2012 - How Was the Commute Today?
05-17-12 | 04:51 AM
#1601
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
No bike today
. Tried to work out a schedule with bike and bus to get to work and then a doctors appointment afterwards, but that appointment is in an area of the county where there is very limited service (actulally no service for the last mile). It would have been two hours that way vs. 30 minutes in the van.
Oh well, I tried. The other bummer is that I was trying to make my tank of gas last one month (Earth Day to May 22) and it doesn't look like I'll make it. Had to use the van for a number of business related trips (unavoidable) and a few others that I rarely take. We'll see though - still have a few gallons (but my "check fuel" light is on
).
. Tried to work out a schedule with bike and bus to get to work and then a doctors appointment afterwards, but that appointment is in an area of the county where there is very limited service (actulally no service for the last mile). It would have been two hours that way vs. 30 minutes in the van.Oh well, I tried. The other bummer is that I was trying to make my tank of gas last one month (Earth Day to May 22) and it doesn't look like I'll make it. Had to use the van for a number of business related trips (unavoidable) and a few others that I rarely take. We'll see though - still have a few gallons (but my "check fuel" light is on
).
05-17-12 | 05:00 AM
#1602
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
just about perfect coming in, wow I love this.
05-17-12 | 05:30 AM
#1603
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 1,466
From: Merrimac , MA
It was a nice commute in, weather was fine and sky was blue. I had to run an errand before work and after work. I like that I can incorporate running my errands on my bike commute.
05-17-12 | 06:01 AM
#1604
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
Fantastic commute this morning, one of my fastest of the year. I was frustrated because I missed riding yesterday due to our stupid forecasters calling for severe thunderstorms all day that never materialized. So my legs were well rested this morning and I rode at a fast pace for commuting. I must have burned some calories because I was drenched with sweat when I got to work despite temps about 60 F.
05-17-12 | 07:03 AM
#1605
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 351
Likes: 18
From: McLean, VA/Burlington, VT
Bikes: Obed Baseline, Cannondale Topstone, Specialized Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse
05-17-12 | 08:12 AM
#1606
born again cyclist
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 88
From: Chicago
Bikes: I have five of brikes
i wish i could bottle this morning and keep it around forever:
- 55 degrees (the most perfect riding temp ever)
- bright and sunny (solar power vitamin D for energy)
- no wind at all (a rarity along chicago's stupidly windy lakeshore)
- 55 degrees (the most perfect riding temp ever)
- bright and sunny (solar power vitamin D for energy)
- no wind at all (a rarity along chicago's stupidly windy lakeshore)
Last edited by Steely Dan; 05-17-12 at 09:41 AM.
05-17-12 | 08:50 AM
#1607
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, VA to Fort Belvoir by VRE and bike
Bikes: 2006 Trek 1000 SL, 1995 Performance 505 MTB, 2012 Trek 520 (my daily commuter)
Sweet ride home last night. A young, 20 something guy, with massive thighs, on a carbon frame go fast, passed me on the way off Ft. Belvoir. He took one block I took the other and we came out on the same road. I was about 5 lengths back. I put my head down and made the jump. I drafted off him all the way to the gate, about 2 miles, hitting 40 mph on a down hill and 28 mph across the flats (where I normally run about 18-20). All this from an almost old guy who turns 61 tomorrow, on my Trek 520, with my bright yellow Ortleib panniers sticking out in the wind. Made my day.
05-17-12 | 09:13 AM
#1608
44F and sunny. I am getting to the point where I believe the street w/ my office is transected w/ 4" deep 25' long gouges indefinitely and for no reason at all. Anyway, avoiding them is an excuse to tack a few extra miles of detour onto my commute.
05-17-12 | 09:42 AM
#1609
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Bikes: '11 Allez Comp, '09 Pinarello Pista
52 degrees, 100% overcast and spitting rain. the first mile of my commute is nearly 12% down hill so for the first mile I was COLD! After that, everything was glorious. I started really "taking the lane" to heart and let me tell you, it ROCKS! I've not had any close calls, or pissed off people (partly because its mostly 2 lane roads). Day 3 of bike commuting this week, and day 4 over all. I've noticed that I'm more tired at night (good thing) and that I'm more alert at work. I cannot wait for the ride home!
05-17-12 | 10:57 AM
#1610
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
good commute today!
05-17-12 | 12:37 PM
#1611
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
Today is Sacramento Bike To Work Day. I got a Clif Bar and a really cool BTWD mussette when I arrived at the office. Nice.
05-17-12 | 03:21 PM
#1612
Thread Starter
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
Sweet ride home last night. A young, 20 something guy, with massive thighs, on a carbon frame go fast, passed me on the way off Ft. Belvoir. He took one block I took the other and we came out on the same road. I was about 5 lengths back. I put my head down and made the jump. I drafted off him all the way to the gate, about 2 miles, hitting 40 mph on a down hill and 28 mph across the flats (where I normally run about 18-20). All this from an almost old guy who turns 61 tomorrow, on my Trek 520, with my bright yellow Ortleib panniers sticking out in the wind. Made my day.
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Trikeman
05-17-12 | 03:41 PM
#1613
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Northern Cali
Bikes: 2010 Marin Lucas Valley
well...yesterday afternoon and this morning was my first time ever commuting on the bicycle. I did it because it was Ride you bike to work day in the Sacramento, Ca area. And they had a free breakfast set up if you rode into work, and it was 3/4 mile from my place of work. Now a little back ground. We here in the Sac area are blessed with some really good trails. Normally my commute is about 16.5 miles one way. I really wanted to stay off of the surfaces streets as much as possible.....so my ride ended up being 34 miles one way....I was only on the surfaces street about 7 of thos miles. Not bad...almost thinking I might do this once a month....wasn't that hard to make happen.
05-17-12 | 04:39 PM
#1614
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: US
This week is the first time I have ever commuted partway to work on a bike, and the first time I have ridden a bike in over 10 years.
The 2 mile commute to the train station is making my legs burn like crazy, but I'm not out of breath when I get there. Today was the third day and it feels like it's getting easier. This bike (a 1980 Raleigh Grand Prix) feels like greased lightning even on the slightest slopes, and I'm averaging about 12mph according to Strava. I hope to improve that.
Every day when I get off the train after work, I feel giddy about unlocking my bike and hopping on, even though I know my muscles are about to be in pain. I hope that giddy feeling never goes away.
The 2 mile commute to the train station is making my legs burn like crazy, but I'm not out of breath when I get there. Today was the third day and it feels like it's getting easier. This bike (a 1980 Raleigh Grand Prix) feels like greased lightning even on the slightest slopes, and I'm averaging about 12mph according to Strava. I hope to improve that.
Every day when I get off the train after work, I feel giddy about unlocking my bike and hopping on, even though I know my muscles are about to be in pain. I hope that giddy feeling never goes away.
05-17-12 | 04:51 PM
#1615
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue, Ohio
Bikes: Trek 720,820
First commute ever to work today It was awesome. Morning was in the upper 40's with light wind. Nasty rough day at work w/overtime but the ride home made all the bad go away. 8 great miles each way and hopefully the start of a new habit. Bike to work week did give me the boost I needed to try. Of course all you commuter types did too Thanks!
It was awesome. Morning was in the upper 40's with light wind. Nasty rough day at work w/overtime but the ride home made all the bad go away. 8 great miles each way and hopefully the start of a new habit. Bike to work week did give me the boost I needed to try. Of course all you commuter types did too Thanks!
05-17-12 | 11:01 PM
#1616
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
a huge amount of Police in the city (Frankfurt) ... 5000 extra were brought in. the whole area near the ECB (European Central Bank) including two subway stations were shut down. Occupy Frankfurt was removed yesterday and there are very high chances for a strong protest. the universities are shut down as well, so, it should be an interesting day.
05-18-12 | 03:44 AM
#1617
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 868
From: Greenwood Indiana
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck
I am usually on the road by 0430. But today is Bike to Work day here in Indy. I am leaving at 0630 and going to Perry Park meeting point to leave by 0700. For the last several years I have taken bike to work day off work and just bike.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are
05-18-12 | 05:42 AM
#1618
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,175
Likes: 5,355
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
First commute ever to work today It was awesome. Morning was in the upper 40's with light wind. Nasty rough day at work w/overtime but the ride home made all the bad go away. 8 great miles each way and hopefully the start of a new habit. Bike to work week did give me the boost I needed to try. Of course all you commuter types did too Thanks!
It was awesome. Morning was in the upper 40's with light wind. Nasty rough day at work w/overtime but the ride home made all the bad go away. 8 great miles each way and hopefully the start of a new habit. Bike to work week did give me the boost I needed to try. Of course all you commuter types did too Thanks!
05-18-12 | 06:17 AM
#1619
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Cannondale T700s and a few others
Weather monday and needed to make a stop on the way home so drove. T-T was great rides. Off work today with the HVAC guys already here ripping out my complete HVAC system. Going to be a $6 day. 
05-18-12 | 06:19 AM
#1620
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
Finally a break from the wind. Yesterday I had a rare morning commute with no wind at all and had one of my fastest commutes of the year. This morning I had a tailwind of all things -- I had begun to doubt that they really existed -- and made my fastest commute ever since my job moved to a new location last fall. My morning commute time was a full 10 minutes faster than some of my recent commutes when I was bucking the wind the whole way.
05-18-12 | 06:31 AM
#1621
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Even leaving 15 minutes later than usual I was still too early for my local Bike to Work poitstop! But I did get a little bag and chatted with the foolks setting up.
Brisk coming in, not many other bikes out at my hour.
Brisk coming in, not many other bikes out at my hour.
05-18-12 | 07:19 AM
#1622
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,278
Likes: 342
From: Alpharetta, GA
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Although I saw a few new faces out biking this morning, my bike still looks lonely at the office rack on Bike to Work Day. After I got featured in a local paper I kind of expected a few people to jump on the bandwagon but it didn't happen.
05-18-12 | 07:23 AM
#1623
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
We have the G8 up in Thurmont, MD today, and I am glad that I am not camping up there now.
a huge amount of Police in the city (Frankfurt) ... 5000 extra were brought in. the whole area near the ECB (European Central Bank) including two subway stations were shut down. Occupy Frankfurt was removed yesterday and there are very high chances for a strong protest. the universities are shut down as well, so, it should be an interesting day.
05-18-12 | 07:25 AM
#1624
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
In later with the bike to work day crowd, and a beautiful day at 59f (15c). I like riding with a crowd; it is very different from riding alone every day.
Hopefully, some will join the ranks of us "everydayers."
Hopefully, some will join the ranks of us "everydayers."
05-18-12 | 07:42 AM
#1625
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Southern Wisconsin US
Bikes: Schwinn DBX, Trek 820
I cooked a bacon and egg Bike To Work Day breakfast for my bike commuting coworkers Today so I came in 1/2 hour early. It was a beautiful morning and the sunrise over the creek near work was awesome. Made me remember a poem I read not so long ago...
[h=6]Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who made the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and the crotchety –
best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light –
good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.
~ Mary Oliver ~
(Why I Wake Early, 2004)[/h]
Enjoy the RIDE!
[h=6]Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who made the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and the crotchety –
best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light –
good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.
~ Mary Oliver ~
(Why I Wake Early, 2004)[/h]
Enjoy the RIDE!