How was the commute today?
New! With Self Loathing!
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41F with a 10 MPH headwind and driving rain going in this morning. I cut holes in the bottom of some old galoshes to wear over my clipless shoes to keep my feet dry. Proper booties have been ordered. Ride home was 43F and the rain didn't really pick up until I was halfway home. Didn't ride yesterday because of icy roads.(I'm in Northern California, what's with the sheets of ice?)
It's true, man.
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55°, and a light headwind today... almost don't need a headlight in the mornings anymore. That'll be a nice chunk of weight to drop - at least till DST kicks in again.
The excuse monkey almost tricked me out of riding in, this morning, but I prevailed.
Heard some funky rattling sound, develop about a mile into the ride that I couldn't place... I was wondering if it was my new front hub, tried holding several things still as I rode to locate it, but nothing. Finally, it was annoying/concerning enough to stop and look for it, and it turned out to be my clear glasses, hanging from my neckband and bumping against the zipper pull of my jersey. I Win!
The bike shorts experiment is effectively over. I've pretty much abandoned chamois bike shorts for practical riding with a duration of less than an hour on bike. There's no notable benefit to wearing them, and it's a pain to maintain the pairs I'd need to keep a fresh pair ready for everyday.
Only ate one bug. Overall, a nice, nice ride, and looking forward to going home.
The excuse monkey almost tricked me out of riding in, this morning, but I prevailed.
Heard some funky rattling sound, develop about a mile into the ride that I couldn't place... I was wondering if it was my new front hub, tried holding several things still as I rode to locate it, but nothing. Finally, it was annoying/concerning enough to stop and look for it, and it turned out to be my clear glasses, hanging from my neckband and bumping against the zipper pull of my jersey. I Win!
The bike shorts experiment is effectively over. I've pretty much abandoned chamois bike shorts for practical riding with a duration of less than an hour on bike. There's no notable benefit to wearing them, and it's a pain to maintain the pairs I'd need to keep a fresh pair ready for everyday.
Only ate one bug. Overall, a nice, nice ride, and looking forward to going home.
Last edited by truman; 03-13-06 at 10:15 AM.
Belt drive!
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Around 30F this morning. Subtle headwind, but enough to keep my speed down a couple of MPH. Very foggy! On the streets I was using my front halogen and rear blinkie. Not necessary on the trail. Vis wasn't that bad.
Back on the Peugeot. No more ice or snow on the trail.
Back on the Peugeot. No more ice or snow on the trail.
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I switched out bikes this morning and took the mt. bike for a change. I also carried a messenger bag that was a premium from my public radio station (KCRW). I never tried one before, but it worked OK. It took about 10 minutes to get to the office.
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Three blocks from my office, I was riding in the bike lane and I see a door begin to pop open about 20 yards up the road. I usually ride just inside the line and I had plenty of time to check traffic behind me and scoot totally out of the doorzone. A well-dressed guy gets out and looks right at me, seemingly surprised to find a bike in the bike lane.
So as I go by, I say (as friendly as I can), "Check your mirror first please! Thanks!" And the guy says "Thank you!" I couldn't tell if he was sincere or sarcastic, but I figure I've at least raised his awareness.
Okay, then at the very next block. I am stopped for a stop sign, trackstanding as the traffic from the left clears the intersection. A white Ford Taurus slides right up on my wheel and I think that he's going to nudge me. I hold up my hand and yell "Hey! Hey! Stop!" I start to go and the Taurus gives me a long honk. Not a friendly beep-beep, but a "I should have run you over" honk.
So I wave to the guy and motion that I would like him to roll down his window and discuss. He roars around me and goes down an alley. Jerk. I started to follow him, but I knew I'd never catch him on my fixie. Now, that guy needed his awareness raised!
So as I go by, I say (as friendly as I can), "Check your mirror first please! Thanks!" And the guy says "Thank you!" I couldn't tell if he was sincere or sarcastic, but I figure I've at least raised his awareness.
Okay, then at the very next block. I am stopped for a stop sign, trackstanding as the traffic from the left clears the intersection. A white Ford Taurus slides right up on my wheel and I think that he's going to nudge me. I hold up my hand and yell "Hey! Hey! Stop!" I start to go and the Taurus gives me a long honk. Not a friendly beep-beep, but a "I should have run you over" honk.
So I wave to the guy and motion that I would like him to roll down his window and discuss. He roars around me and goes down an alley. Jerk. I started to follow him, but I knew I'd never catch him on my fixie. Now, that guy needed his awareness raised!
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Off-topic:
Yay, KCRW! When my wife was living in LA we were members of KCRW as well as KXJZ. I still listen to Morning Becomes Eclectic online everyday.
Yay, KCRW! When my wife was living in LA we were members of KCRW as well as KXJZ. I still listen to Morning Becomes Eclectic online everyday.
Life is good
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Finally I can log onto BF -- forums must be busy.
The ride was great. 63F and cloudy when I left home. Very warm for mid-March.
Stopped for my physical therapy appt at the 5 mile point. Was hot when I arrived and tired and hungry when I left. I gotta eat a bigger breakfast.
I hope the ride home is just as good. The weather folks are saying hi 70sF but rain and cooler temperatures are on the way.
The ride was great. 63F and cloudy when I left home. Very warm for mid-March.
Stopped for my physical therapy appt at the 5 mile point. Was hot when I arrived and tired and hungry when I left. I gotta eat a bigger breakfast.
I hope the ride home is just as good. The weather folks are saying hi 70sF but rain and cooler temperatures are on the way.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
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Saturday's commute was hell. 50ºF with headwinds so strong I had to fight my way downhill at one point.
無くなった
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Non-existent. 8" of snow, low 30s. I think the guys at work will understand. Several of them that drive called in too...
Already posted in SS/Fix but here's what we've got:
Already posted in SS/Fix but here's what we've got:
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Great ride in this morning. Temps in the mid 60s and the sun was rising and I also had a slight tailwind. Cant get much better than that. It is already 77 here at lunchtime, going to be in the mid 80s for the ride home and it's only March Tomorrow we are back to normal with highs reaching the 60s. Weather looks like rain/thunderstorms tomorrow so I might have to drive
Wheee
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Thanks for all the well wishes. I'm fortunate, and fine. I'll keep an eye open for the truck.. Thanks again and wishing you all safe happy rides
WHOA with the snow!
WHOA with the snow!
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rip sydney
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https://www.myspace.com/qwtrailbuilders
rip sydney
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Third attempt at posting in the last 4 hours = success
Roads where damp and I put in about 50mi this weekend so I took it easy. It felt strange getting back on the beater, the 25C tires felt floppy even after I just put air in them. My saddle height was quite a bit lower than my Lemond, so much so that I stopped to raise it one cm.
Seems like everyone had a windy weekend of riding. 28mi of wind on Saturday, 21mi of wind and rain-showers on Sunday...Oh well...it beats the cold.
Roads where damp and I put in about 50mi this weekend so I took it easy. It felt strange getting back on the beater, the 25C tires felt floppy even after I just put air in them. My saddle height was quite a bit lower than my Lemond, so much so that I stopped to raise it one cm.
Seems like everyone had a windy weekend of riding. 28mi of wind on Saturday, 21mi of wind and rain-showers on Sunday...Oh well...it beats the cold.
DNPAIMFB
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-15C this morning, but bright AB sunshine lit my way. The light was sharply reflected off the crystal snow. I think I'm getting a bit of frostbite on the bridge of my nose - maybe duct tape will fix that.
On your what?!?
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17F and bright sunshine! Not a bad way to start the day. (40 degrees warmer would have been nice)
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My web site.
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Bikeman
Originally Posted by HereNT
Non-existent. 8" of snow, low 30s. I think the guys at work will understand. Several of them that drive called in too...
Already posted in SS/Fix but here's what we've got:
Already posted in SS/Fix but here's what we've got:
Belt drive!
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So what's going on with the first two vehicles at the red light in that picture? And is there a cyclist at the front of the line?
I'm going to be a drowned rat when I get home. Rain rain rain...
I'm going to be a drowned rat when I get home. Rain rain rain...
don't pedal backwards...
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Originally Posted by vtjim
So what's going on with the first two vehicles at the red light in that picture? And is there a cyclist at the front of the line?
I'm going to be a drowned rat when I get home. Rain rain rain...
I'm going to be a drowned rat when I get home. Rain rain rain...
I just got home from work, and the commute this morning was far more favorable in terms of competing with cars and trucks for the good parts of the road, but at the same time the roads were in much better shape. I could actually cruise at 20mph on hard snowpack for long periods of time before I came to an intersection full of churned-up slop and had to slow down to cross through it without buying the farm.
The next worst part was my detour on the last third of the trip. I decided to take the slightly longer route when I saw that my usual two-lane-no-shoulder stretch was partially melted clear and looked pretty hazardous with the alternating islands of snowpack and slush. I opted to keep going on the shoulder of 149 and cut across on Robert (instead of taking 71). Unfortunately, the shoulder of 149 was melted off very well, and I got soaking wet from the spray. My nice clean bike is probably coated in salt again, too.
Once I got to Robert, I was greeted by fairly heavy traffic for the weather and an unplowed shoulder. I walked for a ways, carrying the bike, before coming to a clearing and riding for a ways. Once I was up to speed, I managed to crash through a small snowdrift into the unplowed area again and much to my amusement I didn't come to a grinding halt and was actually able to maintain 10 to 15 mph in the 4" deep snow with my skinny tires and 75 gear inches. It didn't last long, and another snowbank brought me to a stop. More carrying.
I only got a few subdued honks from one grouchy guy that felt my 20mph on the smooth snowpack in the middle of his lane wasn't fast enough for him and his big SUV. I didn't feel like pulling over for him, and he didn't feel like passing me in the other lane, so he simply followed. When we came to my parting intersection, he blasted by me at full throttle and gave me an annoyed glare. I just smiled and waved at him in his mirror. Dipstick.
Mostly riding...mostly
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Snowed on Sunday, but in New Mexico that never lasts more than a few hours....had 2 inches at my house by the time it stopped at 10:30, by noon, it was all melted away, even in the shade. No riding this weekend, I should have gone on Saturday, when it was just cold and windy. *shrugs* oh well, warmer weather will come eventually and with it longer rides.
Good commute in, no one tried to kill me, I got up a few minutes early and for a change, wasn't running late. COLD (22F), but enjoyable all the same. I'm going to miss riding in the winter, when even most avid cyclist think I'm crazy :-), and the locker room at work is EMPTY! Off to change for the ride home, 43F right now, wind only 10 mph.
Good commute in, no one tried to kill me, I got up a few minutes early and for a change, wasn't running late. COLD (22F), but enjoyable all the same. I'm going to miss riding in the winter, when even most avid cyclist think I'm crazy :-), and the locker room at work is EMPTY! Off to change for the ride home, 43F right now, wind only 10 mph.
SERENITY NOW!!!
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It wasn't raining as forecasted so I took the FDR MUP (tomorrow's Purim so I don't have to move the car tonight). I counted more dogs than people on the MUP and the owners didn't bother trying to corral them out of my way so I pushed my way around the dogs. Damn dingy bell did nothing to scare them off. Oh well. Took the fixie to CP to show it some love when I got home and was dropped by a roadie AND a mtb'er on a downhill section (I had passed them on an uphill cuz they weren't moving that fast) cuz I was jellyleggin' it and they were pedaling like mad. I wonder if they thought I was a knave?
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beautiful day today! high of 81 degrees, albeit with some screamin' winds coming from the southwest. I broke out my new baggy cycling shorts for the first time today, they worked very well.
unfortunately in my rush to get out the door I forgot my gloves so the ride there and back was my first gloveless ride since shortly after I started commuting. I didn't even notice I had forgotten them until arriving at school
also since I was busy with various things today (including a long-overdue chain cleaning), the commute was pretty much my only chance to ride today, and the temps are dropping back to the 50's tomorrow here
I got the headwind on the way in. I opted for the trail detour due to the wind and because I wanted to go up and down it once before heading to school, and I did just that. even with the nice weather, there were only slightly more people on it than usual. great ride in, no problems at all other than a heckler yelling at me from the opposite lane coming up my street. of course I didn't hear what he was yelling, all I heard was "mmmmmmmrrrrrrrrrrrrffffffffffff!" Doppler effect, people, Doppler effect.
the ride back was my weekly night ride. I didn't have my helmet-mounted HID with me so my Cateye Opticube took on sole front lighting duty. unfortunately I also forgot my reflective legbands so I had to settle with an old one that I found in my backpack. it worked alright, plus I had my self-lighting armband with me and both of my blinkies so all was well. rode the tailwind back home and rode around the neighborhood for a while before heading back to my house. great ride!
unfortunately in my rush to get out the door I forgot my gloves so the ride there and back was my first gloveless ride since shortly after I started commuting. I didn't even notice I had forgotten them until arriving at school
also since I was busy with various things today (including a long-overdue chain cleaning), the commute was pretty much my only chance to ride today, and the temps are dropping back to the 50's tomorrow here
I got the headwind on the way in. I opted for the trail detour due to the wind and because I wanted to go up and down it once before heading to school, and I did just that. even with the nice weather, there were only slightly more people on it than usual. great ride in, no problems at all other than a heckler yelling at me from the opposite lane coming up my street. of course I didn't hear what he was yelling, all I heard was "mmmmmmmrrrrrrrrrrrrffffffffffff!" Doppler effect, people, Doppler effect.
the ride back was my weekly night ride. I didn't have my helmet-mounted HID with me so my Cateye Opticube took on sole front lighting duty. unfortunately I also forgot my reflective legbands so I had to settle with an old one that I found in my backpack. it worked alright, plus I had my self-lighting armband with me and both of my blinkies so all was well. rode the tailwind back home and rode around the neighborhood for a while before heading back to my house. great ride!
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I've been home and back again this evening. I'm stuck at my desk but I got a chance to go home and see the Wonder Twins before bedtime. It's cool and breezy, just a perfect night for a bike ride. I can't wait for the ride home (again).
Belt drive!
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Upper 40Fs and I got some tailwind. Broke 30MPH at one point. I got frisky and maxed out my little gear. (Didn't change the chainring though.)
Nice automobile enounter... The rain sometimes leaves a gigantic puddle on one of the roads I take. The puddle is deep and takes up almost the entire road. An SUV was coming the other way and my choice was either to stop before the puddle and then go around the water after the SUV went by, or ride through the puddle and risk getting nailed by the SUV's splashing.
The driver coming the other way stopped so's I could go all the way to the left side and ride on the dry pavement. I waved. He waved. Faith in cagerdom: Revived.
Nice automobile enounter... The rain sometimes leaves a gigantic puddle on one of the roads I take. The puddle is deep and takes up almost the entire road. An SUV was coming the other way and my choice was either to stop before the puddle and then go around the water after the SUV went by, or ride through the puddle and risk getting nailed by the SUV's splashing.
The driver coming the other way stopped so's I could go all the way to the left side and ride on the dry pavement. I waved. He waved. Faith in cagerdom: Revived.
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42°F, overcast with light rain so once again I took it easy. I need to remember to get some rain-x or something because my glasses keep fogging at redlights. Days like this I'm thankful for the beater and rain gear because the bus sucks.
I am not a car
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Partly cloudy and warm, 56°F. Tricky crosswinds and headwinds. This afternoon's forcast: a high around 62. Northwest wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Won't quite be a tailwind--kind of a 3/4 tailwind.
Happy trails!
Happy trails!
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