2015!! How was your commute today?
11-02-15 | 01:12 PM
#2852
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX8, Caad10, Marin BearValley, WTP BMX, Norco Tandem
[MENTION=393044]KCBikeCommuter[/MENTION] ouch!
Friday was a fun one: Last day of bike-to-work-week in this area.
It was pouring, and the MUP had a swollen creek across it—I rode through. It was mostly dark, but I know the route well.
It was slow going with the water level well over the bottom bracket.
I must remember to disinfect that water bottle though--that creek is nasty!
Friday was a fun one: Last day of bike-to-work-week in this area.
It was pouring, and the MUP had a swollen creek across it—I rode through. It was mostly dark, but I know the route well.
It was slow going with the water level well over the bottom bracket.
I must remember to disinfect that water bottle though--that creek is nasty!
11-03-15 | 06:11 AM
#2854
Zip tie Karen
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
Likes: 1,546
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
[MENTION=393044]KCBikeCommuter[/MENTION], Heal up. Bad things happen when the wheels don't have enough friction any longer. It's like riding on smooth ice. The slightest imbalance causes the tires to shoot out to the side. A cracked rib is no joke. Hope you're back on the bike soon.
11-03-15 | 07:44 AM
#2855
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Damp morning from all the rain the past 2 days. And plenty of wet leaves to keep my speed in check. But a good ride in with a little extra mileage for 14.5 total.
After this weekend's time change, it was light enough at 7am that I didn't need my front light on the way in. But it will likely be dark before I get home a little before 6 this evening.
After this weekend's time change, it was light enough at 7am that I didn't need my front light on the way in. But it will likely be dark before I get home a little before 6 this evening.
11-03-15 | 07:47 AM
#2856
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
[MENTION=393044]KCBikeCommuter[/MENTION] I hope you heal up and the bike is okay too. I went down in AUgust and still have the funny skin on my knee and hip. I was all loaded up to ride and then I realized it was raining still. They were not calling for it and it said 40%.. I decided to drive. I have a date with my wife and I have to sort out my issues with Garmin. {GPS will not connec to computer**
Did you all know that they only have a customer service number you can call mon- friday 8-5. (which kinda sucks for those of us who do not have the flexibility to call during those times)
Did you all know that they only have a customer service number you can call mon- friday 8-5. (which kinda sucks for those of us who do not have the flexibility to call during those times)
11-03-15 | 07:48 AM
#2857
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
I had my first major fall since I started biking seriously 6-years ago. I wasn't commuting; I was just out on a Saturday morning ride around town. The streets were still wet but it wasn't raining, so I was riding my full-fender commuter bike. The roads felt a little greasy, and I was taking it very easy around corners and round-a-bouts. However, where I fell... the road was completely flat and straight. I had just had a drink from my water bottle and was placing it back in the cage... and BAM!! Down I went. I'm not even exactly sure what I did because it happened so quickly. Not sure if I turned the handlebar a little bit while putting the bottle away, or if I hit a bump, but something sure went wrong.
The front tire shot off to the right and I went down hard on my left side. I missed my shoulder and collar bone, but have a deeply bruised or cracked rib. I cracked my helmet, but the road rash isn’t bad at all. I’m guessing this is because the roads were wet. It was a pretty good yard sale of parts and equipment lying in the road. There were bottles, lights, batteries, etc. strewn around. Luckily, there was no traffic, so I just collected my stuff and moved to the side of the road to assess health and damage. The bike was unrideable with a bent rear derailleur.
I called a friend to come get me. I’m probably off the bike for a few days at least.
The front tire shot off to the right and I went down hard on my left side. I missed my shoulder and collar bone, but have a deeply bruised or cracked rib. I cracked my helmet, but the road rash isn’t bad at all. I’m guessing this is because the roads were wet. It was a pretty good yard sale of parts and equipment lying in the road. There were bottles, lights, batteries, etc. strewn around. Luckily, there was no traffic, so I just collected my stuff and moved to the side of the road to assess health and damage. The bike was unrideable with a bent rear derailleur.
I called a friend to come get me. I’m probably off the bike for a few days at least.
11-03-15 | 08:32 AM
#2858
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 5
From: Columbia, SC
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
What a fantastic commute! Well, mostly. I felt like I was going super slow today, but when I looked at my average, it was slightly faster than normal. It was misty...missed out on the drizzle for now. All went quite well until the end of the ride, when a train was just sitting on the tracks blocking everyone from moving. I gave it a good 5 minutes and turned around to hit a different road that I don't really like doing during peak traffic time (or really anytime). I took the sidewalk for a little bit going uphill (not illegal in that part of the city, and I got to skip out waiting in line) and got on the road a few blocks later. Once I got to work, I realized I accidentally grabbed my car keys instead of my keys with my work FOB that lets me into my office. d'oh!
Taking tomorrow off to chase down a Raleigh Sports for next to nothing a few hours away.
Taking tomorrow off to chase down a Raleigh Sports for next to nothing a few hours away.
11-03-15 | 09:30 AM
#2859
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,225
Likes: 6,484
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I rode home yesterday. I stopped at my mother's place to visit for a couple of hours. She lives about halfway between my work and my home. My wife met me there for the visit. We do this once a week. I usually ride home with my wife on her mode, whether it's the subway or her car. But this time, I was having so much fun on my new road racing bike that I rode home without her while she rode the subway home. The temperature was 60ºF, unusually warm for early November.
I rode into work again today. Very unusually, there is NO WIND today. I even stopped to check at one point, because it's so unbelievable. My wife rode with me for the first 15 minutes just for fun. She's a lot slower than I am, so the pace was gentle. After she turned around, I rode gently the rest of the way, just for fun. This bike is so lively it's even fun at low speeds. But I really want to try some other tires. These skinny tires are awfully harsh. I have some Veloflex tires I've been meaning to put on. Again, it's unusually warm, in the mid-50's or so.
@bmthom.gis, be sure to post your new 3-speed in the 3-speed thread.
I rode into work again today. Very unusually, there is NO WIND today. I even stopped to check at one point, because it's so unbelievable. My wife rode with me for the first 15 minutes just for fun. She's a lot slower than I am, so the pace was gentle. After she turned around, I rode gently the rest of the way, just for fun. This bike is so lively it's even fun at low speeds. But I really want to try some other tires. These skinny tires are awfully harsh. I have some Veloflex tires I've been meaning to put on. Again, it's unusually warm, in the mid-50's or so.
@bmthom.gis, be sure to post your new 3-speed in the 3-speed thread.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
11-03-15 | 09:56 AM
#2860
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 5
From: Columbia, SC
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
@bmthom.gis, be sure to post your new 3-speed in the 3-speed thread.
11-03-15 | 10:51 AM
#2861
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,278
Likes: 342
From: Alpharetta, GA
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Still wet after the record rainfall yesterday, with my usual route under 4 foot of water and still rising, and the regular streets are pretty sloppy. At least the rain has mostly stopped, and it turned out to be surprisingly pleasant other than the wet and debris.
The downer is feeling skittish, since back in May I went down the same way as [MENTION=393044]KCBikeCommuter[/MENTION] - the slightest unsuspecting lean on an abnormally slick wet spot and you go down. Still healing, I still tend to be overly cautious crossing the pavement paint, especially with my 25mm summer season tires.
The downer is feeling skittish, since back in May I went down the same way as [MENTION=393044]KCBikeCommuter[/MENTION] - the slightest unsuspecting lean on an abnormally slick wet spot and you go down. Still healing, I still tend to be overly cautious crossing the pavement paint, especially with my 25mm summer season tires.
11-03-15 | 11:19 AM
#2862
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
Thanks @Phil_gretz @RidingMatthew @arsprod,
I'll probably take it pretty easy on wet roads for the foreseeable future.
I'll probably take it pretty easy on wet roads for the foreseeable future.
11-03-15 | 11:46 AM
#2863
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 223
Likes: 10
From: NW, WI
Bikes: Salsa Fargo, Surly Disc Trucker, Surly ECR, Cannondale Cujo, Rocky Mountain Blizzard
Sunday night I checked the forecast and it was calling for mid 40s in the morning, no wind and 0% chance of rain. Ummm nope. 34 degrees and sprinkling when I stepped outside just before 6am. Took off and the rain turned to light snow flurries for the first 4 miles. Was comfy warm so I think I have my clothing figured out for these temps. Took off home and made it before dark but the last 4 miles was into the setting sun. Wasn't too bad yesterday but with each day it will get more dicey. Will adjust my departure time to avoid riding into it. This morning it was 44 degrees and pleasant riding in. Won't be able to commute again until Friday.
11-03-15 | 11:48 AM
#2864
cold & clammy, 'tis the season. I've been wearing a short sleeve t-shirt under my raincoat for mornings, and packing a long-sleeve shirt for going home, but it's still clammy in the pm so the morning outfit gets reused. Although I am using fingerless gloves in the pm.
11-03-15 | 04:53 PM
#2865
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 6
From: Kansas City, KS
Intense.. with the huge Royals parade the traffic was gridlocked. I got to do everything a commuter shouldn't do. Rode down the middle of Holmes and weaved in and out traffic. Not something I'd ever do! But I made it home almost quicker than my family that left 30 minutes before I did!
11-04-15 | 06:07 AM
#2866
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 1,500
From: Merrimac , MA
I had a nice uneventful commute this morning. It was a cool 41f degrees when I left the house this am with clear dark skies but light coming down earlier than last week. It is my first day riding since daylight saving times started on Sunday. I do not mind riding in the dark in the am, as there is hardly any motor vehicle traffic. The same can not be said for the afternoon.
11-04-15 | 06:28 AM
#2867
Zip tie Karen
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
Likes: 1,546
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Flatted to begin the ride home yesterday. My commuter rim/tire combination is pretty difficult to mount, and I struggled with the spare tube. I had to use lever assist on the last 5 inches or so, and must've pinched it, as it wouldn't hold air. I went back and patched the original before removing the spare. Inserted the repaired tube, struggling similarly. No joy as it wouldn't hold air either.
Fortunately, a coworker with a truck pulled up and asked if I needed a lift home. So, just an inconvenience.
The bike I had wanted to take on Monday morning was flat, too. So it's repair is in the queue.
I rode the fixed gear in today. It was a spirited ride, and I feel a bit better. I'm going to start a thread on tubeless, wondering if that's how I should go on my commuter...
Fortunately, a coworker with a truck pulled up and asked if I needed a lift home. So, just an inconvenience.
The bike I had wanted to take on Monday morning was flat, too. So it's repair is in the queue.
I rode the fixed gear in today. It was a spirited ride, and I feel a bit better. I'm going to start a thread on tubeless, wondering if that's how I should go on my commuter...
11-04-15 | 07:09 AM
#2868
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Pretty much a ditto of yesterday's dampness, wet roads, and wet leaves, but not actually raining. I left about 10 minutes earlier than usual and took a longer route for an even 16 miles and 1 hour of ride time.
11-04-15 | 07:56 AM
#2869
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Bikes: Trek Verve Ebike and Surly Wednesday
[MENTION=393044]KCBikeCommuter[/MENTION] Hope you heal up quickly. I almost wiped out yesterday when my pedal struck the road during a turn.
My commute this morning was almost perfect with temps around 60F/15C. Shorts and a long sleeve top felt great. Took a longer route that cuts through a farm for a couple of miles. Had a Forest Gump moment watching the sunrise as I pedaled through fields of soybeans.
My commute this morning was almost perfect with temps around 60F/15C. Shorts and a long sleeve top felt great. Took a longer route that cuts through a farm for a couple of miles. Had a Forest Gump moment watching the sunrise as I pedaled through fields of soybeans.
11-04-15 | 07:57 AM
#2870
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
finally back on the bike this week
Finally back on the bike; I could not drive another day. TRAFFIC in the rain AAHHHHHH!!!!! I also got my Garmin problems sorted out. It was the cable that did not allow the device to sync to computer. I had initiated a return but when it worked I called them back. They said they would send me another cable.. If I get it I will have high marks for GPSnation.com
That is what I did this morning. It was sprinkling when I left the house. I figured since i had a raincoat and I was not sure if it would rain harder I said I will use it. I have a long sleeve for the ride home if it is drier> I am not sure it will be much better.
It has been so damp lately. I really need to cover my firewood. The rain came Sunday instead of Monday I was planning on covering it sunday.
I stopped halfway and took off the rain coat. I was starting to fog and overheat. So I figured i would get a little damp but it was at least cooler without the jacket.
Good ride all in all. Tonight will be my first non DST ride home. it will be also the first night of riding with my Cygolite Expilion 850..
Interested in seeing how it works in darkness.
cold & clammy, 'tis the season. I've been wearing a short sleeve t-shirt under my raincoat for mornings, and packing a long-sleeve shirt for going home, but it's still clammy in the pm so the morning outfit gets reused. Although I am using fingerless gloves in the pm.
It has been so damp lately. I really need to cover my firewood. The rain came Sunday instead of Monday I was planning on covering it sunday.
Good ride all in all. Tonight will be my first non DST ride home. it will be also the first night of riding with my Cygolite Expilion 850..
Interested in seeing how it works in darkness.
11-04-15 | 07:58 AM
#2871
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,278
Likes: 342
From: Alpharetta, GA
Bikes: Nashbar Road
A light rain, but I felt better after switching to my winter tires last night. 23mm Vittoria Rubino's, not traditionally "winter" but a little better traction and more armored.
This morning a school bus grinds by me about 6 inches away, which annoys me the most because there's really no point in it. I'll tell the district about it if the same bus misbehaves again.
This morning a school bus grinds by me about 6 inches away, which annoys me the most because there's really no point in it. I'll tell the district about it if the same bus misbehaves again.
11-04-15 | 08:33 AM
#2872
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
Intense.. with the huge Royals parade the traffic was gridlocked. I got to do everything a commuter shouldn't do. Rode down the middle of Holmes and weaved in and out traffic. Not something I'd ever do! But I made it home almost quicker than my family that left 30 minutes before I did!
Insane, but a great experience!
11-04-15 | 09:03 AM
#2873
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
The weather around here seems to go from one extreme to another. So, after 3 weeks of mostly clear dry weather, it's been raining for the past 4 days with more expected. I rode anyway today and the skies actually started clearing by the time I got to work. Hopefully I will be as fortunate this evening because I have a meeting that could last until 8-9 pm and will be riding home in complete darkness.
Regarding spills on wet roads, this time of year is particularly dangerous for that due to all of the falling leaves. I had a similar spill on a traffic circle a couple of years ago and went down so fast that I had no time to react. Fortunately, it didn't damage my bike and my injuries were limited to road rash. I am very cautious now when cornering on wet pavement, particularly in the fall.
Regarding spills on wet roads, this time of year is particularly dangerous for that due to all of the falling leaves. I had a similar spill on a traffic circle a couple of years ago and went down so fast that I had no time to react. Fortunately, it didn't damage my bike and my injuries were limited to road rash. I am very cautious now when cornering on wet pavement, particularly in the fall.
11-04-15 | 09:10 AM
#2874
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Montpelier VT
Bikes: Scott Genius, Surly Crosscheck, Yuba Mundo cargo, Specialized Dolce Triple (stolen 5/8/15)
perfect weather today!
it was great.
i have not been having good commutes lately. with all the fair-weather cyclists off the roads, road rage/aggression has been out in full force. it's been pretty bad here in NYC. hopefully with better weather we see more people out and about on bikes.
it was great.
i have not been having good commutes lately. with all the fair-weather cyclists off the roads, road rage/aggression has been out in full force. it's been pretty bad here in NYC. hopefully with better weather we see more people out and about on bikes.
11-04-15 | 09:20 AM
#2875
Cold. I was marvelling at how the colder it gets the slower I get (it was harder to pedal than yesterday). At some point I realized I was in a higher gear than yesterday, and then when I got to work at least I saw I was going faster, so at least I got something out of it.