2019! The “How was your commute?” thread!
#1001
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,560
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
Mentioned: 513 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7378 Post(s)
Liked 2,534 Times
in
1,474 Posts
@robertorolfo, my be-fendered bike has a broken rim. Too bad, as I just installed the fenders, finally, and they're terrific. I'm going to build a new wheel before long.
And thank you.
And thank you.
__________________
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.
#1002
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Queens, NY for now...
Posts: 1,515
Bikes: 82 Lotus Unique, 86 Lotus Legend, 88 Basso Loto, 88 Basso PR, 89 Basso PR, 96 Bianchi CDI, 2013 Deda Aegis, 2019 Basso Diamante SV
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times
in
113 Posts
@robertorolfo, my be-fendered bike has a broken rim. Too bad, as I just installed the fenders, finally, and they're terrific.
#1003
Senior Member
Had a nice ride in this morning and saw 3 others out there bike commuting as well. The first guy I ran into about 2 miles into my ride going the opposite direction, the second one about a mile later was coming out of a neighborhood and he passed me a little later. The third was a maintenance man riding what I assume was his kids mountain bike to his office park next to mine. That is the most I've seen on my morning commute. Occasionally I'll see one or two others. A few more runners out there this morning as well. Nice weather finally is coming to the Midwest.
Construction season starts in earnest next Monday around here so I'll have to see how that impacts my route. Last year it was so bad it ended my season sooner because I just didn't have any safe way's around the construction. This year I only know of one section that I think could impact me and I don't know when they are starting it. I might need to scout a few options this weekend. With what they did last year I think they may have installed some new MUP's where old sidewalks were that I can use.
Construction season starts in earnest next Monday around here so I'll have to see how that impacts my route. Last year it was so bad it ended my season sooner because I just didn't have any safe way's around the construction. This year I only know of one section that I think could impact me and I don't know when they are starting it. I might need to scout a few options this weekend. With what they did last year I think they may have installed some new MUP's where old sidewalks were that I can use.
#1004
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Mid Atlantic / USA
Posts: 2,115
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Crosstrail / 2013 Trek Crossrip Elite
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1002 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
155 Posts
A non attentive drive nearly ran me over after running through a stop sing this morning (he was on the smaller cross street and rolled right into the bigger road I was on)
Almost t boned me....hit the brakes with make a foot to spare before plowing me.
Then he had the audacity to roll the window down and scream at me
For a second I thought he was going to apologize for nearly killing me. Nope. A stream of profanity about how I had no business being in the road and needed to use hand signals so he'd know what I was doing (does anyone know the hand signal for "I'm continuing to go straight"?)
I did not handle this with grace and decorum. I got off the bike and invited him to come discuss the matter on the side of the road. He no longer cared to debate and drove off like a crazy person. He nearly hit another car that was trying to go around him in the process. That is probably for the best. I was not in a rational and forgiving state of mind after nearly being run over broadside.
On the plus side...the weather was GORGEOUS this morning. 75 degrees. Low humidity. WONDERFUL morning for a ride! I really needed that after 2 days of rain.
Almost t boned me....hit the brakes with make a foot to spare before plowing me.
Then he had the audacity to roll the window down and scream at me
For a second I thought he was going to apologize for nearly killing me. Nope. A stream of profanity about how I had no business being in the road and needed to use hand signals so he'd know what I was doing (does anyone know the hand signal for "I'm continuing to go straight"?)
I did not handle this with grace and decorum. I got off the bike and invited him to come discuss the matter on the side of the road. He no longer cared to debate and drove off like a crazy person. He nearly hit another car that was trying to go around him in the process. That is probably for the best. I was not in a rational and forgiving state of mind after nearly being run over broadside.
On the plus side...the weather was GORGEOUS this morning. 75 degrees. Low humidity. WONDERFUL morning for a ride! I really needed that after 2 days of rain.
#1005
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,560
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
Mentioned: 513 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7378 Post(s)
Liked 2,534 Times
in
1,474 Posts
@Skipjacks, no business being in the road, huh? Wow.
__________________
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.
#1006
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Mid Atlantic / USA
Posts: 2,115
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Crosstrail / 2013 Trek Crossrip Elite
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1002 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
155 Posts
@Skipjacks, no business being in the road, huh? Wow.
#1007
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,954
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2629 Post(s)
Liked 1,976 Times
in
1,237 Posts
I got lucky last night! I was pre-approved (by She Who Must Be Obeyed) for the group ride after work, but when I was headed over to meet them, I looked up and thought it might be better to head home before the dark clouds coming in decided to unload. Made it home safe and dry, had dinner, and my lovely wife looked outside and said, "It's raining!" If I'd joined the group I'd have been 5 miles from home when the heavens opened.
The lawn needed the rain.
This morning, it was nice and cool. 69 or 70 degrees doesn't sound like it's that different from 78, but it makes a world of difference when I'm riding.
The lawn needed the rain.
This morning, it was nice and cool. 69 or 70 degrees doesn't sound like it's that different from 78, but it makes a world of difference when I'm riding.
#1008
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Queens, NY for now...
Posts: 1,515
Bikes: 82 Lotus Unique, 86 Lotus Legend, 88 Basso Loto, 88 Basso PR, 89 Basso PR, 96 Bianchi CDI, 2013 Deda Aegis, 2019 Basso Diamante SV
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times
in
113 Posts
Got caught in a downpour for the third straight night last night, but at least it wasn't dark yet and I could navigate the potholes/puddles a little better.
I think having your life threatened (because that is what we are talking about in situations like this) is already enough to bring most people to the boiling point, and then a driver that will not recognize their mistake just makes it even worse. The problem is that most people that haven't ridden a bike or motorcycle usually can't comprehend why these situations create such an instinctual and adrenaline fueled anger.
I think having your life threatened (because that is what we are talking about in situations like this) is already enough to bring most people to the boiling point, and then a driver that will not recognize their mistake just makes it even worse. The problem is that most people that haven't ridden a bike or motorcycle usually can't comprehend why these situations create such an instinctual and adrenaline fueled anger.
#1009
Senior Member
Woke up to 36 degrees. Warm clothes came back out. Was overdressed by the time I made it in. Nice to have a few days of sunshine for a change. Noticed this morning the swan was off her nest. saw her mate but not her so she was probably hiding in the cattails. The last few days I've detoured on my way home to run some extra gravel miles along a river. The city has it gated off still so there's no traffic. The geese have been enjoying it too. Went by a pair with goslings heading into the river when the gander turned, hissed and started chasing me. Wasn't too concerned until he started flying and kept coming. Before he got to me he gave up. The extra miles has been nice but legs are getting a bit tired so I'll see how it goes and decide at the turnoff if I take the regular route or hit the river again.
#1010
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Mid Atlantic / USA
Posts: 2,115
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Crosstrail / 2013 Trek Crossrip Elite
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1002 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
155 Posts
I think having your life threatened (because that is what we are talking about in situations like this) is already enough to bring most people to the boiling point, and then a driver that will not recognize their mistake just makes it even worse. The problem is that most people that haven't ridden a bike or motorcycle usually can't comprehend why these situations create such an instinctual and adrenaline fueled anger.
My anger instantly went away. I mean we all make mistakes.
I told the guy it was cool and asked him to just be careful and pay more attention. He apologized again and all was good.
I've been on the other side of it too, where I'm the one who did something dumb that nearly got myself killed by a driver who was doing the right thing and screamed and hollered at me for nearly causing them to run me over. (In a parking lot with multiple entrances that all converge. I didn't look both ways before merging. Nearly biked myself right under a sedan) All I could do was say "You are absolutely right. I did a dummy. I'm sorry to have freaked you out." And again...all was right with the universe.
But this guy this morning....nearly runs me over driving like a jackass then gets mad at me for it.
I was ready to dance. He made the right call to not get out of that car and just drive away instead. Not sure who'd have been more wrong legally but I didn't really care in the moment.
#1011
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Queens, NY for now...
Posts: 1,515
Bikes: 82 Lotus Unique, 86 Lotus Legend, 88 Basso Loto, 88 Basso PR, 89 Basso PR, 96 Bianchi CDI, 2013 Deda Aegis, 2019 Basso Diamante SV
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times
in
113 Posts
Today wasn't the first time I've nearly been hit. A guy almost ran me over last winter. I was just as enraged. He was 100% wrong. I was more than happy to tell him how wrong he was in the loudest possible way when he rolled down the window and admitted total fault and apologized. He asked me if I was okay and I could tell he genuinely felt horrible for scaring the crap out of me.
My anger instantly went away. I mean we all make mistakes.
I told the guy it was cool and asked him to just be careful and pay more attention. He apologized again and all was good...
My anger instantly went away. I mean we all make mistakes.
I told the guy it was cool and asked him to just be careful and pay more attention. He apologized again and all was good...
But, as you said, if someone is immediately apologetic, it does wonders to calm you down. Indeed we have all made mistakes, but only some people are willing to be mature and admit them.
#1012
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,464
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3133 Post(s)
Liked 2,115 Times
in
1,378 Posts
Today I sold the red Cannondale cyclocross bike that I'd built up for commuting four years ago. The winnings go in my new-bike nest egg.... Sad to see it leave since it was a project I enjoyed. But it was an L when I'm a M, level top tube and big tires and high cyclocross-style BB making the standover a pretty near thing. It was from the end of the era when they were making frames stiff as possible, and I'm looking forward to trying something more modern next time. The proceeds will join the funds from my trike when I sell it at the end of summer. Not decided yet if I'll get a new roadie bike then or save the dollars another year for my planned MTB tandem.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#1013
Senior Member
The commute was very pleasant this am. It was in the mid-fifties for temp and partly sunny. It had rained heavy last night so the roads were wet. Other than that it feels so good to be able to ride again.
#1014
Senior Member
The weather in my area can't seem to make up its mind, 49 degrees when I rode in this morning versus last Friday when it was 68 when I rode. First day of no school for the kids so the cars along my route were a lot less which was nice. Only saw one other bike commuter as he buzzed by me on his e-bike other than him just a few runners so a pretty quiet day riding in.
#1015
Senior Member
Pleasantly surprised to see a balmy 46 this morning. Was expecting upper 30's. Light overcast and calm to start with unforecasted rain the last couple miles. Cruising down the gravel I spotted a doe and fawn stepping off the road into a hay field. They stopped and stared so while a ways off I whistled and she took off back down the road. I slowed to a crawl and watched her run, then stop in the road. Talked to her and she took off down the road before jumping the ditch into a hay next to a wood line. The little fawn was booking it trying to keep up. Once off the road I took off again, by the time I reached their exit point she was a long way off. Looked like a young doe so guessing this is her first fawn so hoping she figures things out. The swan was back on the nest again. Not sure what's up there. Should be mid 50's with a cold breeze off Lake Superior for the ride home. Will detour through the municipal forest along the river and hope the geese are clear and not have one come after me again.
#1016
Senior Member
First bike commute in a couple of weeks. Felt a little winded on the climbs, but made it okay.
On Saturday, my youngest daughter turned 6. The next day, she taught herself how to ride a bike. I've been trying to teach her for a little while now, but yesterday, something clicked and she figured the rest out on her own. I'm so proud of her.
On Saturday, my youngest daughter turned 6. The next day, she taught herself how to ride a bike. I've been trying to teach her for a little while now, but yesterday, something clicked and she figured the rest out on her own. I'm so proud of her.
#1017
Let's Ride!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Triad, NC USA
Posts: 2,569
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 327 Post(s)
Liked 37 Times
in
24 Posts
i was off Thursday and Friday so I only had 37 miles this past week. probably one of the lightest weeks in a long while. Rode this morning and saw 59F on the Garmin. It was brisk on the way in.
#1018
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,464
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3133 Post(s)
Liked 2,115 Times
in
1,378 Posts
My wife bought me a knockoff GoPro for my birthday. I have taken a few videos including this morning's commute. But figuring out how to somehow dump it un-edited onto YouTube through my phone doesn't seem like a winner. Need to get it onto my PC and learn some basic editing. I'd never have gotten one for myself but now that I've got it I'm really eager to play with it... which makes it a good gift!
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#1019
Senior Member
A very pleasant commute in this am with the temp at 45 f degrees, but no rain so its all good. With flowers and shrubs blooming my head should be on a swivel so I can enjoy the scenery as I ride.
#1020
Senior Member
Much nicer ride this morning with the temps in the low 60's versus the 49 degree ride yesterday. Nice surprise on one section of my trail, must have been some kids doing some backyard camping and the smell of a nice campfire filled the air. Love the smell of a nice campfire. Did have one lady this morning who stopped her car blocking the crosswalk which in my area isn't the usual. People when the see a rider coming normally stop short of the crosswalk where the stop sign actually is or just past the crosswalk where there is room for one car to wait to turn on the main street and not be blocking the MUP. For some reason she felt the need to stop dead center of the crosswalk. Just scooted around the front of her as that was the only option for me to get by and jump the curb.
#1021
Senior Member
First ride to work after being off last week and driving yesterday. Nice 62F and low humidity for about 15 miles. Though I was getting a bit hungry near the end.
#1022
Let's Ride!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Triad, NC USA
Posts: 2,569
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 327 Post(s)
Liked 37 Times
in
24 Posts
I rode the long way home yesterday. A little gravel in the middle of my ride. I came home and asked me son to ride the neighborhood. we rode over 3 miles together.
I saw a low of 53F this morning. It was chilly but felt great for June 4th.
I saw a low of 53F this morning. It was chilly but felt great for June 4th.
#1023
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,464
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3133 Post(s)
Liked 2,115 Times
in
1,378 Posts
First knockoff Go Pro video of yesterday's ride in. You don't have to watch it... Clearly my editing is still not nearly ruthless enough, this could be 3/4 the length with the same content. Need a better video editor, the one with Windows is clunky. I have not tried any stabilization... not sure if it would have helped on the bridge though. Video starts at home and ends when I have to turn off the camera to enter work. It's also been really clunky uploading to YouTube. More to learn...
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#1025
ouate de phoque
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: La Prairie, Qc, Canada
Posts: 1,781
Bikes: Bianchi, Nakamura,Opus
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi guys, It's been a long time since I posted my morning commute on this nice forum. I recognized and remembered a few of you,. Life as been full of surprise in the last 2 years but the god news is that I'm able to enjoy a daily bike commute everyday again for the last few weeks and, hopefully, for years to come!
My daily commute is a 13 miles R/T in La Prairie and Brossard, just south of Montreal. It's nice but it's noisy and dusty compared to my old commute route in the country side.
Have a nice day everyone!
My daily commute is a 13 miles R/T in La Prairie and Brossard, just south of Montreal. It's nice but it's noisy and dusty compared to my old commute route in the country side.
Have a nice day everyone!