What kind of commuter are you?
#1
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Be honest... How many people commute despite rain or worse yet, snow? Fair weather's all good and well but when the weather turns...
#2
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Im an old and bitter commuter.
And at 24 days of straight rain, im getting to be a waterlogged and even more bitter commuter
I dont have gear for snow, so unless its a light sprinkling, thats all that stops me.
And at 24 days of straight rain, im getting to be a waterlogged and even more bitter commuter
I dont have gear for snow, so unless its a light sprinkling, thats all that stops me.
#3
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I've been commuting since the end of May. North Texas is having a huge drought. I've had one day of rain and one and a half days of sleet since I started commuting. I was on the bike through it all.
#4
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Originally Posted by slvoid
Be honest... How many people commute despite rain or worse yet, snow? Fair weather's all good and well but when the weather turns...
i don't mind light/medium rain. usually in the summer where i live storms pass in about 20 minutes, and i work on a hill so i can watch which way the weather is moving
i don't mind the cold weather, and been doing my commute so long the heavy north winds aren't a big deal either.
but if it's really miserable with stagnant AM rain showers i'll bus. it's a change of pace and i can read
#5
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everyday here, either the bike breaks down or I do. I've got more bikes, though, so if I'm out, the bikes starve. Kinda easy commuting in Houston, weather-wise. Loving this cheap merino wool.
#6
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I'm all about the cold and steady rain these days.
And riding in snow and freezing rain I generally get to the office at least 90 minutes ahead of the next earliest car-driving person.
And riding in snow and freezing rain I generally get to the office at least 90 minutes ahead of the next earliest car-driving person.
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I usually ride in all but the most extreme weather conditions...
I have a short commute, so I don't mind suffering a bit
I have a short commute, so I don't mind suffering a bit
#8
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I commute in the worst of winters, even when it dips below freezing.
I'll ride in the worst of rains from steady winter 40F showers to August thunderstorms with thick blowing dust that drop the temp from 115F to 110F as they blow thru
There is no upper temp that will stop me.
Snow? Ha ha ha ha.
Al
I'll ride in the worst of rains from steady winter 40F showers to August thunderstorms with thick blowing dust that drop the temp from 115F to 110F as they blow thru
There is no upper temp that will stop me.
Snow? Ha ha ha ha.
Al
#9
or tarckeemoon, depending
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I don't own a car and I'd MUCH rather ride than take the bus on nasty days. The bus is horrible when it's wet out (fogged up windows, no place to sit, everyone is grouchy, takes forever). If I'm going to be in a foul mood anyway I'd rather be alone on my bike.
#10
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No ride days:
-- rain in am [pm is ok]
-- snow, snow debrie on roads
-- lightning forecast [summer mostly]
-- days with meetings after work in other cities
-- winds above 40 [used to be 30mph]
-- sick.
Hope to do better this year than last. So far, it's good. Last year 0, zero rides in Jan. This year 5. Natually the nice weather helps.
There was a very good article by an exerise person in parade sunday. Gist was: prepare your script of self talk to counter the inclination NOT to exercise.
-- rain in am [pm is ok]
-- snow, snow debrie on roads
-- lightning forecast [summer mostly]
-- days with meetings after work in other cities
-- winds above 40 [used to be 30mph]
-- sick.
Hope to do better this year than last. So far, it's good. Last year 0, zero rides in Jan. This year 5. Natually the nice weather helps.
There was a very good article by an exerise person in parade sunday. Gist was: prepare your script of self talk to counter the inclination NOT to exercise.
#11
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I'm a wuss. I admire many on here who peddle in very bad weather. I especially admire those who don't own a car.
While I won't let the return trip forecast influence my decision, I won't ride in while it's raining. I wear my work pants and I don't want them wet. If they get wet on the way home, no big deal. One day I might get good rain gear and go in all conditions. I just haven't done it.
While there are a lot of rainy days, that doesn't mean it is raining when I leave my house. I ride in most days.
While I won't let the return trip forecast influence my decision, I won't ride in while it's raining. I wear my work pants and I don't want them wet. If they get wet on the way home, no big deal. One day I might get good rain gear and go in all conditions. I just haven't done it.
While there are a lot of rainy days, that doesn't mean it is raining when I leave my house. I ride in most days.
#12
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All season, all weather commuter. I do draw the line at commuting the day of a new accumulation of snow of 5 inches or more and/or when the temperature drops below
-25 degrees celsius.
-25 degrees celsius.
#13
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No weather has prevented me yet from commuting by bike. I'm picked up commuting up since january 2005 and still going strong.
Just pedal and you will get home dispite of the wind and rain. After all the rain i've had it's just a switch i can switch now. Sometimes in the summer when everyone is grouchy because of the rain my smile gets bigger every mile by looking at the grouchy faces.
Just pedal and you will get home dispite of the wind and rain. After all the rain i've had it's just a switch i can switch now. Sometimes in the summer when everyone is grouchy because of the rain my smile gets bigger every mile by looking at the grouchy faces.
#14
Senior Member
When it snows or even rains hard here, large sections of the metro area go into gridlock. My bike, with studs, has far better ice and snow traction than my car. Also, having paid nearly $5,000 to fix the rust on my car some time ago, I am very relutant to drive in salt.
The only time I take my car is when I have to go to the airport after work. Driving is just too much of a hassle, even in good weather.
Paul
The only time I take my car is when I have to go to the airport after work. Driving is just too much of a hassle, even in good weather.
Paul
#15
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im an all season/ weather commuter......i'll ride in rain, snow, hot summer days, if i have somewhere to go, it dosen't matter to me, just have to remember to dress accordingly, but ill admit, on lousy days i'll try not to find a reason to ride.
Additionally if i get the bike courier job im shooting for ill "need" to ride everyday considering that the last time i checked it is a requirement of the job.
btw, why does it seem that all op's are exempt from answering thier own question when they ask one?
Additionally if i get the bike courier job im shooting for ill "need" to ride everyday considering that the last time i checked it is a requirement of the job.
btw, why does it seem that all op's are exempt from answering thier own question when they ask one?
Last edited by .:Jimbo:.; 01-11-06 at 01:31 PM.
#16
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The weather hasn't stopped me, but we haven't been past -30C yet this winter. I like riding in the rain, especially giant puddles - wheeeeee!
#17
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I commuted down to 10 degrees F in December. I don't mind the cold. I don't mind the rain. I don't mind the snow. I have not, however, commuted yet the day after a huge snow storm. Drivers are all over the roads that day.
#18
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All weather but a few instances.
1) Below 10F. I could ride. Just nervous when it gets this cold
2) If it snowed a significant amount that day or night before. I can handle riding while it is snowing. The mess afterwards is not my idea of fun. Plus, it melts in a day or two around here.
I'm sure there are a few other times I can not think of. Ex: 15F with 50mph winds sounds miserable.
I have the option to work from home on nasty days. I tend to take advantage of this a few times during the year.
Rain was a problem last year. This year I am adding a bit of raingear and plan on riding quite a bit more when it rains.
1) Below 10F. I could ride. Just nervous when it gets this cold
2) If it snowed a significant amount that day or night before. I can handle riding while it is snowing. The mess afterwards is not my idea of fun. Plus, it melts in a day or two around here.
I'm sure there are a few other times I can not think of. Ex: 15F with 50mph winds sounds miserable.
I have the option to work from home on nasty days. I tend to take advantage of this a few times during the year.
Rain was a problem last year. This year I am adding a bit of raingear and plan on riding quite a bit more when it rains.
#20
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I commute year round, I drive if I know I'll be working past 1 AM or if I'm expecting blowing, drifting snow that would hamper visibility as well as traction. So far I've had one night of cycling in sub zero temperatures this winter.
Needless to say I run studded Nokians and have a very good lighting system (Shimano DH-3N71 dynamo hub, Busch & Muller headlight, 5 taillights including the Cateye TL-1000).
Needless to say I run studded Nokians and have a very good lighting system (Shimano DH-3N71 dynamo hub, Busch & Muller headlight, 5 taillights including the Cateye TL-1000).
#21
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Originally Posted by slvoid
Be honest... How many people commute despite rain or worse yet, snow? Fair weather's all good and well but when the weather turns...
Rain and Snow has no effect on me, except I look as it as a Challenge! I see the WIND as more of a PIA then any weather situation! Commuted 100% (by other means) since June 22, 2005.
Other means: Being sick as a Dog, getting better and car pooling to work with G/F.(means: not up to riding in yet! grrr) Winds in Boulder County can be brutal here, can avg about 30 mph then have gusts 70-100mph. Never could understand why they call Chicago the Windy City.
#22
Proshpero
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An all-weather commuter here. Last year's extremes were: buckets of rain that filled the streets up to my bottom bracket; 115°F heat; below freezing temps (but it's a dry cold); dust storms. Laziness and boredom are more likely to keep me in!
#23
Portland Fred
I basically ride in any weather, but this year I adopted a no ice storm rule. The logic for that is that the risk of injury is so high that it is likely to keep me off my bike.
I enjoy riding in storms -- generally speaking, the wilder the better. Close lightning is an exception to that rule.
I enjoy riding in storms -- generally speaking, the wilder the better. Close lightning is an exception to that rule.
#24
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The only thing that keeps me from bike commuting is illness -- either mine or my bike's. So far this winter has not been much of a challenge.
#25
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What stops me....bike not working and I can't fix it on my own, winds that blow me off the road (I turn back), and when I think I have broke a bone or something from the bike accadent from the day before. Also I am car free, so there is no way to drive to school/work.
Super Geek
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