2015!! How was your commute today?
#101
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
well, while I'm sitting at work, I don't see my bike in front of me. Last night on my commute home, I popped a spoke on the rear wheel of my commuter. I got home without issue, but I knew that I'd have to select a different bike for today. It was the perfect opportunity to enjoy commuting on one of my C&V bikes; I decided I'd ride my Colnago Master. I got everything ready, filled my backpack, and went to bed. I woke this morning to a forecast of possible showers throughout the day. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue, even with the distance, but that's with my fendered commuter, not on one of my classics. I decided to scrap the ride in today; just didn't feel like dealing with the possibility of getting caught in the rain. I always ride on Saturday; I will say, that despite the fact that I'm bummed I didn't ride in, it will be nice to get home much earlier on a Saturday afternoon. It'll give me more time to get my wheel fixed, and get my beast back on the road.
#103
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
It rained quite a bit during the night, but was moving out by 6:30 this morning. I left at 7:00 on wet roads and minor drip-dropping. With it being only about 36F, I opted for rain pants knowing I'd get wet from the road spray (yep, still fenderless). It wasn't too bad and I'm glad I rode.
I forgot to charge my lights last night, but they lasted alright for the ride and I brought the charging cable and am charging them now. Looks like chances of rain the rest of the day and even through a good part of the week. But warmer than last week.
I forgot to charge my lights last night, but they lasted alright for the ride and I brought the charging cable and am charging them now. Looks like chances of rain the rest of the day and even through a good part of the week. But warmer than last week.
#105
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,332
Likes: 3,520
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
I made it! Was installing fenders on my commuter bike and that took longer than expected, so it's not done, and the MTB was the whip today. Added a mile thanks to remembering that I'd left the lights on the commuter and going back for them. Nice morning here in Sacramento, and I was feeling good. It's nice to have low gears again, the commuter only goes down to about 40"
__________________
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."
#106
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,332
Likes: 3,520
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
__________________
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."
#107
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
[MENTION=339610]Darth Lefty[/MENTION]. I don't understand why they seem to do that. I have run across it also.
I bailed on my commute this morning. I just didn't want to get up. We are moving soon so I can say I drove to work to get boxes for the move. But in all reality I just didn't ride cause I was lazy.
Traffic was good. I used Strava and recorded the drive for comparative sake and immediately deleted it. It was light traffic and took me 50 minutes with daycare drop. Riding takes 60-65 with daycare drop. I'll see how the afternoon goes. My fifth drive to work since last May.
I bailed on my commute this morning. I just didn't want to get up. We are moving soon so I can say I drove to work to get boxes for the move. But in all reality I just didn't ride cause I was lazy.
Traffic was good. I used Strava and recorded the drive for comparative sake and immediately deleted it. It was light traffic and took me 50 minutes with daycare drop. Riding takes 60-65 with daycare drop. I'll see how the afternoon goes. My fifth drive to work since last May.
#108
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
31F this morning and freezing rain, ice storm last night but while roads and trail a little crunchy definitely rideable
#109
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
After having clear skies all last week, I thought the weather here was turning over a new leaf for 2015. Not. This entire work week could end up being a washout or ice-out. Yesterday we had torrential downpours all morning and I didn't even consider riding. I was hoping to ride today, but there was steady drizzle and mist when I got ready to go to work, and it's supposed to turn to freezing rain or sleet by late afternoon or evening. More of the same on tap for tomorrow. The past two years have been incredibly rainy in NC, making the weather more like Seattle or Portland. I'm sick of it. Bring back the Carolina blue skies.
#110
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
A wet week here for sure. A very fine mist is all I had to deal with though. Raleigh is definitely getting it worse than we are, so I think tarwheel is doing the right thing.
I had been on a streak of leaving a bit later than I like to lately. I've still been getting to work on time, but with nothing to spare and having to hurry in and change. Today I left on time and enjoyed the ride and even had a minute to respond to some personal emails before going into the office.
It was 46F for my ride in, but supposed to drop to 37F by 5pm and below freezing overnight. We may have freezing rain in the morning. That would be cause enough for me and my 700x25c slicks to get a ride in. But it will be a decision for the morning.
I had been on a streak of leaving a bit later than I like to lately. I've still been getting to work on time, but with nothing to spare and having to hurry in and change. Today I left on time and enjoyed the ride and even had a minute to respond to some personal emails before going into the office.
It was 46F for my ride in, but supposed to drop to 37F by 5pm and below freezing overnight. We may have freezing rain in the morning. That would be cause enough for me and my 700x25c slicks to get a ride in. But it will be a decision for the morning.
#111
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,850
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
First ride since January 2, and it was a cold, windy one! Thermometer read 21F when I left, but I didn't realize there was a stiff 15mph wind out of the north. That's a wind chill of about 7F, and I felt it! I was 3-4 gears down from a normal day, and had to stop for a rest after 4 miles.
#112
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
This morning was -13F; took the 10 mile route. I'm happy there was no real wind this morning. And even happier that this the last sub-zero day in the forecast!
This is roughly the lowest temp I've ever biked in; last January was maybe a couple degrees colder. I wish my Garmin was more accurate, the 510 is not well calibrated for sub-zero temps. Today the Garmin was reading -22F when NOAA is reporting -13F.
This is roughly the lowest temp I've ever biked in; last January was maybe a couple degrees colder. I wish my Garmin was more accurate, the 510 is not well calibrated for sub-zero temps. Today the Garmin was reading -22F when NOAA is reporting -13F.
#113
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
13F, -3F windchill. Unfortunately the wind was mostly at my back meaning the ride home will be into the wind. Thank goodness for studly tires
#114
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,193
Likes: 6,423
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
It was cold and windy here, too. Very windy. I had a strong headwind the whole way, and I can't remember the last time headwinds slowed me down this much. I had my little Garmin on my handlebars, and I watched my speed go down and down. Sometimes it fell below 9 mph, and I normally cruise at about 14 or 15. I seem to be weaker in headwinds than other folks. Lots of people passed me on the bike path, which is uncommon. The ride (12.4 miles) took ten minutes longer than normal! My feet hurt badly. There is a flight of stairs I have to walk down about 10 miles in, and after I got to the bottom, I kept walking for a bit to let my toes warm up. It helped, but only a little.
No regrets, though. Lessons learned. Must figure out something for my shoes.
I hope the wind doesn't turn around before my evening commute! I want that tailwind!
No regrets, though. Lessons learned. Must figure out something for my shoes.
I hope the wind doesn't turn around before my evening commute! I want that tailwind!
__________________
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.
#115
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
This morning was my first ride in a week and fourth this year.
After being laid up for a few days I felt slow. I even got passed on an uphill by another commuter. I did catch him and easily pass him on the flat since he barely was able to pass me.
It took it easy after the daycare so since it was foggy and I had a lot is condensation on me. It was so damp it kept dripping off the brim of my helmet, making it next to impossible to use my safety glasses and my mirror needed continuous wipes.
But I have it nice it is usually about 5°C or 40°F, which compared to many is hot nowadays.
After being laid up for a few days I felt slow. I even got passed on an uphill by another commuter. I did catch him and easily pass him on the flat since he barely was able to pass me.
It took it easy after the daycare so since it was foggy and I had a lot is condensation on me. It was so damp it kept dripping off the brim of my helmet, making it next to impossible to use my safety glasses and my mirror needed continuous wipes.
But I have it nice it is usually about 5°C or 40°F, which compared to many is hot nowadays.
#116
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Also: @#$% you to the engineer who said dig here.


@Darth Lefty. I don't understand why they seem to do that. I have run across it also.
Moving again? Whereabouts to?
Even using really good Oakley anti-fog spray, this morning (and one night last week) the fog was so thick that my riding glasses just would never clear. Ended up having to take them off.
#117
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 315
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Getting off to a decent start to 2015; not trying to kill it or anything, but Veloviewer shows a much higher slope to my mileage time series in 2015 compared to 2014. Here's hoping the trend continues and I can smash 2,000 miles this year 

#118
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,014
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From: Nanaimo, BC
Bikes: 1997 Kona Hahana Race Light, 2010 Surly LHT(deceased), 1999 Rocky Mountain Turbo
They're following a buried line; most likely sewer or water. You can see two access covers up past the blue Toyota. Unfortunately these features pre-date the bike lane, and it's just a coincidence where the bike lane painted lines fall.
Hope the bailout didn't have anything to do with your change back from studded tires to plain rubber...
Moving again? Whereabouts to?
Welcome back! I saw on Strava that you were down the end of last week.
Even using really good Oakley anti-fog spray, this morning (and one night last week) the fog was so thick that my riding glasses just would never clear. Ended up having to take them off.
Hope the bailout didn't have anything to do with your change back from studded tires to plain rubber...
Moving again? Whereabouts to?
Welcome back! I saw on Strava that you were down the end of last week.
Even using really good Oakley anti-fog spray, this morning (and one night last week) the fog was so thick that my riding glasses just would never clear. Ended up having to take them off.
I know they are just following a buried line. It is sometimes disheartening when is zags right into the bike lane.
Yeah I was out with some back ailment. Not muscle related just how some viruses seem to hit me.
Well done on the start of the year so far!
As part of or familial expansion project we are heading to a larger place near Hillcrest community center. Two km from our current place. Five hundred meters from the community center. A block or so from the nearest elementary school. One km to my wife's work and five hundred meters shorter for me to work. And on Ontario.
#119
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 498
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From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX8, Caad10, Marin BearValley, WTP BMX, Norco Tandem
Dark, foggy and not cold this AM. I'm fighting a bit of a cold.
I was looking for my hat in thing2's bike trailer and it wasnt there any more, but there were 3 kid's toques, so I used one--ear flaps, dangly strings and all! (I hope i didnt stretch it out too badly.)
Hillcrest is a very beautiful facility--a bit of a gongshow on the weekends.
I was looking for my hat in thing2's bike trailer and it wasnt there any more, but there were 3 kid's toques, so I used one--ear flaps, dangly strings and all! (I hope i didnt stretch it out too badly.)
Hillcrest is a very beautiful facility--a bit of a gongshow on the weekends.
#120
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,332
Likes: 3,520
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Maybe. The access covers are new with this trench. I can't recall if they had precursors. Can't tell from Google Maps on my phone.
__________________
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."
#121
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
For a hermit like me anything with more than four people. is a gong show.
My wife does Monday and Friday Zumba there already and I try to go Thursdays for a swim with a friend.
We try to sneak a weekend skate or family swim in also.
Now I'll just amble over once or twice a week for a swim which my core and mental health needs.
How how were the swim lessons last week?
Last edited by joeyduck; 01-13-15 at 02:38 PM.
#125
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,193
Likes: 6,423
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 got my wish yesterday: the wind direction remained constant. I had a very strong tailwind coming home last night. The temperature fell over the day, but it barely mattered. I rode really really hard, and only my hands got a little cold. My feet only got cool. The rest of me got very hot. With the tail wind and my added effort, I really flew.
For no particular reason, I brought my battery powered headlight and compared it with my Dynamo powered light. The latter won. It's a Philips Saferide. Very nice beam shape. The battery light is a B&M Eyc IQ2.
For no particular reason, I brought my battery powered headlight and compared it with my Dynamo powered light. The latter won. It's a Philips Saferide. Very nice beam shape. The battery light is a B&M Eyc IQ2.
__________________
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.






