Metro Boston: Good ride today?
#8601
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Fairhaven Ma.
Posts: 132
Bikes: Trek Multitrac 750. Scott Addict . Motobacane La Champion Trek Crossrip, Scott Scale 925 mountain Bike Centry
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Liked 52 Times
in
35 Posts
What kind of helmet are you wearing? I use the Giro with the dark visor.
#8602
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,545
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5222 Post(s)
Liked 3,575 Times
in
2,339 Posts
Basecamp. getting my money's worth out of it. the 1/2 shield is a good solution to the eye wear issue. I bought an extra clear shield for night rides & other times like when it's dark & stormy or if the ride ends in darkness. sometimes I want more ventilation, like hot sunny days. so I flip them up. & so far, I can't use my take-a-look mirrors with the shield in place
Last edited by rumrunn6; 01-27-20 at 08:15 AM.
#8603
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,530
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2112 Post(s)
Liked 663 Times
in
443 Posts
Took the long way to Kendall Square yesterday, and then had a nice vegetarian chili at Asgard Restaurant.
Lots of people out on Somerville Community Path:
One of the bottlenecks on the Paul D. White, just past the "one lane" at the sign pole across from Scullers at Guest Quarter Suites. It's narrow past the pole too though, so always a slow stetch. But wind was surprisingly gusty yesterday, first time anyone put their foot down as we passed one another:
The fishing bottleneck on the Paul D. White:
Frances Appleton Bridge (Mr. Frances Appleton Bridge visibile in the distance):
Sun and Salt and Pepper Shakers:
While I was parking at Asgard, someone else came by to lock up their bike on the other side. Not often that I have to share bike parking in January in Boston:
-mr. bill
Lots of people out on Somerville Community Path:
One of the bottlenecks on the Paul D. White, just past the "one lane" at the sign pole across from Scullers at Guest Quarter Suites. It's narrow past the pole too though, so always a slow stetch. But wind was surprisingly gusty yesterday, first time anyone put their foot down as we passed one another:
The fishing bottleneck on the Paul D. White:
Frances Appleton Bridge (Mr. Frances Appleton Bridge visibile in the distance):
Sun and Salt and Pepper Shakers:
While I was parking at Asgard, someone else came by to lock up their bike on the other side. Not often that I have to share bike parking in January in Boston:
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 01-27-20 at 11:16 AM.
#8604
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
#8605
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,530
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2112 Post(s)
Liked 663 Times
in
443 Posts
It's roadrunner season, when we share the bikelanes with folks getting ready for Patriots' Day. (Sighting the rare Man in Black running. These days, most roadrunners are in highviz and blinky regalia.)
-mr. bill
-mr. bill
Likes For mr_bill:
#8606
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,545
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5222 Post(s)
Liked 3,575 Times
in
2,339 Posts
got out on the BFRT for 19 miles Acton to Chelmsford late Saturday. hit some light rain for a while but it wasn't bad, the ride featured mostly drizzle or heavy mist. a few die-hards were out at dusk w/o lights but I saw them. I'll take these conditions over frozen footprints any day of the week!
did a little experimentation with the camera stick. time lapse wasn't working so had to settle for a video frame grab
did a little experimentation with the camera stick. time lapse wasn't working so had to settle for a video frame grab
Last edited by rumrunn6; 02-04-20 at 05:29 AM.
Likes For rumrunn6:
#8607
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,530
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2112 Post(s)
Liked 663 Times
in
443 Posts
So, Barcelona (Barthelona) has been wonderful.
Got out on Donkey Republic bikes several times, best way to see the city.
The “armadillos” separate many bike lanes from traffic, can’t work in Boston but they work here.
Even without bike lanes or “superblocks” outside the Gothic Quarter it’s easy to ride a bike.
When the worst thing you can say is sometimes it is hard to figure out where are the separated bike lanes along Avenida Diagonal at, well.
After ten days my one year of high school “proper” Spanish accent hath been tamed, people are now conversing with me in Castilian and Catalan before I ask to switch to English.
And Camp Nou is amazing.
-mr. bill
Got out on Donkey Republic bikes several times, best way to see the city.
The “armadillos” separate many bike lanes from traffic, can’t work in Boston but they work here.
Even without bike lanes or “superblocks” outside the Gothic Quarter it’s easy to ride a bike.
When the worst thing you can say is sometimes it is hard to figure out where are the separated bike lanes along Avenida Diagonal at, well.
After ten days my one year of high school “proper” Spanish accent hath been tamed, people are now conversing with me in Castilian and Catalan before I ask to switch to English.
And Camp Nou is amazing.
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 02-08-20 at 07:12 AM.
Likes For mr_bill:
#8608
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,545
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5222 Post(s)
Liked 3,575 Times
in
2,339 Posts
Metro West burbs have just enough crusty snow & ice to make things interesting
Likes For rumrunn6:
#8609
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The banks of the River Charles
Posts: 2,026
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease, 2020 Seven Evergreen, 2019 Honey Allroads Ti, 2018 Seven Redsky XX, 2017 Trek Boon 7, 2014 Trek 520
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 694 Post(s)
Liked 910 Times
in
487 Posts
After yesterday’s 23 miles snuggled up with Bar Mitts over my already hardcore 45Nrth Sturmfist gloves, 45Nrth full face balaclava and goggles I was so excited to get out today for an unincumbred Sunday ride. Despite thinking in my head that it’s Sunny and 85* in July I was humbly reminded that it’s February and I’m slow as manure. I headed out at 0800 to go to RSC for the Sunday 36 mile ride which is 10 miles from home. I was dropped within 5 miles of the group portion of my ride which was about 15 in for me at that point. I still rode 53 miles in all. It was cold, slow, and altogether forgettable.
Last edited by Ghazmh; 02-17-20 at 04:06 PM.
#8610
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,530
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2112 Post(s)
Liked 663 Times
in
443 Posts
Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington Center (with bike corral and parklet seating outdoors)
Kickstand Cafe in Arlington Center (at Swan St entrance to Minuteman)
Barismo in East Arlington
Diesel Cafe in Davis Square (with bike corral)
1369 Coffee House in Inman Square
Rosies in Inman Square
flour bakery + cafe (several locations)
Gracenote Boston in Leather District (108 Lincoln St)
Dudley Cafe in Dudley Square
And of course
Caffe Vittoria in the North End (where espresso was before espresso was hip)
-mr. bill
Kickstand Cafe in Arlington Center (at Swan St entrance to Minuteman)
Barismo in East Arlington
Diesel Cafe in Davis Square (with bike corral)
1369 Coffee House in Inman Square
Rosies in Inman Square
flour bakery + cafe (several locations)
Gracenote Boston in Leather District (108 Lincoln St)
Dudley Cafe in Dudley Square
And of course
Caffe Vittoria in the North End (where espresso was before espresso was hip)
-mr. bill
Non-obvious answer to that question. Both Kingston and Bromfield Galleries for example did not change their names as they moved about the city. But when you don’t move but your square has changed names?
For those of us that listened to WILD (AM) (still miss do or die) the new name is an old name.
Anyhow, maybe get out for a short ride today while my lungs are shutting up. (The best news is they shut up enough to get on airplanes. And people don’t look at me like I’m going to kill them if I cough, let alone a second glance. And I realized it would be smart to remove the one year old HKIA sticker on my luggage. At least I pulled a muscle to the right of my sternum, rather than to the left. “Stabbing pain” on that side is far less drama.)
-mr. bill
#8611
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,530
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2112 Post(s)
Liked 663 Times
in
443 Posts
Just amazed by how many families were out today. Just a couple of the peletons from today:
-mr. bill
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 02-17-20 at 08:00 PM.
#8612
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
mr b, nice pics.
I managed to get out on Monday, first non-commute ride of the year.
I managed to get out on Monday, first non-commute ride of the year.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Likes For jimmuller:
#8613
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 3,169
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 534 Post(s)
Liked 1,729 Times
in
884 Posts
Took the Rawland Nordavinden out on the Minuteman for a 10-mile ride at the end of the day, sunset to twilight to darkness. Just couldn't ignore the out-of-band Spring weather. First ride of the year for me, no really good reason for that.
rod
rod
#8614
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,545
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5222 Post(s)
Liked 3,575 Times
in
2,339 Posts
Likes For rumrunn6:
#8615
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
We did about 27 miles on the tandem on Sunday, a nice day. I've been commuting. Lots of agita in the traffic yesterday and today. Lots of debris on the roads too.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Likes For jimmuller:
#8616
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 3,169
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 534 Post(s)
Liked 1,729 Times
in
884 Posts
Got out on the Minuteman again this afternoon, on the Surly Trucker DeLuxe this time. Grayer, cooler day, got a little spritz of a shower in Lexington. My various articulated bits are getting reacquainted with the bicycle.
The Mile 4.0 Cairn Builders are in a lush period.
rod
The Mile 4.0 Cairn Builders are in a lush period.
rod
Likes For rholland1951:
#8617
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 3,169
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 534 Post(s)
Liked 1,729 Times
in
884 Posts
The Arlington DPW will be doing tree work on the Minuteman during the month of March. Here's the text of the announcement.
Detour: Traveling West Bound; following the detour signs exit Summer Street Park at Ryder Street, follow to Forest Street to Mass Ave, follow to Arl/Lex line, continue down bike path.
Detour: Traveling West Bound; following the detour signs exit at Water Street, follow Mass Ave to Forest Street to Ryder Street, this brings you to Summer Street Park, continue down bike path.
Detour Traveling West Bound; following the detour signs exit Lake Street, follow to Mass Ave to Mystic Street, continue down bike path.
Detour: Traveling West Bound; following the detour signs exit at Dog Park to Thorndike Street to Mass Ave, follow to Lake Street, continue down bike path.
rod
March: Tree Work on Length of Bike Path in Arlington
Post Date:02/25/2020 12:00 PMArlington Public Works and its contractors plan to perform tree work on the entire length of the bike path, in Arlington, starting March 2nd to the end of the month. Starting from the Lexington line and working east toward Cambridge, tree work includes removing standing dead trees, pruning dead wood, removing hanging dead branches, branches on the ground, and pushing back vegetation from the path. To perform the work safely the bike path must be closed to the public sections at a time. DPW estimates each section will take a week, however, weather can impact the schedule. To minimize disruption to travelers the work will start at 9:00 a.m. and finish 2:00 p.m. daily. Travelers utilizing the bike path should follow detour signs provided by Public Works.Work Schedule
Week 1: 3/2/20-3/6/20 Lexington line to Ryder Street (Summer Street Park)
Detour: Traveling East Bound; following the detour signs exit at Town line Lex/Arl to Mass Ave, follow to Forest Street to Ryder Street, this brings you to Summer Street Park continue down bike path.Detour: Traveling West Bound; following the detour signs exit Summer Street Park at Ryder Street, follow to Forest Street to Mass Ave, follow to Arl/Lex line, continue down bike path.
Week 2: 3/9/20-3/13/20 Summer Street Park to Water Street.
Detour: Traveling East Bound; following the detour signs exit Summer Street Park at Ryder Street, follow to Forest Street to Mass Ave, follow to Water Street, continue down bike path.Detour: Traveling West Bound; following the detour signs exit at Water Street, follow Mass Ave to Forest Street to Ryder Street, this brings you to Summer Street Park, continue down bike path.
Week 3: 3/16/20-3/20/20 Sawn Place to Lake Street.
Detour: Traveling East Bound; following the detour signs exit Mystic Street to Mass Ave, follow to Lake Street, continue down bike path.Detour Traveling West Bound; following the detour signs exit Lake Street, follow to Mass Ave to Mystic Street, continue down bike path.
Week 4: 3/23/20-3/27/20 Lake Street to Cambridge line.
Detour: Traveling East Bound; following the detour signs exit Lake Street to Mass Ave follow to Thorndike Street, this brings you to the Dog Park at the Cambridge line, continue down bike path.Detour: Traveling West Bound; following the detour signs exit at Dog Park to Thorndike Street to Mass Ave, follow to Lake Street, continue down bike path.
Likes For rholland1951:
#8618
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The banks of the River Charles
Posts: 2,026
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease, 2020 Seven Evergreen, 2019 Honey Allroads Ti, 2018 Seven Redsky XX, 2017 Trek Boon 7, 2014 Trek 520
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 694 Post(s)
Liked 910 Times
in
487 Posts
Today I got out for 41.5 miles on my Honey Allroads. It is a delight to ride in February on clean dry roads. It was a little nicer Monday and Tuesday wearing summer clothes when I rode 21 miles each day.
#8619
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
My morning commute held a few surprises. The first was the "Bikeway Closed" sign. So, like, how am I supposed to get to work this morning? I rode the MM anyway. Didn't see anything until I reached Bow St were I get off anyway, a bunch of tree workers and trucks, not quite ready t start their day.
The second surprise was the dusting of snow that fell on Lexington last night. Just enough to make me skittish about being skiddish, so I rode out in the traffic lane for much of it.
Oh, and the wind. Did I mention wind? And new potholes. And all the construction going on at Woburn Mall. It ain't easy these days.
Well, I made it to work and back home safely with another story to tell.
The second surprise was the dusting of snow that fell on Lexington last night. Just enough to make me skittish about being skiddish, so I rode out in the traffic lane for much of it.
Oh, and the wind. Did I mention wind? And new potholes. And all the construction going on at Woburn Mall. It ain't easy these days.
Well, I made it to work and back home safely with another story to tell.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Likes For jimmuller:
#8620
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 3,169
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 534 Post(s)
Liked 1,729 Times
in
884 Posts
Rolled out on the Rawland Nordavinden for 20 miles on the Minuteman in the late afternoon, Depot Park and back, temperatures starting in the low 60s and finishing in the mid 50s. While admiring the Bike Path Closed sign (it wasn't, at that hour, of course), I witnessed The Attack of the Cyborgs, two one-wheelers slaloming through the crowd at speed.
Come to think of it, there were a lot of Electricians out on the Minuteman today, but those two were the most noticeable.
Heard the Star Spangled Banner played over the Hanscom P.A. at 5 o'clock, sharp, somewhat windblown.
Returned in twilight that had no real period of sunset colors, just deepening gloom. Turned on my lights in Lexington Center, and rode home with the other lanternfish. Was pleased to arrive there before the rain did.
rod
Come to think of it, there were a lot of Electricians out on the Minuteman today, but those two were the most noticeable.
Heard the Star Spangled Banner played over the Hanscom P.A. at 5 o'clock, sharp, somewhat windblown.
Returned in twilight that had no real period of sunset colors, just deepening gloom. Turned on my lights in Lexington Center, and rode home with the other lanternfish. Was pleased to arrive there before the rain did.
rod
Last edited by rholland1951; 03-03-20 at 08:42 PM.
#8621
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,530
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2112 Post(s)
Liked 663 Times
in
443 Posts
One of the oddest conversations at Starbucks/Trader Joes Titanic Bow, which had police tape blocking the stairway down:
Q: The Minuteman is closed?
A: Parts of the Minuteman are closed for the next few days, I can look up the details.
Q: Wait, what time?
A: Starts at 9:00.
Q: It’s not 9:00, why are they riding in the Minuteman?
A: Because it’s not yet 9:00.
Q: So technically it’s not yet closed?
A: Technically, if you want, you can go under.
And she did.
-mr. bill
Q: The Minuteman is closed?
A: Parts of the Minuteman are closed for the next few days, I can look up the details.
Q: Wait, what time?
A: Starts at 9:00.
Q: It’s not 9:00, why are they riding in the Minuteman?
A: Because it’s not yet 9:00.
Q: So technically it’s not yet closed?
A: Technically, if you want, you can go under.
And she did.
-mr. bill
Likes For mr_bill:
#8622
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,545
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5222 Post(s)
Liked 3,575 Times
in
2,339 Posts
fyi - been seeing lots of squished bunnies past cpl days, while driving my car. I can imagine they are emerging on the bike trails as well ...!
#8623
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
We took the tandem out today, didn't get as far as we wanted. After four and half miles we took a spill at walking speed, starting from a standstill on a slight uphill. I think we got hit by a gust of wind. It was pretty windy.
Unfortunately my sweetie couldn't continue. Many people stopped to help. The first to stop was another cyclist who then offered to ride back to Depot Park and pick up our car which was big enough to hold the tandem. I took him up on the offer and gave him the key. Half an hour later we were off to medical assistance.
Sir, whoever and wherever you are, whether you read this or not, you are a testament to what is kind and good in humanity. Thank you.
Unfortunately my sweetie couldn't continue. Many people stopped to help. The first to stop was another cyclist who then offered to ride back to Depot Park and pick up our car which was big enough to hold the tandem. I took him up on the offer and gave him the key. Half an hour later we were off to medical assistance.
Sir, whoever and wherever you are, whether you read this or not, you are a testament to what is kind and good in humanity. Thank you.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
#8624
Death fork? Naaaah!!
I do hope Sharon is all right.
Top
Top
__________________
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
#8625
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts