2012 - How Was the Commute Today?
#126
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MI
32F and clear this morning. Right now the moon is directly ahead of me in the mornings, absolutely beautiful! 45F with a light head wind on the way home, warm enough to wear shorts!
Probably the last bike commute for awhile, supposed to have a big snow storm tomorrow and Friday. They are also saying a return to normal winter weather.
Bugger!
Probably the last bike commute for awhile, supposed to have a big snow storm tomorrow and Friday. They are also saying a return to normal winter weather.
Bugger!
#127
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
About 45 degrees this morning, but a 20mph headwind made it feel colder than it was. Not uncomfortable, though - - The same wind was a tailwind on the way home! Hammer Down! This morning pre-sunrise I used a new tail light setup, mounted on a stretch of PVC 18" long: at the ends a pair of Cherry Bombs (NiteRider) and in the center a PBSF Turbo, with a PBSF Stealth behind them on the seat post. Cars were swinging wiiiiiide - my wife said I would be arrested for impersonating a police motorcycle!
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#128
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
We will NEVER EVER forgive you!!!!!!!!!! (jk . . .)
Glad you're feeling better, glad you're back on your bike! I will follow your advice and never tear my ACL . . .
Turns out it was the ACL and a partial MCL tear. Anyway, had my first commute, post-surgery today (had surgery on 11/22). Felt good, and it was a nice brisk morning here in Austin. My surgery leg's quad muscle is really atrophied though, I'm working on getting it back to size. Leading up to the commute I have been doing some daily easy paced riding with a gradual build up in length and speed. Having to go slow for a while has made me re-appreciate bike riding though. I don't race against myself all the time anymore, I tend to enjoy it more.
Free advice: don't tear your ACL, the few weeks after surgery suck and I'm still working regaining full flexibly in my knee.
Free advice: don't tear your ACL, the few weeks after surgery suck and I'm still working regaining full flexibly in my knee.
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#129
Wet wet wet coming home this evening. A few others out there on the roads though. Most of my gear passed the test of the first rain in a while.
#130
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
This morning was great here in Pittsburgh. Sunny but chilly (about 28 F). Frost on the cars, so I went back inside to put my wool sweater on over my polypro base layer and under my Showers Pass jacket. Wore my O2 rain pants over Thermasilk long underwear on the bottom. Smartwool socks under my duckboots (anticipating rain in the afternoon). I also used my pogies (Cli-Mitts) for the first time. They work! I wore a pair of mid-weight gloves but could have gotten away with less. One drawback: Can't cool down by opening the sleeve cuffs--the wind doesn't go up through the mitts. A little hot when I did the final climb to work.
The anticipated rain came in the afternoon. Steady--not torrential, but it didn't let up and about 40 F. Shucked the wool sweater and the long johns before I started out. Pogies proved to be waterproof, as advertised. All the gear worked the way it was supposed to: I was damp on the sleeves of my base layer and dry everywhere else. Didn't see many other bike commuters so felt like a bad hombre.
Got home and my wife asked me how the ride was.
"Minor injury," I said.
"Oh really? What?"
"Teeth hurt from smiling into the cold rain for an hour."
Bike and gear are drying out in the basement waiting for tomorrow morning.
The anticipated rain came in the afternoon. Steady--not torrential, but it didn't let up and about 40 F. Shucked the wool sweater and the long johns before I started out. Pogies proved to be waterproof, as advertised. All the gear worked the way it was supposed to: I was damp on the sleeves of my base layer and dry everywhere else. Didn't see many other bike commuters so felt like a bad hombre.
Got home and my wife asked me how the ride was.
"Minor injury," I said.
"Oh really? What?"
"Teeth hurt from smiling into the cold rain for an hour."
Bike and gear are drying out in the basement waiting for tomorrow morning.
#131
Another sweet commute, even though I got caught in the rain on the return leg. I was riding my vintage 79 Raleigh Competition GS #1. I got two exactly alike. This is the taller one.. The bike rides...
I just pumped away, and it just galloped like a stallion..
I will be putting lights on this bike in short order..
I just pumped away, and it just galloped like a stallion..
I will be putting lights on this bike in short order..
#132
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
I finally got all my classes sorted out for the semester. I only have classes Tuesday and Thursday. I plan to ride in most days to do work, but it hasn't panned out this week so far as I've missed Monday and Wednesday this week.
I had a flat as I was getting ready to leave school on Tuesday. The hole was on the inner part of the tube, not too far from the valve. I think the loaner wheel from the LBS which is drilled for schrader is allowing some debris to find its way inside the wheel. The tire didn't want to seat properly and after the 2nd inflation I rode home with a slightly out of balance wheel. I didn't get around to fixing it today, so I'll be on the mountain bike tomorrow.
I did manage to find an inexpensive replacement laptop. A mint condition off-lease dual core T60 Thinkpad for $299.
I had a flat as I was getting ready to leave school on Tuesday. The hole was on the inner part of the tube, not too far from the valve. I think the loaner wheel from the LBS which is drilled for schrader is allowing some debris to find its way inside the wheel. The tire didn't want to seat properly and after the 2nd inflation I rode home with a slightly out of balance wheel. I didn't get around to fixing it today, so I'll be on the mountain bike tomorrow.
I did manage to find an inexpensive replacement laptop. A mint condition off-lease dual core T60 Thinkpad for $299.
#133
Just a commuter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Stockholm, Sweden
Bikes: Scott Metrix 20 for commuting, Specialized Dolce Elite for fun
Terrible: +2C, horrible wind, rain, and pitch black. All the drivers were nice, though, that was a bonus.
#134
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
Yes, those steel pipe bikes are a dream on the road. I gave away my last one last year, and I miss it.
A very unusually warm morning at 48F ( 9C). Lots of rain, but with the warmth not a problem. It heads down this evening, but more seasonal.
A very unusually warm morning at 48F ( 9C). Lots of rain, but with the warmth not a problem. It heads down this evening, but more seasonal.
#135
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 was expecting an easy ride this morning after taking a day off yesterday and mild temperatures in the mid-40s this morning. What I didn't expect was the headwind, which made my commute feel like I was riding uphill the whole way. Hopefully the wind will be at my back this afternoon, but it's supposed to be blowing even harder tomorrow. We have been having a very mild winter with no snow or ice, but it has been very windy, which is tougher than cold temperatures for me.
#136
recumbent bike advocate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Okeechobee. Florida
Bikes: Bacchetta Belladare, long wheelbase
Another interesting ride in. Was warm (about 52 degrees) with FOG. This is the third morning I have commuted on my bike, so I saddled up as usual, and left maybe 10 minutes early. Had all my lights going, headed out into it, very aware that I could hear the cars before I could see them. As it turned out, it was an easy commute, but I was constantly wiping my glasses to keep them clear of the fog for the first half of the ride. After I got north of Hwy 70, it lifted some, and I didn't need to fool with them. Traffic was light and well behaved, and I was into my shop nearly 30 minutes early. A good start to the day! I am enjoying riding to and from work in the cool south Florida winter mornings...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
#137
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 223
From: Canada
Bikes: 2009 Trek 520
At -18C with a light headwind, this was the coldest ride in about a month. I wore my respirator but was able to go without the goggles, but just barely.
#138
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 848
Likes: 21
From: Fort Collins CO
Bikes: Kona Dew, Kona Ute, Salsa Timberjack, Salsa Fargo, New belgium brewery cruisers-2014 and 2009 and 2007
Went out last night to ride home and large bird had pooped on my handlebars, stem captain watch and fender 2nd time this month. The only bike parking in this office complex we just moved to is right under a crabapple tree.
Options:
1. Cut down the tree. Not really an option but it was my first thought.
2. Set a trap for the bird and kill it. More birds will come and they have a just as much right to that tree as I do.
3. Bring bike up stairs and keep it in the office. If I wasn't so lazy, or if I were training for cycoX
4. Get a cover. Hmmm... should have a cover for rainy days anyway.
5. Continue to remove bird crap from bike about twice a month. This seems like the path of least resistance.
Options:
1. Cut down the tree. Not really an option but it was my first thought.
2. Set a trap for the bird and kill it. More birds will come and they have a just as much right to that tree as I do.
3. Bring bike up stairs and keep it in the office. If I wasn't so lazy, or if I were training for cycoX
4. Get a cover. Hmmm... should have a cover for rainy days anyway.
5. Continue to remove bird crap from bike about twice a month. This seems like the path of least resistance.
#139
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
12 degrees F (-11C), clear.
Total count is up to 5: Fellow commuters who say "wow, those studs apparently don't slow you down"
Total count is up to 5: Fellow commuters who say "wow, those studs apparently don't slow you down"
#140
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,860
Likes: 213
From: south Puget Sound
27F, gray but sunny(?)
Kids were thrilled to finally have separate locks so they could park their bikes wherever they wanted independent of the other bike's location
Kids were thrilled to finally have separate locks so they could park their bikes wherever they wanted independent of the other bike's location
#141
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 740
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Bikes: 1973 Mercian Pro, 1972-73 Peugeot Track, 1983 Lotus Competition, Early 1970s Bottecchia Pro/Giro, 2000 Bob Jackson Special Tourist, 2011 Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen; 1996 Franklin custom
Eventful ride in to downtown Cowlumbus, Ohio today. Saw a beautiful Doe along the Olentangy Path just north of Henderson. Then just south of Whetstone a golden retreiver chased me--he meant business--came at me head on, then turned and chased some more when I passed him. I firmly but politely told the owner he shouldn't let his dogs run loose on the path. He repled that he didn't expect cyclists on the path on a day like today, but apologized. The dog continued to chase me during that brief conversation. Then, as I rode past Battelle, I saw an albino squirrel next to the path, pink eyes and all. Is it a coincidence it was by a facility that does top secret research? Got the foil hat out right away.
#142
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Pine Ridge, FL
Bikes: 02 Jamis Coda
Second day commutting, second flat....ugg.
#143
It's been raining, more or less, all year and finally clearing up today. There's been a wind advisory - 35 mph gusts - all day which would be interesting with my rig and I was kind of looking forward to the variety but it doesn't look likely. It's dead calm now and probably be light if any wind when I leave.
On the bright side the temperature is pleasantly warm, as it has been since December, and I'm on a roll with 100% cycling in 2012 commuting. It's actually 55 consecutive commuting days, by accident. I didn't plan it, but I'm wondering now if I can stretch that to 100 without ever driving in.
On the bright side the temperature is pleasantly warm, as it has been since December, and I'm on a roll with 100% cycling in 2012 commuting. It's actually 55 consecutive commuting days, by accident. I didn't plan it, but I'm wondering now if I can stretch that to 100 without ever driving in.
#144
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
Another sweet commute, even though I got caught in the rain on the return leg. I was riding my vintage 79 Raleigh Competition GS #1. I got two exactly alike. This is the taller one.. The bike rides...
I just pumped away, and it just galloped like a stallion..
I will be putting lights on this bike in short order..

I just pumped away, and it just galloped like a stallion..
I will be putting lights on this bike in short order..

__________________
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#145
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
38 degrees on the ride in pre-sunrise, then 39 degrees on the afternoon leg home. Both trips were very comfortable. I'm ready for it to get warmer, though, us desert dwellers are used to hot rides!
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#146
I, too, love that Raleigh Competition^^^^^^
Getting back into my Boston commutes after 3 months in NYC.
Fortunately, I had set up my city bike for my return (I'd been on my folder in NYC). It's running so sweetly. Weather was intense this morning. High gusting winds with a pelting rain and cold. Sometimes the wind was so strong I had to stand to keep up some speed on level ground.
My rain gear:
Showers Pass Jacket, Gore Tex rain pants, Showers Pass rain hood, Showers Pass shoe covers, Gore tex mitten covers over Polar Tec gloves. I was dry as a bone when I arrived 10 miles later.
Had the bike path pretty much to myself saw only 4 other cyclists and a half dozen joggers and a few walkers, including one woman basically pushing a huge umbrella down the path into the wind and rain.
The ride home was calmer and drier- no white caps on the Charles River.
Getting back into my Boston commutes after 3 months in NYC.
Fortunately, I had set up my city bike for my return (I'd been on my folder in NYC). It's running so sweetly. Weather was intense this morning. High gusting winds with a pelting rain and cold. Sometimes the wind was so strong I had to stand to keep up some speed on level ground.
My rain gear:
Showers Pass Jacket, Gore Tex rain pants, Showers Pass rain hood, Showers Pass shoe covers, Gore tex mitten covers over Polar Tec gloves. I was dry as a bone when I arrived 10 miles later.
Had the bike path pretty much to myself saw only 4 other cyclists and a half dozen joggers and a few walkers, including one woman basically pushing a huge umbrella down the path into the wind and rain.
The ride home was calmer and drier- no white caps on the Charles River.
#147
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
Rainy for the first half of my commute in Pittsburgh, with a temperature of around 40 F. The warm weather is supposed to end tonight, but I have to drive tomorrow
so at least it's a good day for it. The rain wasn't too steady and I had the gear for it, but it was a relief to wipe off the glasses when I stopped at the porto-john in the park toward the end of my commute (I've learned to be very thankful for that thing. One of the consequences of my commute, coupled with my gigantic smoothie that's part of my breakfast every day, is that I need a pit stop 10 minutes before I get to work rather than 10 minutes after.
The ride home was great. 47 F. with no precip from the sky but some puddles to ride through.
so at least it's a good day for it. The rain wasn't too steady and I had the gear for it, but it was a relief to wipe off the glasses when I stopped at the porto-john in the park toward the end of my commute (I've learned to be very thankful for that thing. One of the consequences of my commute, coupled with my gigantic smoothie that's part of my breakfast every day, is that I need a pit stop 10 minutes before I get to work rather than 10 minutes after. The ride home was great. 47 F. with no precip from the sky but some puddles to ride through.
#149
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
Low 50s and raining buckets this am. So much fun!
#150
I love the sporting look. I will be banging some front lights, rear lights. Also, be sporting helmet light front and rear, and a backpack. With that I am dressed for the commute.. 
BTW, I am 6'3" at 135 lbs... don't laugh...




