2012 - How Was the Commute Today?
#901
This bike is cat approved
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Bikes: To many to list...
Rode this morning with no jacket with a starting temp of 47 degrees and made it to work on time with a personal best time. Hopefully I get up earlier so I don't need to beat it tomorrow. =P
#903
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
Warmest morning of the week with temps about 60 F, and it's been way above normal all week. Clouds rolled in overnight, keeping the temperatures up and making for a very dark commute this morning. Tried carrying some coffee in an insulated travel mug this morning to have something to do while sitting at red lights, and wouldn't you know it -- nearly every traffic light was green all the way to work. Murphy's Law in action.
#904
www.ocrebels.com
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 8
From: Los Angeles area
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Misting rain here in Los Angeles this morning. Not the whole way but on and off from home to the Metro station, then again as I was riding the last bit to work.
Not enough to be dangerous but just enough to be annoying. Warm temps though, 57 Deg.F when I left home this morning (5:30AM).
Rick / OCRR
Not enough to be dangerous but just enough to be annoying. Warm temps though, 57 Deg.F when I left home this morning (5:30AM).
Rick / OCRR
#905
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
Today I bought an iPad and swapped the studded tires for slicks on my touring bike. The silent smoothness of slicks on a clean road was by far the more magical of the two. I was starting to forget what it was like to have that much grip.
I only encountered one spot of ice and not too much water on an afternoon ride. The temperature on my bike computer read as high as 17C while I was out. First time this year I was able to wear my summer clipless shoes.
I think I'll leave the slicks on and take the studded mtb when necessary.
I only encountered one spot of ice and not too much water on an afternoon ride. The temperature on my bike computer read as high as 17C while I was out. First time this year I was able to wear my summer clipless shoes.
I think I'll leave the slicks on and take the studded mtb when necessary.
#906
Another couple of great riding days here (about halfway between Chicago and St Louis) and the forecast is for more of the same.
Sunny and warm. Even in the mornings I've been getting a bit sweaty wearing only summer riding clothes. Yesterday and today the wind was even not too bad. I've been feeling strong.
This evening I came upon a co-worker broken down in his car on my one big climb. Poor guy. Had he only made it to the top he could've gotten into the parking lot up there. Instead he was stuck in the woods. There's a decent shoulder, so he was out of traffic, but not much other room.
But we don't really have to worry about stuff like that, do we? (smirk, smirk)
Sunny and warm. Even in the mornings I've been getting a bit sweaty wearing only summer riding clothes. Yesterday and today the wind was even not too bad. I've been feeling strong.
This evening I came upon a co-worker broken down in his car on my one big climb. Poor guy. Had he only made it to the top he could've gotten into the parking lot up there. Instead he was stuck in the woods. There's a decent shoulder, so he was out of traffic, but not much other room.
But we don't really have to worry about stuff like that, do we? (smirk, smirk)
#907
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: East Metro Atlanta, GA, USA
Bikes: Giant Sedona (Mid 90's), Giant Seek 2, Greenspeed Anura
Must be something wrong with the rim. After multiple tube changes and changing the tires, I'm still getting flats. I'm going to have the bike shop look at it.
#908
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Cannondale T700s and a few others
Loving it, great temps for riding. 55f for the ride in. 80f for the ride home.
Weather was moving in as I was wrapping up my day. Wife starts texting me " just heard thunder should I come get you?"
Looked at the Radar and looked south of me and texted her "ill make it".
Took off for home and could see the storm moving in as I was crossing the ridge before the down hill to the creek. About 1/2 way home couple drops hit me. An occasional pop as a stray one hits the helmet. l ride up the drive and I can hear the rain behind me as it hits the house on the other side of the street. Ride up the walk under the stoop at the door and the bottom dropped out.
Weather was moving in as I was wrapping up my day. Wife starts texting me " just heard thunder should I come get you?"
Looked at the Radar and looked south of me and texted her "ill make it".
Took off for home and could see the storm moving in as I was crossing the ridge before the down hill to the creek. About 1/2 way home couple drops hit me. An occasional pop as a stray one hits the helmet. l ride up the drive and I can hear the rain behind me as it hits the house on the other side of the street. Ride up the walk under the stoop at the door and the bottom dropped out.
#909
Finally got some official commuting in this year. 40 miles in Thursday morning, stayed with mom Thursday / Friday & commuted from there (she's been ill), back home this afternoon. Total of ~128 miles for the week.
Global warming rocks, thank you Al Gore!
Global warming rocks, thank you Al Gore!
#910
2k miles from the midwest
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 944
From: Washington
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
14.5 miles across the Narrows bridge, mid-to-high 30s, rain. Arrived at work 20min early, which gave me the chance to watch the rain turn to great big fluffy flakes of snow.
#911
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
Loving it, great temps for riding. 55f for the ride in. 80f for the ride home.
Weather was moving in as I was wrapping up my day. Wife starts texting me " just heard thunder should I come get you?"
Looked at the Radar and looked south of me and texted her "ill make it".
Took off for home and could see the storm moving in as I was crossing the ridge before the down hill to the creek. About 1/2 way home couple drops hit me. An occasional pop as a stray one hits the helmet. l ride up the drive and I can hear the rain behind me as it hits the house on the other side of the street. Ride up the walk under the stoop at the door and the bottom dropped out.
Weather was moving in as I was wrapping up my day. Wife starts texting me " just heard thunder should I come get you?"
Looked at the Radar and looked south of me and texted her "ill make it".
Took off for home and could see the storm moving in as I was crossing the ridge before the down hill to the creek. About 1/2 way home couple drops hit me. An occasional pop as a stray one hits the helmet. l ride up the drive and I can hear the rain behind me as it hits the house on the other side of the street. Ride up the walk under the stoop at the door and the bottom dropped out.

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Trikeman
Trikeman
#912
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Friday AM had a dense fog advisory, wife was not impressed that I biked. Was a real cold ride as I was not dressed for the fog (t-shirt and shorts). The ride home was sunny mid 70's with a light headwind.
This mornings bike ride with my wife was very nice, mid 50's and calm.
This mornings bike ride with my wife was very nice, mid 50's and calm.
#913
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 fairly nice ride in at 47F (8C). In my last mile, some nitwit made a left turn right at me, as I was going straight. My brakes worked well, and I let out a firestorm of obscenities. Most cars will yield the right-a-way, but the 1 or 2 that just doesn't get it are always out there.
#914
A fairly nice ride in at 47F (8C). In my last mile, some nitwit made a left turn right at me, as I was going straight. My brakes worked well, and I let out a firestorm of obscenities. Most cars will yield the right-a-way, but the 1 or 2 that just doesn't get it are always out there.
#915
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 1,466
From: Merrimac , MA
The temp read 45f as I rode through the center this morning. The light in the sky is coming up earlier by 6:25 it was quite noticeable. The ride was good with little wind.
#916
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
I took a week vacation last week. The Monday before that I did not ride because glare ice everywhere. Dang near fell getting out of the car at work and many did. All that to say this, dang near 65F this AM, beautiful ride suppose to be 80F this afternoon for the ride home.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#917
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
Our unseasonably warm weather continues, with temps in mid-50s during my morning commute. However, it was very foggy in spots and hard to see. Apparently the weather -- and high gas prices -- is attracting more bike commuters. I often go months without out seeing other bike commuters here, but saw 4 of them this morning. Incredibly, 3 of them were ninjas -- 2 dressed all in black with no lights, and one dressed in a white jersey (in the fog) with no lights. Why are so many cyclists totally devoid of common sense?
#918
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
50F/10C, and damp. Took the MUP again. Saw some geese next to Lake Champlain, and a mountain of empty beer cans/bottles by a beach, presumably from the weekend's festivities. The bottle squirrels will come along soon to collect them, I'm sure. ($0.05 return.)
#919
recumbent bike advocate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Okeechobee. Florida
Bikes: Bacchetta Belladare, long wheelbase
An EASY and fast commute this morning! After I got to work I found out that the kids are on their spring break this week. When the schools are out, my morning traffic is reduced by about 50%, and it makes for an easy commute with so many less cars and trucks on the road. Nice and warm this morning (about 62) with NO WIND that I could find. Did the 8.27 mile ride in at a 16.6 mph average, and really enjoyed it.
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
#920
ROM 6:23
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 0
From: Coastal Maine
Bikes: Specialized Tricross Comp, Lemond Tourmalet, Bridgestone MB-5
It was a glorious ride here on the coast of Maine. 48-52 F, wearing a light windbreaker and my work clothes. Minimal sweating, hardly any traffic and spring is here!
#921
Middle 50s, but humid and foggy which created unpleasant chill when crossing the East River. Also, I did 50 mile ride on Saturday and 60 mile ride on Sunday and I was a bit sore and tired this morning, so I struggled up the bridge in the morning.
#922
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Beautiful morning low 60's only a small breeze. No the wind from the last couple of weeks. Perfect!!!
#923
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 181
From: south Puget Sound
28F bright but gray. Still a bit beat from a road ride yesterday.
#924
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 6
From: Falls City, OR
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Fargo 2, Rocky Mountain Fusion, circa '93
32, dark, and snowing like crazy this morning. It wasn't snowing when I got up so there was only about 1/2" on the ground, so I went ahead and rode. The snowflakes distracted me just like they do driving: I have a tough time focusing on the road with all these big white fluffy things blowing at me. Pretty though, and I like it better than rain. Which I'll have this afternoon for my long ride home.
#925
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: 1997 Schwinn Searcher GS, 2007 Dahon Curve D3
Today was my first bike commute of 2012. It was wonderful. I feel so much more energy than when I drove. (drive-train-walk vs. bike-train-walk) It's been in the 70s for the past week here in the Chicago area, and I'm really enjoying it. When it goes down to the 50s again, I'll enjoy that too. Anything but snow or rain and below 30°F, and I enjoy it. 
I'm working on my wife to look for a job where I can ride year-round without snow and ice making it too dangerous for my taste. I'll follow.

I'm working on my wife to look for a job where I can ride year-round without snow and ice making it too dangerous for my taste. I'll follow.





