east to the bike path the wind came up behind me and I realized I was going to out run the rain. Great ride in and felt terrific. Tonight on the way home I come out of my building and it's still warm and nice. Then I see a student of mine, who just rode in from Cambridge and he says he'd heard the skies were about to open up and pour down on us. "Shoot!", I thought, a ride home in the rain. Sure enough, as predicted, big warm rain drops started falling and off I went. But as I got on the bike path, now heading west, and as I'm riding along the skies cleared and it was a dry warm ride home.
As I swung east to the bike path the wind came up behind me and I realized I was going to out run the rain. Great ride in and felt terrific. Tonight on the way home I come out of my building and it's still warm and nice. Then I see a student of mine, who just rode in from Cambridge and he says he'd heard the skies were about to open up and pour down on us. "Shoot!", I thought, a ride home in the rain. Sure enough, as predicted, big warm rain drops started falling and off I went. But as I got on the bike path, now heading west, and as I'm riding along the skies cleared and it was a dry warm ride home.
02-02-12 | 05:30 AM
#400
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
Another warm morning at 49F (9C). I heard a bird singing in the trees at 5:10, and this is very odd in the winter. I suppose he is just confused and has a right to be.