2012 - How Was the Commute Today?
#1001
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 3
From: Burnaby, BC
Super. Scouted out a new route, adds 5kms but it's way more scenic. I saw some ducks.
#1002
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Cannondale T700s and a few others
Little chilly in the morning just how I like it mid 70's for the ride home. Wish I had a place close to get off the mail roads and I would have put on a few miles more but Rush hour here just sucks.
#1003
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Monson, MA
Bikes: Catrike Trail Recumbent trike
Great but very windy commutes.
46F and sunny with mainly cross and some headwinds from the NNW @ 26-30mph gusting to 39mph for the ride in. It was definitely the ultimate test for my coromobile and it did great. It was really shocked to see an average speed of 15.6mph. Before, when the trike was bare, 15.6 would have been considered a quick commute and on a day like today, I would have been lucky to average anything above low to mid 14mph. Today is definitely one of those days where I'm really happy I made it.
34F and dark with mainly cross and some tailwinds from the NNW @ 17-21mph gusting to 26mph for the ride home. Actually had to break out the ear muffs and gloves, even though I ended up taking the gloves off about 1/2 way into the commute. We are back to reality with the cooler temps at night here in New England. Last week was all about breaking high temp records.
46F and sunny with mainly cross and some headwinds from the NNW @ 26-30mph gusting to 39mph for the ride in. It was definitely the ultimate test for my coromobile and it did great. It was really shocked to see an average speed of 15.6mph. Before, when the trike was bare, 15.6 would have been considered a quick commute and on a day like today, I would have been lucky to average anything above low to mid 14mph. Today is definitely one of those days where I'm really happy I made it.
34F and dark with mainly cross and some tailwinds from the NNW @ 17-21mph gusting to 26mph for the ride home. Actually had to break out the ear muffs and gloves, even though I ended up taking the gloves off about 1/2 way into the commute. We are back to reality with the cooler temps at night here in New England. Last week was all about breaking high temp records.
#1004
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
Nice early-morning ride in. I was well ahead of traffic and most of the lights were green in my favor. I also saw more stars than people (easier to do on my recumbent).
#1005
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
Cold. A month ago I would have described 38F as warm, maybe toasty, but it has been up in the 80's since. Now 38F is chilly. Oh yea, it was a wonderful ride, I left a bit early, 15 minutes makes a big difference in morning traffic.
__________________
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
#1006
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 bit chilly this morning at 34F (1C). I fought a wind all the way home yesterday, and it was chilly wind. I need to move, so I am I am on the othe side of the wind coming home. The winds here are usually north, west or north west, so I need to move further sounth of here, so when I am coming home, the wind is at my back.
#1007
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 1,466
From: Merrimac , MA
I took the car this morning due to the winds that we are having. I wasn't sure I wanted to fight them today.
#1008
I was back to the hat and gloves but still went with short pants. Strong wind but still a good ride in.
Had a great tailwind push me home last night after work,
Had a great tailwind push me home last night after work,
#1009
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Southern Wisconsin US
Bikes: Schwinn DBX, Trek 820
Back to long pants and a coat...stocking cap too...great tailwind outta the SE pushing me. I had to wait out several deer on the wooden bridge for the bike bath that crosses a creek a couple miles from work. This afternoon's ride will likely be a challenge if the wind keeps up.
#1010
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
Like a lot of you guys, I'm battling the wind in NC. Yesterday afternoon I fought a stiff headwind all the way home, with tired legs from riding 62 miles on Sunday, which made for a very slow commute. This morning, I had a sweet tailwind all the way to work and had my fastest morning commute time since my route changed last fall. Also recorded my lowest weight since I started tracking calories in December 2010, and I've now lost 32 lbs, just 1 lb short of my goal.
#1011
First commute since last Thursday... my lady's birthday weekend required me to drive Friday & Monday. Any way...
It was much colder since my last commute after all that great weather we had. 30° is not bad when riding, but I do need some sort of glasses though. The cold air had me tearing much more than I remember during the winter.
I need to find another route to work. I'd like to take a longer ride. My current commute is only 2.6 miles each way. And most of my ride is on a busy, 4 & sometimes 6 lane street. Between the cars, potholes & pebbles, I'm too alert to really enjoy the ride.
Cool thread!
It was much colder since my last commute after all that great weather we had. 30° is not bad when riding, but I do need some sort of glasses though. The cold air had me tearing much more than I remember during the winter.
I need to find another route to work. I'd like to take a longer ride. My current commute is only 2.6 miles each way. And most of my ride is on a busy, 4 & sometimes 6 lane street. Between the cars, potholes & pebbles, I'm too alert to really enjoy the ride.
Cool thread!
#1012
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Sunny, 30F, breezy. It was the coldest day since I began commuting 10 days ago. Not exactly sure what to wear so I had a tshirt under a shell. Then I had bike shorts with long underwear and sweatpants and ski gloves. Not exactly the most graceful outfit but functional. Once I reach my goal weight, I will have to invest in more appropriate clothes. I just dont have a spandex body.
On a side note, I bought a MiNewt600 on the recommendation of someone else on this forum. Can't wait for my 4p-2a shift on Thursday to try it out.
On a side note, I bought a MiNewt600 on the recommendation of someone else on this forum. Can't wait for my 4p-2a shift on Thursday to try it out.
#1013
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
0C and drizzle but a tailwind made it pleasant. Until I literally came within inches of getting hit by a truck. The idiot approached the intersection as I was going through it and proceeded to roll through the STOP (only if I have to) sign. Dead center with their grill and my elbow almost touching their hood I swerve left to avoid getting knocked down. I'm lucky they didn't floor it as they often do half-way through a rolling stop.
A similar thing happened a few months ago in a different spot. People will fly up to a stop sign looking left to see if its clear while still rolling and not even see what is directly in front of them. Its even worse when I'm out walking.
There is snow forecast for the afternoon so I'm on my mountain bike today. The forecasts lately have been spectacularly wrong, so I'm thinking its just going to rain given the temperature.
A similar thing happened a few months ago in a different spot. People will fly up to a stop sign looking left to see if its clear while still rolling and not even see what is directly in front of them. Its even worse when I'm out walking.
There is snow forecast for the afternoon so I'm on my mountain bike today. The forecasts lately have been spectacularly wrong, so I'm thinking its just going to rain given the temperature.
#1014
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Bikes: 2011 Giant Rapid 3, 2001 Schwinn Mesa GSX
25 degrees from my gf's house to mine but 30 degrees on my way to work today, but the wind wasn't as bad as yesterday and it was sunny, at least!
#1016
It's been a beautiful couple of days with temps rising to 20-22 Celsius and calm winds... but unfortunately I'm stuck home with the flu for the second day.
#1017
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: san francisco, ca
Bikes: jamis nova, felt brougham, gunnar fastlane
mine was okay- nothing crazy happened, I got over a bigger hill w/o barfing, and I got the pick of the bike rack because it was kind of raining (lightly) this morning
#1018
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, Ohio
Bikes: Fuji Crosstown
My first commute in the 20s (Fahrenheit). I was glad to find out that what everyone says is true -- it's really not that cold. I warmed right up after a mile or so. also had my first "accident" today ... Foot slipped and rode right into the curb and tumbled. Only my pride was injured! The ride home was way less eventful.
#1019
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Prepared for the weather today. Froze my behind off yesterday as I was sorely unprepared.
Morning was the usual, a couple of idiot delivery vans, specifically a Cintas (uniform people), and a UPS truck. Really need a front mounted camera and start sending them in to the police ... either that or big stickers with a "I PARK ON BIKE LANES - aka idiot" on it, in like florescent green so they stand out, so I can plaster on the rear of them.
But the commute back home strengthened my resolve to find a way to ban every single Smart Car on the road. And ban taxi cabs, racism be damned, especially ones driven by very specific groups of people who seem to come here and think cause they are in a car they own the road.
Damn idiot, probably a nurse or doctor (was in a area of TO with a ton of hospitals, and they turned into one of the hospital's parking spaces just down from the corner for staff), decided to use the bike lane to make a right turn, because there was just enough room between the curb and the taxi in the car lane. Slammed my breaks just quickly enough to avoid being side swiped by them.
Then, a not too far away, while I was on the same street, a moron taxi cab driver decides to slam his breaks the moment 2 women get onto the road between 2 parked cars, I guess hoping for a fare, turns out they only wanted to J-walk. In the mean time, moron taxi cab driver, decides that slamming his breaks and stopping nearly on a dime with another taxi behind him (aka motivation to stop quicker as the other guy would have gotten the fair) and I was behind the 2nd taxi. Missed getting hit simply by swarving into the left lane (was going nearly 40Km/h would not have been able to stop on time) and ended up getting into the street car tracks.
Fun commute.
Jim
Morning was the usual, a couple of idiot delivery vans, specifically a Cintas (uniform people), and a UPS truck. Really need a front mounted camera and start sending them in to the police ... either that or big stickers with a "I PARK ON BIKE LANES - aka idiot" on it, in like florescent green so they stand out, so I can plaster on the rear of them.
But the commute back home strengthened my resolve to find a way to ban every single Smart Car on the road. And ban taxi cabs, racism be damned, especially ones driven by very specific groups of people who seem to come here and think cause they are in a car they own the road.
Damn idiot, probably a nurse or doctor (was in a area of TO with a ton of hospitals, and they turned into one of the hospital's parking spaces just down from the corner for staff), decided to use the bike lane to make a right turn, because there was just enough room between the curb and the taxi in the car lane. Slammed my breaks just quickly enough to avoid being side swiped by them.
Then, a not too far away, while I was on the same street, a moron taxi cab driver decides to slam his breaks the moment 2 women get onto the road between 2 parked cars, I guess hoping for a fare, turns out they only wanted to J-walk. In the mean time, moron taxi cab driver, decides that slamming his breaks and stopping nearly on a dime with another taxi behind him (aka motivation to stop quicker as the other guy would have gotten the fair) and I was behind the 2nd taxi. Missed getting hit simply by swarving into the left lane (was going nearly 40Km/h would not have been able to stop on time) and ended up getting into the street car tracks.
Fun commute.
Jim
#1020
I rode to the Palo Alto YMCA (i teach Rockclimbing to youth and adults, over 2.5 years) the weather was a little drizzle until the way back was down pour, good thing i brought mountain bike instead of my road bike.
#1021
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
Dressed for chilly weather, but was surprised that it was up to 44F (7C) when I headed out, so I adjusted the best that I could. Warm front coming in this afternoon, and all the lovely storms that usually accompany it.
#1022
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Third day commuting by bike to a new job. It is close enough that biking is legitimately faster than driving or public transit, and there is a shower in the building. I really can't complain about anything right now.
#1023
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 1,466
From: Merrimac , MA
The commute in this am was much better than yesterday, I rode my bike today. The thermometer in town said it was 29f when I rode through town at 6:00am, though there were no winds, so a very nice ride in. Hopefully all the rain will hold off this afternoon and it will be a nice ride home.
#1024
Belt drive!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, Vermont
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
34F/1C with a tailwind this morning. Traffic was lighter than normal.
Yesterday I almost watched a woman get nailed by traffic trying to cross a busy street at a mid-block crosswalk. It was so close that I did an audible, "Yeeeee!" She just jumped on out without paying attention. Peds don't have blanket right of way at uncontrolled crosswalks in Vermont. They have to make sure traffic can/will stop safely. Most drivers stop when they see a ped waiting, but she didn't give them a chance. The motorist had good brakes and stopped about 3 feet from the woman. Imagine if the driver had been distracted...
Yesterday I almost watched a woman get nailed by traffic trying to cross a busy street at a mid-block crosswalk. It was so close that I did an audible, "Yeeeee!" She just jumped on out without paying attention. Peds don't have blanket right of way at uncontrolled crosswalks in Vermont. They have to make sure traffic can/will stop safely. Most drivers stop when they see a ped waiting, but she didn't give them a chance. The motorist had good brakes and stopped about 3 feet from the woman. Imagine if the driver had been distracted...
#1025
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
I paid for the sweet tailwind on my morning commute yesterday with a stiff headwind heading home. I was so tired that I had planned to drive today, but went to bed early and felt great this morning. So I rode after all and was rewarded with a beautiful commute this morning. Trees and flowers are blooming everywhere around here and temperatures are supposed to reach mid-70s this afternoon. Too nice outside not to ride.
Last edited by tarwheel; 03-28-12 at 07:03 AM.





