How was the commute today? Continued.
10-15-09, 09:57 AM
#2301
Senior Member
Dragged my sorry ass home after a nightshift into a 20km headwind at 2C...fortunately I had some cold weather gear so it wasn't too bad.. Slow up the bike-path to home but really glad I did it..i'm down another 1lb!!
Ready for the ride in tonight with warmer gear.
Ready for the ride in tonight with warmer gear.
10-15-09, 10:31 AM
#2302
Disgruntled grad student
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 443
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Caught a ride today :S
Had to be in early for a meeting. It would have been nice to: 42F, light north breeze, cloudy. Perfect riding weather.
Maybe I'll take a stroll, or at least a jog when I get home...
Had to be in early for a meeting. It would have been nice to: 42F, light north breeze, cloudy. Perfect riding weather.
Maybe I'll take a stroll, or at least a jog when I get home...
__________________
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
10-15-09, 10:33 AM
#2303
Disgruntled grad student
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 443
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ah, no worries mate. I found my avatar the same way a year or so ago...it just goes to show, we have good taste!! 
First, let me say, back at ya! 
Second, let me say, d'oh... did I steal yours? Avatar faux pas? I just changed a few weeks ago, but I just got the avatar through Google Images... didn't mean to step on your (avatar's) toes. 
Reminds me of a couple weeks ago. A fellow commuter comes up from behind and as he's riding, says "Nice backpack." At first I was thinking, why the sarcasm, dude? I know this is an old, beat up LL Bean beackpack I've had for almost twenty years, but it works. Then as he goes around me, I see he's got the same pack in the same color...
Second, let me say, d'oh... did I steal yours? Avatar faux pas? I just changed a few weeks ago, but I just got the avatar through Google Images... didn't mean to step on your (avatar's) toes. Reminds me of a couple weeks ago. A fellow commuter comes up from behind and as he's riding, says "Nice backpack." At first I was thinking, why the sarcasm, dude? I know this is an old, beat up LL Bean beackpack I've had for almost twenty years, but it works. Then as he goes around me, I see he's got the same pack in the same color...
__________________
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
10-15-09, 10:45 AM
#2304
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
63F and 90%RH (I'm guessing) this morning. Lots of mist, wet streets, and of course I never got around to installing fenders on the FG commuter so I had the Freshman Stripe when I arrived at the office.
Cut myself shaving and then discovered I didn't have any underwear or socks.
Just like a bad Monday, but 3 days late.
Cut myself shaving and then discovered I didn't have any underwear or socks.
Just like a bad Monday, but 3 days late.
10-15-09, 11:15 AM
#2305
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 2,053
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My commutes the last two days have been not so hot - literally and figuratively. Today was low 40s and drizzly into the wind. Yesterday afternoon mid-40s and rainy (and didn't have any rain gear - rain wasn't supposed to start until the evening). Throw on top of that the head and chest cold I'm dealing with, and... That said, I feel WAY better after my ride, so logic and conventional wisdom be damned. I may have a cold, and it may be 40 and rainy outside, but I'm riding anyway.
So take that, moms of the world! 
I think of the cool damp air entering my lungs as the product of a gigantic humidifer. 
Last commute for a while is this afternoon. Off for a week long vacay in Quebec. Looking forward to it!
10-15-09, 11:20 AM
#2306
GATC
caged again, morning routine flameout left no time... my wife managed to bike w/ both kids though.
10-15-09, 11:45 AM
#2307
Mostly Harmless
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 216
Bikes: Custom commuter made from Civia Prospect frame, Raleigh Sports (1971), custom road bike from a steel 2003 Fuji Marseille frame, 29er SS MTB built up from a Vassago Jabberwocky frame, Surly Long Haul Trucker (customzed for fully loaded touring)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yesterday, I got all the way to work and then realized I didn't have my pannier on my bike. Left it at home. It had my computer in it and everything. That's a first.
10-15-09, 01:14 PM
#2308
Scan Me
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 771
Bikes: 2009 Trek 2.3, 2010 Specialized Secteur Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thursday mornings I have a 6:30-8:00 mens bible study, then off to work. 4 miles to church then 8 miles to work (instead of my usual 4 miles to work). When I left at 6:00 AM, it was 76, humid and calm. I was in a polo shirt and shorts. Riding back I got smacked in the face by a 20MPH 60 degree cold front.
10-15-09, 09:07 PM
#2309
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Plano Texas
Posts: 1,311
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
After a 14 hour shift that included a code blue and a new surprise admission, I got to mount my new road bike and haul ass home.
I felt amazingly strong. 60 degrees with a moderate wind out of the NNW. I was almost cool as I wore a sleeveless jersey in since it was 75 degrees and very muggy.
Had a nice sweat going in short time and made my best time and a new highest average speed. I wanted to keep riding, but wifey was expecting me no later than 9:30.
I felt amazingly strong. 60 degrees with a moderate wind out of the NNW. I was almost cool as I wore a sleeveless jersey in since it was 75 degrees and very muggy.
Had a nice sweat going in short time and made my best time and a new highest average speed. I wanted to keep riding, but wifey was expecting me no later than 9:30.
10-15-09, 09:35 PM
#2310
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Naples FL
Posts: 18
Bikes: Madone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
cold, rainy, and a lot of dickheads out and about pissed off about the weather taking it out on me.
10-16-09, 07:16 AM
#2311
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,096
Bikes: IRO Model 19, Surly Crosscheck, 1989 Arnie Nashbar, Cannondale CAADX, Niner Air 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cold, wet, dark.....these have been some dreary mornings. Temps were in the 40's this morning with a light rain and headwind. I can't believe I've already had to pull out the Winter jacket, but it's a perfect compliment to this weather as well as my desire to wear only one, short sleeved shirt. I stay fairly dry and warm, could have been worse. Also, as much as I hate them, I guess the fenders are on for good-looking forward to May when they come off again :-) . I guess the weekend's rain will tank my mountain biking plans, hopefully this will clear up by Monday.
10-16-09, 07:24 AM
#2312
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Windy and cold this morning, my legs were pretty tired when I arrived at the office.
I ran three miles with my wife yesterday at an easy pace which felt great. There is a chance of rain and snow later this afternoon which should be interesting.
I don't always like to write about the bad things that happened on my commute, but someone began to right hook me this morning and then she hesitated so I cut around the car on the left side to get by, geesh! Why don't people just wait a few seconds before they make their turn, some people's depth perception is just way off.
I am glad I have a beard, it comes in handy.
I ran three miles with my wife yesterday at an easy pace which felt great. There is a chance of rain and snow later this afternoon which should be interesting.
I don't always like to write about the bad things that happened on my commute, but someone began to right hook me this morning and then she hesitated so I cut around the car on the left side to get by, geesh! Why don't people just wait a few seconds before they make their turn, some people's depth perception is just way off.
I am glad I have a beard, it comes in handy.
10-16-09, 07:28 AM
#2313
Disgruntled grad student
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 443
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On an up note, I installed bigger mudflaps ala Alex Wetmore's page. Already been through a couple of slogs, and I kept my feet drier than they might be otherwise. See, nice and Fred
:
__________________
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
10-16-09, 07:35 AM
#2314
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
We've had some temps down to the lower 20s lately (F), but it hasn't been below 35*F and raining at the same time yet. I've gotten pretty wet at 40*F a couple of days lately, but it doesn't really bother me. Beats driving anyway.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
10-16-09, 09:22 AM
#2315
Belt drive!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Posts: 2,614
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's cooling down. Was below freezing this morning, and there was frost even next to the lake. Unusual for this time of year.
The MUP passes a campground. The place is closed for the season now, but there was a stream of water flowing over the MUP itself, which was odd. I got a few yards past it, and thought, "Wait, did some jerk go in there and turn on a tap?" I turned around and went into the campground area.
Sure enough, a tap was cranked all the way open and gushing water.
I turned it off. The ground was soaked. People are morons.
The MUP passes a campground. The place is closed for the season now, but there was a stream of water flowing over the MUP itself, which was odd. I got a few yards past it, and thought, "Wait, did some jerk go in there and turn on a tap?" I turned around and went into the campground area.
Sure enough, a tap was cranked all the way open and gushing water.
I turned it off. The ground was soaked. People are morons.
10-16-09, 09:47 AM
#2317
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Boise, ID.
Posts: 1,251
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Decent ride this morning. 45 minutes mostly on a MUP watching fog come off the Boise river. Temp was about 40F, and I overdressed. Work shower took care of the sweaty mess I was when I go in.
Today was the first commute trial for my new to me Nishiki mountain bike. Things a tank with rack fenders, panniers and the 7ah SLA battery for my lighting system. Still managed up the hill just fine - heavy bikes just mean better training rides right?
That being said I love the homebrew lighting - 45 minutes took the battery down to 40%, its charging now @ my desk, guess I can live with that.
Today was the first commute trial for my new to me Nishiki mountain bike. Things a tank with rack fenders, panniers and the 7ah SLA battery for my lighting system. Still managed up the hill just fine - heavy bikes just mean better training rides right?
That being said I love the homebrew lighting - 45 minutes took the battery down to 40%, its charging now @ my desk, guess I can live with that.
10-16-09, 12:00 PM
#2318
Go Leafs
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 348
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This whole week has been cool, upper 30's in the am and mid forties for the pm, cloudy and light rain. Pretty much miserable for this time of year, but on the flip side I think my body has acclimated to the cool/cold temps already.
Because of the cooler temps I have reverted back to my shorter distance route but with all the lights, stop signs and general crappy streets I think I am going to rethink that strategy. Shorter isn't always faster.
Because of the cooler temps I have reverted back to my shorter distance route but with all the lights, stop signs and general crappy streets I think I am going to rethink that strategy. Shorter isn't always faster.
10-16-09, 03:20 PM
#2319
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: san francisco, ca
Posts: 42
Bikes: jamis nova, felt brougham, gunnar fastlane
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I meant to post this last night- but on the way home from work SFPD blocked off Market St & 6th St in SF because of the Pres' motorcade.
In just a few mins there was a ton of foot traffic, bus traffic and bike traffic backed up, but everyone was cool. Once Obama rolled through everyone waved.
Once they let us through it was like being in a giant pack for a while. It was nice to just roll along and just stare at the hundreds of blinkies in front of me...
In just a few mins there was a ton of foot traffic, bus traffic and bike traffic backed up, but everyone was cool. Once Obama rolled through everyone waved.
Once they let us through it was like being in a giant pack for a while. It was nice to just roll along and just stare at the hundreds of blinkies in front of me...
Last edited by eltejano; 10-16-09 at 03:21 PM. Reason: fixing pics
10-16-09, 03:23 PM
#2320
Belt drive!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Posts: 2,614
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Interesting ride home. Everything was normal until I got to the boardwalk on the MUP. It's elevated, with railings on each side of course.
And yet another tree down across it. #(@* beavers! Third one this week! 3 people were already there, trying to shove it off the boardwalk, so I joined in. We could only get it so far, so we started breaking branches off of it, but that left nice dangerous stakes on which people can impale themselves. So we started hanging things off of them so people don't get hurt. 
The town has been notified.
TGIF!
And yet another tree down across it. #(@* beavers! Third one this week! 3 people were already there, trying to shove it off the boardwalk, so I joined in. We could only get it so far, so we started breaking branches off of it, but that left nice dangerous stakes on which people can impale themselves.
So we started hanging things off of them so people don't get hurt. The town has been notified.
TGIF!
10-16-09, 03:34 PM
#2321
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Columbia, Maryland
Posts: 766
Bikes: Trek 820 mtb, A no name red steel pipe bike, my commuter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The last couple days have been wet. It was 32 F ( 0 C) coming home, and they are talking some
flurry stuff later. I have exhausted my inventory of chilly weather gear, everything is soaked and
I didn't want to break out my cold weather gear yet. It's a good thing it is the end of the week. I
have time to recover, although, I was not comfortable this morning as I had to ad lib gear, because
everything was still wet from yesterday. The constant cold rain is not easy, for which to plan long
term anyway.
flurry stuff later. I have exhausted my inventory of chilly weather gear, everything is soaked and
I didn't want to break out my cold weather gear yet. It's a good thing it is the end of the week. I
have time to recover, although, I was not comfortable this morning as I had to ad lib gear, because
everything was still wet from yesterday. The constant cold rain is not easy, for which to plan long
term anyway.
10-16-09, 03:57 PM
#2322
8speed DinoSORAs
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Oxford, UK or Mountain View, Ca
Posts: 2,749
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Big mess this morning. I managed 1.5 miles from home before sustaining a vicious pinch flat. Stopped to change the tube, only to find my spare had a short valve stem and would not reach far enough through for the pump head. Popped open my patch kit to find the glue was dry. Fail Fail Fail 
Rode 1.5 miles back up hill to home on the flat tire, swapped bikes and tried again. Finally made it to work 1/2 hour late. Of course I forgot to grab a fresh spare tube, and have my fingers crossed for the ride home...
Rode 1.5 miles back up hill to home on the flat tire, swapped bikes and tried again. Finally made it to work 1/2 hour late. Of course I forgot to grab a fresh spare tube, and have my fingers crossed for the ride home...
__________________
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
10-16-09, 05:40 PM
#2323
GATC
Wet but not raining.
When it was time to go, I needed to bring my laptop home but I was 6 hrs into a loooooong simulation(hopefully it will be done in the morning, or at least by Monday) so I just turned the power saving off and stuffed it in the pannier for the 7 mile ride home. Very happy to find when I got home that it kept running!
When it was time to go, I needed to bring my laptop home but I was 6 hrs into a loooooong simulation(hopefully it will be done in the morning, or at least by Monday) so I just turned the power saving off and stuffed it in the pannier for the 7 mile ride home. Very happy to find when I got home that it kept running!
10-16-09, 07:31 PM
#2324
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,269
Bikes: Mostly schwinn... few classics
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I guess I had forgotten how nice and peaceful MUPS can be later at night. A mix of that and backroads made yesterdays return home great! Now I just need a better light set up!
Last edited by funrover; 10-19-09 at 07:50 AM.
10-17-09, 12:14 PM
#2325
Non-Spandex Commuter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 1,025
Bikes: Trek Soho S
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Haven't commuted for a couple days, my company finally got hammered by the economy and I was one of the cuts... hopefully next job will be close enough to keep commuting by bike...