2013!! How Was your Commute Today?
10-11-13 | 07:29 AM
#3201
tougher than a boiled owl
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 1
From: Rocky Coast of Maine
Bikes: Fetish Cycles Fixation / Fuji S12S / Gary Fisher MTB / Raleigh Grand Prix / Ross Professional / Kent comfort cruiser
Cool (6C, 43F) and misty so it felt cooler but, despite (still) wearing shorts (but a thick long-sleeved jersey over a short-sleeved jersey), it was fine. However, when descending into a valley near the end of the ride, the temperature felt like it plummeted but there are no listed weather stations in the area so I don't know what the localized temperature was, likely 2–4C (4–9F) colder (at least it felt that way). Nice ride in nevertheless.
Because of the darkness for most of the ride (especially, the highway portion), I donned my reflective vest and attached my bright light so that I could see the side of the road (light) and be seen by cars in both directions (vest).
I can't wait for the arrival of my Polaris Grid RBS (Really Bright Stuff) jacket to arrive, it will be welcome on cold and dark rides, especially wet ones.
Encountered 2 idiots on bikes in the last couple of days. The first was on Tuesday, a bike-commuter who had no front or rear lights (it was still moderately dark), no front or rear reflectors on the bike and no reflective patches/areas on his clothes (I saw him from the front as he approached me and from behind as I followed him) yet he bombed from the sidewalk, across the road on the pedestrian crosswalk and back onto the sidewalk, nearly getting hit by a car turning right (would have served him right). Had I not had to slow for the car in front of me to stop (the car that nearly hit him, and me following the car, also making a right turn), I would have caught him and given him an earful. The second person was this morning but this person didn't affect my travels, this person, also in dark clothes, no visible reflectors or reflective wear and certainly no lights was travelling on an unlit street entering the city. These idiots are making bike-commuters look bad and are giving cagers more reason to dislike us.
Because of the darkness for most of the ride (especially, the highway portion), I donned my reflective vest and attached my bright light so that I could see the side of the road (light) and be seen by cars in both directions (vest).
I can't wait for the arrival of my Polaris Grid RBS (Really Bright Stuff) jacket to arrive, it will be welcome on cold and dark rides, especially wet ones.
Encountered 2 idiots on bikes in the last couple of days. The first was on Tuesday, a bike-commuter who had no front or rear lights (it was still moderately dark), no front or rear reflectors on the bike and no reflective patches/areas on his clothes (I saw him from the front as he approached me and from behind as I followed him) yet he bombed from the sidewalk, across the road on the pedestrian crosswalk and back onto the sidewalk, nearly getting hit by a car turning right (would have served him right). Had I not had to slow for the car in front of me to stop (the car that nearly hit him, and me following the car, also making a right turn), I would have caught him and given him an earful. The second person was this morning but this person didn't affect my travels, this person, also in dark clothes, no visible reflectors or reflective wear and certainly no lights was travelling on an unlit street entering the city. These idiots are making bike-commuters look bad and are giving cagers more reason to dislike us.
Nice Jacket BTW
Any links? or where to shop?
10-11-13 | 07:34 AM
#3202
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 4,137
From: Phx, AZ
Bikes: Trek Mtn Bike
Rode on the new lime green bicycle lane along Grand Ave yesterday and this morning. Cool from the cyclists perspective. But they cut Grand Ave from 2 lanes each way to 1 lane each way to do it. Not so cool for rush hour auto traffic.
10-11-13 | 07:38 AM
#3203
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,850
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
We're currently getting dumped on with rain from what was Tropical Storm Karen. I'm finding out what's waterproof and what's not.
#1 . North Face jacket - waterproof
#2 . Merrell hiking boots - somewhat waterproof (good for a few miles)
#3 . Starter running pants - not waterproof at all
I've switched to wearing wool socks and have been very pleased with how quickly they dry out. This morning I wrapped my sneakers in plastic bags and that worked pretty well; just a little damp inside instead of dripping wet.
Another milestone today, although not a good one. I had my first collision with a car. A lady stopped at the stop sign, looked both ways, and pulled out right into me. She hit me right on the right rear pannier, so my clothes absorbed most of the impact. Bike seems fine, although the chain got pushed from the middle ring to the small ring. I'm fine too. I was able to get my leg out of the way. She was still in shock and kept apologizing. I'm pretty sure she'll be more careful in the future. It was partly my fault, since I should have taken the lane, but with the rain and it being one of the busier roads in my route, I stayed on the white line.
For those who care, I was running my MagicShine headlight on medium, a blinky red on the back of my rack, and a solid red on my seatpost. I was wearing a regular orange jacket (not the reflective vest I wear in the winter), and didn't have my spoke light turned on. Visibility was poor to fair - no fog but raining pretty hard and darker than normal because of the cloud cover.
#1 . North Face jacket - waterproof
#2 . Merrell hiking boots - somewhat waterproof (good for a few miles)
#3 . Starter running pants - not waterproof at all
I've switched to wearing wool socks and have been very pleased with how quickly they dry out. This morning I wrapped my sneakers in plastic bags and that worked pretty well; just a little damp inside instead of dripping wet.
Another milestone today, although not a good one. I had my first collision with a car. A lady stopped at the stop sign, looked both ways, and pulled out right into me. She hit me right on the right rear pannier, so my clothes absorbed most of the impact. Bike seems fine, although the chain got pushed from the middle ring to the small ring. I'm fine too. I was able to get my leg out of the way. She was still in shock and kept apologizing. I'm pretty sure she'll be more careful in the future. It was partly my fault, since I should have taken the lane, but with the rain and it being one of the busier roads in my route, I stayed on the white line.
For those who care, I was running my MagicShine headlight on medium, a blinky red on the back of my rack, and a solid red on my seatpost. I was wearing a regular orange jacket (not the reflective vest I wear in the winter), and didn't have my spoke light turned on. Visibility was poor to fair - no fog but raining pretty hard and darker than normal because of the cloud cover.
10-11-13 | 07:40 AM
#3204
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
Polaris Bike wear makes the jacket, I purchased it from CRC.
10-11-13 | 12:23 PM
#3206
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Just registered on the forums, so this is my first post here... I've been commuting by bike a couple of days per week lately. It's about 6 miles one-way, half of which is on a paved bike path and the other half on surface streets. Tuesday morning there were leaves and pine needles all over the bike path, due to high winds the day before, and the fact that it is fall. 
Anyway, as I was riding down the leaf-carpeted bike path, I saw a large bird (possibly a hawk, but I'm not that good at identifying birds) flying down the path toward me, under the canopy. He was only about 6-8 feet above the ground, moving fast toward me. About 100 yards out, he swooped up into the trees, but it was a really cool sight. No one else on that section of path to share the moment with.
A little while later, after I was on surface streets, I was passing a row of Cape Cod style houses which are set pretty close to the road. In the front yard of one of them was a deer! I slowed down to watch the deer grazing. A couple of cars went by. The deer didn't pay much attention to me or the cars.
I don't normally see any wildlife at all on this commute, so to see those two in one morning was pretty unique!
Oh, and the town must have swept the bike path sometime that day because it was completely clear of leaves by the time I rode home.
Anyway, as I was riding down the leaf-carpeted bike path, I saw a large bird (possibly a hawk, but I'm not that good at identifying birds) flying down the path toward me, under the canopy. He was only about 6-8 feet above the ground, moving fast toward me. About 100 yards out, he swooped up into the trees, but it was a really cool sight. No one else on that section of path to share the moment with.A little while later, after I was on surface streets, I was passing a row of Cape Cod style houses which are set pretty close to the road. In the front yard of one of them was a deer! I slowed down to watch the deer grazing. A couple of cars went by. The deer didn't pay much attention to me or the cars.
I don't normally see any wildlife at all on this commute, so to see those two in one morning was pretty unique!
Oh, and the town must have swept the bike path sometime that day because it was completely clear of leaves by the time I rode home.
10-11-13 | 12:52 PM
#3207
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Welcome to the forum and to bike commuting.
Careful on those leaf-covered paths. They can be slick as ice sometimes. I have seen people right in front of me go down because of them.
Careful on those leaf-covered paths. They can be slick as ice sometimes. I have seen people right in front of me go down because of them.
10-11-13 | 01:06 PM
#3208
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,162
Likes: 647
From: Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Kuota Kredo/Chorus, Trek 7000 commuter, Trek 8000 MTB and a few others
As for my commute, it was cool and damp, but not really raining. I took the East River Bikeway instead of going up 1st Ave for a change of pace.
10-11-13 | 01:43 PM
#3209
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 73
From: Vandalia OH
Bikes: 2011 Cannondale Quick 5, 2014 Raleigh Revenio 2.0
The commute today was fine except for an RTA bus that came into the bike lane behind me then out around me and then back in to take a right turn. Close enough that I had to edge towards parked cars and by the time the bus stopped I had one hand on the side of the bus and very little room on the other side. I went forward and looked into the door and the driver looked over and shrugged then looked into the intersection.
I did get the bus number and sent the RTA an email with all the information I could. Nothing will come of it.
I did get the bus number and sent the RTA an email with all the information I could. Nothing will come of it.
10-14-13 | 06:25 AM
#3210
recumbent bike advocate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Okeechobee. Florida
Bikes: Bacchetta Belladare, long wheelbase
FINALLY a couple days of dry weather! I have had a poor record this past summer, as South Florida has had the wettest season on record, with pouring rain every afternoon. Starting the middle of last week, things finally began to dry a little. I rode to work on Friday, took a longer ride on Sunday and managed to ride into work today as well. Forecast for the rest of the week is for it continue to be dry most of the week. Maybe I can get in some miles for a change. My new boss walked into my office this morning, and told me that I didn't have nearly lights enough on my bike, and to do something about it. It's the first time he has seen me during the morning commute, and he has a valid point. Any of you got any strong feelings about what lights are good and what lights are bad? I guess I need something super bright for the back, and a new light for the front as well.
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
10-14-13 | 07:28 AM
#3211
Let's Ride!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
October has been such a dismal month for bike commuting. Fall obligations basically take away my chance to ride 2 days a week and then the weather is overcast and drizzling for the past few mondays and off on 2 fridays which would have been great days to ride but I didn't work so I did not have to. AAHH
i miss my bike and riding.
oh yeah waiting on my fast tech light to be delivered but it won't happen today because of Columbus Day.
So for the negative post but feeling gloomy and really need some sunny fall days on the bike. 
i miss my bike and riding.
oh yeah waiting on my fast tech light to be delivered but it won't happen today because of Columbus Day.
So for the negative post but feeling gloomy and really need some sunny fall days on the bike.
10-14-13 | 07:52 AM
#3212
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
A beautiful crystal clear 45F morning. It would have been a perfect commute except my local npr station is doing their Fall pledge drive
10-14-13 | 08:09 AM
#3213
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 3
From: Brodhead, WI - south of Madison
Bikes: 2009 Trek 1.2
Cool but clear here too, right around 44. Definitely sporting more layers.
Got some Dakine Tundra gloves too, and they're great, but my hands/wrists were sweaty upon arrival, so I'm hoping they dry well between uses.
Got some Dakine Tundra gloves too, and they're great, but my hands/wrists were sweaty upon arrival, so I'm hoping they dry well between uses.
10-14-13 | 05:22 PM
#3214
tougher than a boiled owl
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 1
From: Rocky Coast of Maine
Bikes: Fetish Cycles Fixation / Fuji S12S / Gary Fisher MTB / Raleigh Grand Prix / Ross Professional / Kent comfort cruiser
Contrary to what the weather has been like in some parts of the country, it has been so beautiful here for the last 3 weeks that we are getting totally spoiled. Not sure how much longer this can last. Anyway, no commute today. Had the day off and took a nice pleasure ride this afternoon for a change. Then I continued work on my lastest restore project.
10-15-13 | 06:24 AM
#3218
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
First day with sunshine and no threat of rain in over a week, and it felt great. Temperatures were about ideal for me, mid-50s F. Rode at an easy pace since my legs are still recovering from lots of miles over the previous weekend. Took a rest day from commuting yesterday but with any luck from the weather I should be able to ride the rest of the work week.
10-15-13 | 06:40 AM
#3219
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
A cold 3C (37F) but after the first couple of minutes, I was fine in shorts and a windproof jacket. I guess it is just a matter of acclimating your body to the weather changes and you can tolerate more: had I tried to ride in shorts on a 3C day in August, I wouldn't have made it out the house, let alone down the road. The weather was clear but it is forecast for rain this evening, I hope it will hold off until after I get home.
10-15-13 | 06:42 AM
#3220
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
Warmer morning, low 50'sF. I needed to leave early so almost the whole ride was in the dark - sample of things to come in a few months!
10-15-13 | 07:53 AM
#3221
ouate de phoque
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
From: La Prairie, Qc, Canada
Bikes: Bianchi, Nakamura,Opus
This morning at 10° celcius I wore pant and long sleeve jersey and I was just fine.It was a nice ride after a 4 days week end spend at moose hunting, we saw two moose but couldn't get clear shots. We'll try again next year.
10-15-13 | 08:00 AM
#3222
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda, MD
Bikes: All-City Space Horse, Trek 5000 WSD
Very foggy this morning. It was so foggy, I could feel mist on my face. I need to get new spoke lights - I felt a bit underlighted this morning. It was really cool riding into DC, and up Virginia Ave. I could barely make out the Washington Monument. It was also my very first commute on the new All-City Space Horse, and it was great! I sold 2 other bikes this weekend, so now I'm down to 3 bikes. Life is good.
10-15-13 | 08:51 AM
#3224
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Ok, that's cool. Will be back in PHX in a week or so. Will have to go down and ride that just to say I did.
10-15-13 | 08:52 AM
#3225
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
I know fall is here. Crystal clear skies and cold overnight. Most of the traffic in the mornings is farm trucks heading to the packing houses and the sun is not making it over the eastern mountains before I get in to the office in the morning.
it was -1*C this morning when I left the house.
Seems to have come suddenly.
it was -1*C this morning when I left the house.
Seems to have come suddenly.