2014!! How was your commute today?
#3326
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 0
From: Nanaimo, BC
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
#3328
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Felt nice; perfect average temperature for mid-November (1°C = 34F), dry, and straddling dusk.
Unfortunately, after getting my bike back from the LBS today (had to rebuild my freehub after the bearings exploded), my speed sensor magnet was a bit off and wasn't registering, so I didn't have accurate speeds on my way home. Also, as my GPS didn't have a waypoint lock before I hit start, all it did was connect a straight line from my start point to end point both in location and elevation... no Strava segments for me today
Unfortunately, after getting my bike back from the LBS today (had to rebuild my freehub after the bearings exploded), my speed sensor magnet was a bit off and wasn't registering, so I didn't have accurate speeds on my way home. Also, as my GPS didn't have a waypoint lock before I hit start, all it did was connect a straight line from my start point to end point both in location and elevation... no Strava segments for me today
#3330
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 looking forward to riding my new touring bike for the first time this morning, so I stayed up until nearly midnight installing a rack, mounts for lights and making other adjustments. The forecast called for cold but clear weather. To my surprise, the streets were all wet when I got up and there was light rain when I went outside to get the paper. Forecasters had called for near zero chance of rain when I went to bed last night.
Anyway, I didn't want to get my new bike all dirty on its first ride, so I had move my lights and seat bag to another bike with fenders. Good thing I changed bikes because the streets were very wet on my commute altho it was only raining very lightly. Other than the bike swapping hassle, it was an excellent ride with a bit of a tailwind and cools temps in the upper 30s, which I like. I managed to bike commute every workday this week, only missing Tuesday, which was a holiday.
Anyway, I didn't want to get my new bike all dirty on its first ride, so I had move my lights and seat bag to another bike with fenders. Good thing I changed bikes because the streets were very wet on my commute altho it was only raining very lightly. Other than the bike swapping hassle, it was an excellent ride with a bit of a tailwind and cools temps in the upper 30s, which I like. I managed to bike commute every workday this week, only missing Tuesday, which was a holiday.
#3331
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
was worried about the cooler weather moving in today plus after being off 3 days this week it was hard to get motivated to ride in the cold. I went to the gym (have to get my monthly payment worth) and drove to work.
I did notice that the last time I went to the gym was 10/15 and then 9/15 before that. That means I have done a lot of riding this year. This month has been horrible for riding though. ...
I did notice that the last time I went to the gym was 10/15 and then 9/15 before that. That means I have done a lot of riding this year. This month has been horrible for riding though. ...
#3332
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
17F this morning with snow on the trail - I'll happily cede the Northwest Passage to Canada and admit you're tougher then us if you'll take your arctic air back. I can handle teens and single digits but in January. Give us back our November
#3333
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 800
Likes: 2
From: Overland Park, KS
Bikes: 1999 Giant TCR 2T 2009 Giant Cypress DX 2015 Giant Anyroad 1
I'll second that. 14° on this mornings commute. 4" of snow tomorrow. Bleh.
#3334
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
#3335
Thread Starter
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)
Although this map is from a year ago, it's almost spot on to what the temperatures around the country are right now. 

#3336
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Took a few years off and today is commute #31 since re-starting a couple months ago. Never imagined I'd stick with it when temps dropped below 50. (I know 41 is not cold for many of you, but it is cold for me). I think - with the right clothing and gear - maybe I can continue riding through Winter. Bought some Endura Windproof gloves from my LBS last week but my fingers were still cold when I got to work. Need to research better ways to keep my fingers warm.
#3337
Thread Starter
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)
Took a few years off and today is commute #31 since re-starting a couple months ago. Never imagined I'd stick with it when temps dropped below 50. (I know 41 is not cold for many of you, but it is cold for me). I think - with the right clothing and gear - maybe I can continue riding through Winter. Bought some Endura Windproof gloves from my LBS last week but my fingers were still cold when I got to work. Need to research better ways to keep my fingers warm.
#3338
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
My biggest problem in the cold is my toes feeling frozen, and also when it's down in the 20's, keeping my face warm without fogging my glasses up (nearly impossible it seems). My fingers usually get cold early on, then warm up as I go on. But then again I also commute over 15 miles each way.
I don't think it got as cold today as it was originally forecast to do, perhaps due to some cloud cover. 35F at 7am. Roads were kinda wet from some overnight drizzle, but not bad and no ice. Normal enough ride otherwise.
#3339
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 514
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City, MO
Bikes: Klein Quantum Race; Cannondale Supersix EVO Di2; Trek Crossrip LTD; Trek Boone 9 Disc
14F (-10C) this morning in KC. Fingers got a little chilly, but otherwise not too bad.
#3340
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 0
From: Nanaimo, BC
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
Another nice day this morning. Clear and cool. The ride last night and today were nice. The drivers have been good. I saw very few people this morning.
I took the plastic sleeves off my locks yesterday and rinsed them with dry solvent and oven died them and then pipetted in some lube. They worked great this morning.
It was about twenty two Fahrenheit this morning and I added my second wool base layer. I would have been fine without it but I wasn't to hot, nor was I going too fast.
I took the plastic sleeves off my locks yesterday and rinsed them with dry solvent and oven died them and then pipetted in some lube. They worked great this morning.
It was about twenty two Fahrenheit this morning and I added my second wool base layer. I would have been fine without it but I wasn't to hot, nor was I going too fast.
#3341
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 13
From: So Cal
Bikes: Cimarrons 1835, 0836, 1767, 3517, 0768, 3408, a LHT, and a couple others
beautiful morning here; temps were mild, and the roads were wet from drizzle, but no rain.
#3342
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
51F, 100% RH, calm. Which means pea soup fog. Had all my blinkies and lights on this morning.
#3343
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,328
Likes: 3,518
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
My Monday and Wednesday morning commutes were both uneventful but the evenings, before moonrise, have been full of wildlife sightings, mostly deer. One buck stared me down on the Main Ave fire road and didn't move aside til I was quite close, like the distance from couch to TV. I think he was mesmerized by my blinky.
Wednesday night, signs appeared on Twin Lakes Ave threatening proposed speed tables. I thought about going back and altering the signs to say "sweet jumps" instead.
Wednesday night, signs appeared on Twin Lakes Ave threatening proposed speed tables. I thought about going back and altering the signs to say "sweet jumps" instead.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#3344
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
Darth: how are the turkeys there? There are tons of them around the ARBT. I think they may be more of a hazard than the squirrels.
#3345
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX8, Caad10, Marin BearValley, WTP BMX, Norco Tandem
yesterday AM I saw another commuter bundled up to the max: full balaclava, ski goggles, the whole nine yards.
A few hundred yards later I saw another commuter in shorts--must be visiting from Edmonton!
I also saw a guy doing his best (unintentional) fred astaire impression across some black ice. woah!
A few hundred yards later I saw another commuter in shorts--must be visiting from Edmonton!
I also saw a guy doing his best (unintentional) fred astaire impression across some black ice. woah!
#3346
Super-spreader
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 101
From: where black is the color, where none is the number
Bikes: shiny red tricycle
Nice view on the way home today...
#3347
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Not far. A little under seven miles. Several years ago I had a 12 mile commute when I lived in the midwest and had to share the 55 mph single-lane chip-and-tar country road. While making some life choices, I made it a goal to find a bike-friendly job that was accessible via a bike path and 35 mph roads. It took me a few years, but it's a better life.
Flat and I cut through a retirement community. Instead of 55+ mph cars I have to deal with super-charged golf carts. Most of them give me a wide berth. I occasionally have to dodge alligators and snakes. At least you can see alligators from far off.
My side-mirror fogs up, especially in the morning. Glasses have not been an issue [yet]. I was amused when the morning fog condensed into water on my arm hairs.
What's the terrain like?
My biggest problem in the cold is my toes feeling frozen, and also when it's down in the 20's, keeping my face warm without fogging my glasses up (nearly impossible it seems). My fingers usually get cold early on, then warm up as I go on. But then again I also commute over 15 miles each way.
#3348
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: La Jolla, California
Bikes: Trek (Fisher) 29er Mamba, Giant 64cm Defy
Flat on the way to work, flew home. Perfect weather.
#3349
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 631
Likes: 355
From: Eastern Iowa
Bikes: 2014 Trek Allant drop bar conversion, modified Schwinn MTN commuter, 2015 Trek 520, Soma ES, Salsa Journeyman, 1980 Trek 414
Lower teens this morning, not too windy. A bit warm under the jacket...still figuring out this cold weather layering without getting too sweaty. Ride home was pleasant as always after the sun sets!
#3350
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 13
From: So Cal
Bikes: Cimarrons 1835, 0836, 1767, 3517, 0768, 3408, a LHT, and a couple others
Beautiful, cool morning. I had some fun with a few road bikers on the way in today which I elaborated on in the "moron" thread.
Fall is my favorite time to ride.
Fall is my favorite time to ride.




I know that view well. I used to live just a little ways up and to the west of there. I DESPERATELY want to go back.