2015!! How was your commute today?
#651
I know it is progress. The whole environment is slow and quite, it is a bit depressing and not inspiring. Of my three roommates two don't seem to speak any English, which is really the only language I know. As I get more mobile I'll get to see more people. But for not I'm confined to the bed until the physical therapist comes around to help get me out of bed.
But my mother in law has come down and is playing cribbage with me.
But my mother in law has come down and is playing cribbage with me.
#652
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 6
From: Kansas City, KS
Wow on the first day two oddity's.. about 2 miles in a beat up piece of junk Toyota Echo about 1/4 mile down the road pulls in my lane and honks. They start pulling over by the time I get there but makes a gestures like smoking weed. What in the world. About mile 4 hour and old bearded guy on the other side of the road yells just as I pass him no one else was around. Oh well least I didn't get run over. With this new bike feel like I can ride tomorrow also.. may be too much too soon.
#653
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
My ride home this evening was beautiful; it was 82 when I pushed off, and 76 when I finished. I literally took time to smell the roses; these are from this afternoons commute. Spring is in the air.....








#654
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Wasn't able to commute today, but yesterday's sunny and warm (low 30s in the morning, but 50s in the afternoon) ride had me feeling really good. I'm swapping to non-studded tires on the fixed gear as I post this.
#655
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
Anywho, what is the bolt in the top of the fork on the Surly? It's a LHT right? What year?
#656
49F / 9C light drizzle. Warmest inbound commute so far this year, birds are singing a bit more each morning. You can feel spring in the air.
#657
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 can't get a break weatherwise or workwise lately and my bike commuting is taking the hit. After several weeks of snow/sleet/ice, we finally got some seasonably warm weather except it's also coupled with rain, rain, rain. I managed to ride Monday and the weather was great yesterday, but I had an all-day meeting to attend on the opposite side of the city, so I had to drive. Today a cold front is moving through, which is supposed to bring more showers and thunderstorms, so I drove again. Tomorrow is the one bright spot in the week, with no rain and sunny skies in the forecast, so I will try to pull off an extra long commute. Then it's supposed to rain all day Friday and Saturday again.
Our weather in NC has taken a dramatic shift toward more rain and cooler temperatures the past two years and I'm sick of it. I was hoping 2015 would bring the return of more typical weather, but it is starting out even worse than 2013 and 2014. We had more than 60" of rain last year and the year before was almost as much! That is crazy.
Our weather in NC has taken a dramatic shift toward more rain and cooler temperatures the past two years and I'm sick of it. I was hoping 2015 would bring the return of more typical weather, but it is starting out even worse than 2013 and 2014. We had more than 60" of rain last year and the year before was almost as much! That is crazy.
#658
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
On the way home yesterday a young lady in full roadie kit passed me. I had not heard her coming and was just standing up to work up a hill. We exchanged hellos, but of course I couldn't let her dust me so I tailed for a bit, not drafting and hopefully not creepy like. Her jersey and shorts were a matching set from a local college. I don't know if they have an actual team or not. I saw a couple of other cyclists out too, something I've only rarely seen this year.
60F for my ride in this morning. I wore shorts and only a short sleeve shirt for the fist time this year. Chances of rain this afternoon, but I'm hoping the worst part will hold of until after I make it home.
60F for my ride in this morning. I wore shorts and only a short sleeve shirt for the fist time this year. Chances of rain this afternoon, but I'm hoping the worst part will hold of until after I make it home.
#659
ouate de phoque
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
From: La Prairie, Qc, Canada
Bikes: Bianchi, Nakamura,Opus
Two days in a row, the last time I managed that was in january... The legs are fine but everything else is sore, from the butt to the wrists.
very windy, gray sky but warm weather. Tomorow will be colder and below freezing point again.
very windy, gray sky but warm weather. Tomorow will be colder and below freezing point again.
#660
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,850
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
Rode home in the rain yesterday. My new rain pants did okay. My legs were a bit damp when I got home, but I couldn't tell if it was condensation or water coming through the pants. I was definitely drier than with my regular pants.
The ride in this morning was through fog. I rode past a collision between two cars. Debris everywhere, and the front ends of both cars pretty smashed up. Cops were there, but it seemed pretty recent. Everyone seemed fine, as they were standing around. The fog wasn't that thick, so I think one or both drivers just weren't paying attention.
The ride in this morning was through fog. I rode past a collision between two cars. Debris everywhere, and the front ends of both cars pretty smashed up. Cops were there, but it seemed pretty recent. Everyone seemed fine, as they were standing around. The fog wasn't that thick, so I think one or both drivers just weren't paying attention.
#661
meh

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 1,129
From: Hopkins, MN
Bikes: 23 Cutthroat, 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 15 Surly Pugsley; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
Riding home after work yesterday was amazing, 63F and sunny. And like spring flowers, the fair-weather riders are out everywhere.
This morning I had a very aggravating situation: This person driving a black BMW X5 (plate starts 705 ___) punish-passed me on a 4-lane road. Sadly, my GoPro shut down less than a mile earlier. This person had nothing but room to pass correctly/safely; there wasn't another car in sight. I dropped the hammer knowing that there's a light just up the road, the BMW cleared the light before it turned red. On the bright side, that effort got me the 2015 KOM on that segment.
I must say, the punish-passes on that road used to be much more common. When I started commuting on this road in 2009, it was something that would happen a couple times week, now it's once a month or less. Either drivers are getting better, or my threshold for punish-pass is changing.
This morning I had a very aggravating situation: This person driving a black BMW X5 (plate starts 705 ___) punish-passed me on a 4-lane road. Sadly, my GoPro shut down less than a mile earlier. This person had nothing but room to pass correctly/safely; there wasn't another car in sight. I dropped the hammer knowing that there's a light just up the road, the BMW cleared the light before it turned red. On the bright side, that effort got me the 2015 KOM on that segment.
I must say, the punish-passes on that road used to be much more common. When I started commuting on this road in 2009, it was something that would happen a couple times week, now it's once a month or less. Either drivers are getting better, or my threshold for punish-pass is changing.
#662
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
Welcome to the insanity - keep checking in, great motivation to keep at it! Thanks to the socal guys for the bike and Spring porn... NOT! 34F this morning with horror movie fog. Amazing how many drivers don't turn their lights on in fog... morons
#663
meh

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 1,129
From: Hopkins, MN
Bikes: 23 Cutthroat, 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 15 Surly Pugsley; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
#664
meh

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 1,129
From: Hopkins, MN
Bikes: 23 Cutthroat, 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 15 Surly Pugsley; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
I was just reminded of this, I posted this one week ago - March 4:
Yesterday was 63F on the ride home.... Minnesota weather, seriously crazy stuff!
Yesterday was 63F on the ride home.... Minnesota weather, seriously crazy stuff!
#665
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX8, Caad10, Marin BearValley, WTP BMX, Norco Tandem
@bconneraz love the pics!
Raining and dark this AM... but it is already light by the time i pass through "crow-central" so they are all already out for the day. There is a nice layer of wet, white, crow**** in the area though, so keep your mouth shut and trust the fenders!
Raining and dark this AM... but it is already light by the time i pass through "crow-central" so they are all already out for the day. There is a nice layer of wet, white, crow**** in the area though, so keep your mouth shut and trust the fenders!
#666
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
My flight didn't land back in KC until just before 1am this morning. I knew I was going to sleep late and have a late commute to the office today. Once I got up and out the door, it was a nice ride with clear, sunny skies and light winds. Temp was around 45F this morning, but headed up to the mid-70's by the evening commute!
Today was the first 'official' commute for the Crossrip! What a difference nearly 3-decades (going from a 1987 to a 2015) of bicycle development have made in ride comfort, speed, stability, etc.
Today was the first 'official' commute for the Crossrip! What a difference nearly 3-decades (going from a 1987 to a 2015) of bicycle development have made in ride comfort, speed, stability, etc.
#667
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
drove again. weather forecasting people make me angry.
@tarwheel i am with you so tired of this weird NC weather.
yeah i am thinking i could have ridden this whole week so far thus far. but I have driven.
silly weather people 60% chance of rain and it has only really sprinkled today. Wife said i could have ridden yesterday after i drove home. I said couldnt because you have a place to be and time is short. but at least she recognized my frustration with not being on the bike.
[MENTION=24144]bconneraz[/MENTION] love the pics!
On the way home yesterday a young lady in full roadie kit passed me. I had not heard her coming and was just standing up to work up a hill. We exchanged hellos, but of course I couldn't let her dust me so I tailed for a bit, not drafting and hopefully not creepy like. Her jersey and shorts were a matching set from a local college. I don't know if they have an actual team or not. I saw a couple of other cyclists out too, something I've only rarely seen this year.60F for my ride in this morning. I wore shorts and only a short sleeve shirt for the fist time this year. Chances of rain this afternoon, but I'm hoping the worst part will hold of until after I make it home.
silly weather people 60% chance of rain and it has only really sprinkled today. Wife said i could have ridden yesterday after i drove home. I said couldnt because you have a place to be and time is short. but at least she recognized my frustration with not being on the bike. [MENTION=24144]bconneraz[/MENTION] love the pics!
#668
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Northeast, USA
Bikes: 2015 All-City Spacehorse, 2014 Specialized Allez Race, Mid 80s Takara Acknowledge Fixed Gear
It was probably around 37/38 F when I rode to work this morning. Got up earlier, got some coffee in my stomach (though not a full cup) and caught some nice sunrise views as I headed over the Longfellow bridge into Boston. I will be biking to my lady's tonight and back to work/home tomorrow morning. Should be a nice cool day with a soft breeze for a ride home. PLUS it's still light outside - God I love Spring!
#669
First ride to work (first outdoor ride period) since January. My fitness level has definitely regressed significantly since the fall, despite trying to stay somewhat active and do regular cardio workouts.
Temperature-wise the ride was nice at a balmy -1C/31F and no wind, but the trails...oh my, the trails. Thawing and freezing cycles have left many trails covered in sheer ice, which is a bit tricky on a hill! I think the worst part of the ride was a section where a lot of people walk their dogs and make footprints in the slush, which hardens overnight, so this morning, it was like riding on rumble strips for half a kilometre. It got to a point where I couldn't see straight anymore from my head being rattled.
Door to door the trip took an hour this morning, which is about 15 minutes longer than the trip takes in summer. Looking forward to clear trails, but it will probably be another month before all the ice is gone.
Temperature-wise the ride was nice at a balmy -1C/31F and no wind, but the trails...oh my, the trails. Thawing and freezing cycles have left many trails covered in sheer ice, which is a bit tricky on a hill! I think the worst part of the ride was a section where a lot of people walk their dogs and make footprints in the slush, which hardens overnight, so this morning, it was like riding on rumble strips for half a kilometre. It got to a point where I couldn't see straight anymore from my head being rattled.
Door to door the trip took an hour this morning, which is about 15 minutes longer than the trip takes in summer. Looking forward to clear trails, but it will probably be another month before all the ice is gone.
#670
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,846
Likes: 194
From: south Puget Sound
yeah i am thinking i could have ridden this whole week so far thus far. but I have driven.
silly weather people 60% chance of rain and it has only really sprinkled today. Wife said i could have ridden yesterday after i drove home. I said couldnt because you have a place to be and time is short. but at least she recognized my frustration with not being on the bike.
silly weather people 60% chance of rain and it has only really sprinkled today. Wife said i could have ridden yesterday after i drove home. I said couldnt because you have a place to be and time is short. but at least she recognized my frustration with not being on the bike.
#671
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
#672
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)
rode home in the rain unexpectedly yesterday. waved bye to a coworker crossing the street as i exited the bldg. i was soaked by the time i got back home - then worked a shift at the park slope food coop (brooklyn commuters may know what this is). kinda miserable, but still better to ride than to be trapped in the slow subways with the crowds.
ended up wiping down my bike's parts in the evening. but i didn't get everything as i noticed the chain is not as smooth as it was just a day ago.
ride in this AM was glorious. seriously. dewy cool morning, not cold. couldn't ask for more. perfect conditions in NYC.
i think the neoprene toe covers work nicely in rain. toes on feet not as wet...? maybe it's in my head. can't tell.
charging my lights for the evening commute now.
ended up wiping down my bike's parts in the evening. but i didn't get everything as i noticed the chain is not as smooth as it was just a day ago.
ride in this AM was glorious. seriously. dewy cool morning, not cold. couldn't ask for more. perfect conditions in NYC.
i think the neoprene toe covers work nicely in rain. toes on feet not as wet...? maybe it's in my head. can't tell.
charging my lights for the evening commute now.
#673
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
#674
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
Is is that a new feature? I have, well probably had, a 2010 and it only had mid fork mounts. I'll do a bit of research.
thanks again for the pics. I'm hoping to move out of my dark corner room to a window view! My 95+ year old roomie was discharged.
My son and I went to the chair exercise class. I was the second youngest by about two generations; my son was younger by at least three generations. We were the hit of the class.
#675
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
47f/8c this morning . Thick, dense fog. The thickest in my eight years of commuting I think. Visibility was <100' or less. At some points I was riding in pitch black, That was freaky. That's one of the circumstances where a rear view mirror comes in handy. The aftn was great. 51f/10c. Low humidity and blue skies. It felt warmer than that. I saw four fair weather riders, and they were all wearing shorts. It's just a tad bit too cool for me to be wearing shorts. That is kind of the dividing line for me. I don't really start wearing shorts until it gets above 57f/13c. Tom'rw is supposed to be just as nice, and then all day rain for Friday and Saturday.




