How was the commute today?
03-27-06, 09:47 AM
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Friday night we went out for Mexican at El Sombrero. I had the chef's special and two margs. Talk about bloated! The wife and I were able to make it home okay with lights blazing. I was still full the next morning.
Today I was able to ride in without the use of tights and a balaclava. Some of the streets downtown have actually been cleared of gravel!
That probably means a foot of snow tomorrow. 
Today I was able to ride in without the use of tights and a balaclava. Some of the streets downtown have actually been cleared of gravel!
That probably means a foot of snow tomorrow.
03-27-06, 09:53 AM
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My legs felt tired this morning, but the weather sorta made up for it. Got a new cyclocomputer so I was keeping tabs on my cadence (slower than I thought) so maybe I'll just set the display to show distance instead of cadence. 
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03-27-06, 10:36 AM
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Car got in a minor mishap and lost its driver's side mirror. Okay, I got it in a minor mishap which caused it to lose its driver side mirror 
Anywyas I feel naked without it so, since the replacement mirror won't be in till the 29th I cycled to work.
I came prepared for everything except a change of shirt which I kind of needed because I seem to sweat alot when I come to a stop. Rolled my pants up, threw my expensive black shooes in a backpack along with a cloth and some deodorant. Zeroed my computer so I could actually answer everybody's questions of how long and how far the commute is (even though i usually drive
).
The apartment complex here has a 4 story parking lot that the apartments encase. The hallways which line the side of the apartment complex bears alot of resemblance to the navy barracks. Its kind of fun, but probably a tad stupid to cycle along them but I did anyways and pulled into the parking lot at the last minute to come right behind an older and noisy bmw m3. As he waited for the entrance gate to fully open and he pulled into the reception area all I hoped was that he wouldn't make any sudden and unexpected stops
They're doing construction on Old Katy freeway, they're trying to make it a 2 raods each side one way. However right now all the traffic runs on one road while the other is under construction. The current road is 3 lanes with those stupid round hubs marking the lane and it has no shoulder, so I opted for using the road which was under construction. There were only a few construction workers and no active construction equipment.
The rest of the trip was beautiful, after crossing over I-10. Cloudy with a nice cool breeze. The consequent trips down Memorial, SHephard and Kirby were quit euneventful except for a lawn mower at memorial & shephard that was being inconsiderate of traffic. Extremely beautiful weather though . The trip back will be interesting as ill probalby be leaving around 6pm which is rush hour here.
Did 6.03 miles at 15.68 mph with a max speed of 28.x miles. That was on Memorial drive where the road curves.
angled curved roads
Anywyas I feel naked without it so, since the replacement mirror won't be in till the 29th I cycled to work. I came prepared for everything except a change of shirt which I kind of needed because I seem to sweat alot when I come to a stop. Rolled my pants up, threw my expensive black shooes in a backpack along with a cloth and some deodorant. Zeroed my computer so I could actually answer everybody's questions of how long and how far the commute is (even though i usually drive
). The apartment complex here has a 4 story parking lot that the apartments encase. The hallways which line the side of the apartment complex bears alot of resemblance to the navy barracks. Its kind of fun, but probably a tad stupid to cycle along them but I did anyways and pulled into the parking lot at the last minute to come right behind an older and noisy bmw m3. As he waited for the entrance gate to fully open and he pulled into the reception area all I hoped was that he wouldn't make any sudden and unexpected stops
They're doing construction on Old Katy freeway, they're trying to make it a 2 raods each side one way. However right now all the traffic runs on one road while the other is under construction. The current road is 3 lanes with those stupid round hubs marking the lane and it has no shoulder, so I opted for using the road which was under construction. There were only a few construction workers and no active construction equipment.
The rest of the trip was beautiful, after crossing over I-10. Cloudy with a nice cool breeze. The consequent trips down Memorial, SHephard and Kirby were quit euneventful except for a lawn mower at memorial & shephard that was being inconsiderate of traffic. Extremely beautiful weather though
. The trip back will be interesting as ill probalby be leaving around 6pm which is rush hour here.Did 6.03 miles at 15.68 mph with a max speed of 28.x miles. That was on Memorial drive where the road curves.
angled curved roads
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Life is about hanging onto what you think is important and finding out what really is important.
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03-27-06, 10:41 AM
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First spring mornig commute where I could wear T-shirt, shorts and sandals with no socks and still work up a good sweat!
Al
Al
03-27-06, 11:23 AM
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Beautiful commute this morning. I took the snow tires off yesterday, today was my first 40+ degree commute. I was able to lose my windpants, hat and the long finger gloves. Took 5 minutes off my commute time. What a great day.
03-27-06, 01:52 PM
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The radio predicts rain by the end of the day but the morning was cool and brilliantly sunny.
Had a race yesterday so I expected my legs to be dead. To my pleasant surprise, they were quite lively and I was turning the pedals easily. I think the winter commuting/basemiles are paying off. Now if I could only stop eating so much crap I might lose five pounds and not get killed on a hilly course.
Had a race yesterday so I expected my legs to be dead. To my pleasant surprise, they were quite lively and I was turning the pedals easily. I think the winter commuting/basemiles are paying off. Now if I could only stop eating so much crap I might lose five pounds and not get killed on a hilly course.
03-27-06, 02:34 PM
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The weather is getting better. I am breaking in a Brooks. Very painfull day at work today.
03-27-06, 02:39 PM
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Had a nice, slow ride in this morning. Probably the last morning of sub-freezing temps around here. It was just under 30 this morning when I left. Already in the low 60s here and should be a great week, temps in the 70s by Friday and 80s for the weekend
03-27-06, 02:48 PM
No commute. My lovely marin hybrid's BB started going out. Anyhow, I took it back to REI and received a store credit. I used my 20% off coupon, dividend, and store credit to purchase a Randonee. I can't wait to commute tomorrow. My first commute on a tour bike. yippie!
I am looking forward to the drop handle bars.
I am looking forward to the drop handle bars.
03-27-06, 02:53 PM
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Rode the rain bike in today, what with the 50% chance of rain that was in the overnight forecast. Naturally it's dry as a frikkin' bone outside though. She'll look good for another day though.
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03-27-06, 03:56 PM
Bikeman
Well... they say it's spring but we still have allot of snow on the ground. At least the streets are clear, loaded with lots of sand but clear. I still haven't taken my studs off, maybe some night this week. I had a nice commute though.
03-27-06, 04:52 PM
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Rode to my wife's work with her on her commute - trying out my "improvements" to my mtb.
Wow. Fast. From 2.1 knobbies to 1.25 panaracer slicks. I'd bought a new pump with a gauge to find out what pressure we were running at - 35 psi which was what was considered hard. The new tires are at 70psi. I have to get used to how easy this thing turns. Also going to have to go up on the chain ring. Kinda hard - another reason not to ride on sidewalks (ride onto one to enter the mall instead of going to where the cars enter) Bounces... Oh, and I also put on my freddy fenders and my new Brooks....
I was feeling the tire pressures on my hands more than my butt. I guess that is a good sign, although I might need to get some cycling gloves now. Oh, and I was also wearing sandals. Nice and warm. 11C/52F :-)
Wow. Fast. From 2.1 knobbies to 1.25 panaracer slicks. I'd bought a new pump with a gauge to find out what pressure we were running at - 35 psi which was what was considered hard. The new tires are at 70psi. I have to get used to how easy this thing turns. Also going to have to go up on the chain ring. Kinda hard - another reason not to ride on sidewalks (ride onto one to enter the mall instead of going to where the cars enter) Bounces... Oh, and I also put on my freddy fenders and my new Brooks....
I was feeling the tire pressures on my hands more than my butt. I guess that is a good sign, although I might need to get some cycling gloves now. Oh, and I was also wearing sandals. Nice and warm. 11C/52F :-)
03-27-06, 07:35 PM
Dave
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Heh, I took my first commute in two weeks. Sat out because of a bad rear wheel. New wheel and new freewheel made my commute home 5 minutes shorter than my best previous time. What a difference! Now, if I can just keep the spokes tight.
Oh, almost forgot, the weather was Miami travel bureau stuff, clear dry and cool.
Oh, almost forgot, the weather was Miami travel bureau stuff, clear dry and cool.
03-27-06, 08:42 PM
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It was 42F this morning and mostly sunny when I left for work. By this afternoon another rainstorm blew in. It was raining steady for the ride home. This spring has been unusually wet and cool for central California. I am beginning to feel like I am back in the northwest. When I got to work this morning I noticed a split in the sidewall of my front tire that is allowing the inner tube to bulge out. I was surprised by this as my tires have less than 1000 miles on them. It was no problem riding home but I need to replace my tires before I use this bike again.
03-27-06, 09:18 PM
SERENITY NOW!!!
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Originally Posted by ezgreen
...I noticed a split in the sidewall of my front tire that is allowing the inner tube to bulge out. I was surprised by this as my tires have less than 1000 miles on them. It was no problem riding home but I need to replace my tires before I use this bike again.
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HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
03-27-06, 09:29 PM
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I haven't posted here in awhile.
I started commuting on a regular basis when my car was in the shop after a minor fender bender. Decided to keep on commuting throughout the fall and into winter. Everything was going good until it started to rain in the SF Bay area on a regular basis. I ended up not bike commuting for the latter half of Feb and most of March. Started up again Thurs. & Fri. of last week 'cause I think I need to get in some miles to prepare for some upcoming races.
I rode to work this morning hoping I'd get lucky and the rain would hold off for the evening commute. Ended up wimping out and getting my wife to pick me and bike up at the office. Tomorrow's supposed to be rainy but the outlook's better for the latter part of the week.
I started commuting on a regular basis when my car was in the shop after a minor fender bender. Decided to keep on commuting throughout the fall and into winter. Everything was going good until it started to rain in the SF Bay area on a regular basis. I ended up not bike commuting for the latter half of Feb and most of March. Started up again Thurs. & Fri. of last week 'cause I think I need to get in some miles to prepare for some upcoming races.
I rode to work this morning hoping I'd get lucky and the rain would hold off for the evening commute. Ended up wimping out and getting my wife to pick me and bike up at the office. Tomorrow's supposed to be rainy but the outlook's better for the latter part of the week.
03-27-06, 10:21 PM
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I've been out for a week on spring break so today was my first commute back. great weather... 59 degrees in the afternoon with light winds... I took a slightly faster alternate route in that I haven't taken in a long time, following the shoulder/bike lane of University Boulevard, one of the major arterials in town and a 45MPH road (50-60MPH avg. traffic speed)... probably won't do that route too much. but the road wasn't busy at all when I was on it today (I went in in the afternoon before rush hour since my night class was tonight) so the ride in was pleasant, fast, and hassle-free (until I got to the bike rack and realized that the keys to one of my locks had fallen apart... doh! oh well, it was one of four locks that I use normally, so it was cool)
the commute back was at night since I had my night class today. I also went back to my regular route. it was colder than it had been before, kinda made me with I had brought my jacket. but it wasn't too bad. the ride back was also fast, fun, and hassle-free.
the commute back was at night since I had my night class today. I also went back to my regular route. it was colder than it had been before, kinda made me with I had brought my jacket. but it wasn't too bad. the ride back was also fast, fun, and hassle-free.
03-27-06, 10:23 PM
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I've been out for a week on spring break so today was my first commute back. great weather... 59 degrees in the afternoon with light winds... I took a slightly faster alternate route in that I haven't taken in a long time, following the shoulder/bike lane of University Boulevard, one of the major arterials in town and a 45MPH road (50-60MPH avg. traffic speed)... probably won't do that route too much. but the road wasn't busy at all when I was on it today (I went in in the afternoon before rush hour since my night class was tonight) so the ride in was pleasant, fast, and hassle-free (until I got to the bike rack and realized that the keys to one of my locks had fallen apart... doh! oh well, it was one of four locks that I use normally, so it was cool)
the commute back was at night since I had my night class today. I also went back to my regular route. it was colder than it had been before, kinda made me with I had brought my jacket. but it wasn't too bad. the ride back was also fast, fun, and hassle-free.
the commute back was at night since I had my night class today. I also went back to my regular route. it was colder than it had been before, kinda made me with I had brought my jacket. but it wasn't too bad. the ride back was also fast, fun, and hassle-free.
03-27-06, 11:02 PM
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Nice ride in, sun coming up as I got to work. Ride home was pouring rain. I'm getting to like riding in the rain. Now if I could only get my coworkers to realize I don't need a lift home just because it's raining.
03-27-06, 11:03 PM
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Good!!
03-28-06, 12:00 AM
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Nice ride. Not too cold. I kept wondering what the commute would have been like with the Bent I recently test rode. Sure enjoyed it!
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03-28-06, 01:02 AM
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It went quite well. The weather was not unbearable. I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt - I love this kind of weather, even when it's colder - except my hands freeze very quickly.
Oh, and a driver was actually curteous and let me cross before he made his turn. I just find it surprising because a lot of drivers are jerks. Especially the ones that use high beams when they don't need to. Also, the area near Cedar Hill Cemetary was fairly clear. Usually it's busy at this time tonight. ( see map ) It's an accident waiting to happen. I might get photos of it up for people to see.
There are other places where I nearly get killed trying to cross (I'm a wuss, I use the sidewalk most of the time) that I will photograph as well.
Oh, and a driver was actually curteous and let me cross before he made his turn. I just find it surprising because a lot of drivers are jerks. Especially the ones that use high beams when they don't need to. Also, the area near Cedar Hill Cemetary was fairly clear. Usually it's busy at this time tonight. ( see map ) It's an accident waiting to happen. I might get photos of it up for people to see.
There are other places where I nearly get killed trying to cross (I'm a wuss, I use the sidewalk most of the time) that I will photograph as well.
03-28-06, 11:32 AM
SERENITY NOW!!!
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Took the fixie and was glad I had a brake on it when a cab right hooked me and I couldn't slow down enough to avoid it. I actually had to tell myself to hit the brake instead of just grabbing it out of instinct like I do on my mtb. Traffic also sucked big time which slowed me down a bit, but I got to work less sweaty than usual.
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HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
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03-28-06, 11:57 AM
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I had yesterday off so this is my first commute of the week, however I did manage to squeeze in a short 15mi ride yesterday . Safe but fast ride, I took the Lemond today because it has the cyclocomputer and I have no clue how long my after work ride is. More and more above freezing commuters and XMAS bike newbs are on the road now so I'll need to watch out for them. The bike room at work was nearly full last week so I'll have to make a point to get to work extra early.
. Safe but fast ride, I took the Lemond today because it has the cyclocomputer and I have no clue how long my after work ride is. More and more above freezing commuters and XMAS bike newbs are on the road now so I'll need to watch out for them. The bike room at work was nearly full last week so I'll have to make a point to get to work extra early.
03-28-06, 01:28 PM
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I had yesterday off so this is my first commute of the week, however I did manage to squeeze in a short 15mi ride yesterday . Safe but fast ride, I took the Lemond today because it has the cyclocomputer and I have no clue how long my after work ride is. More and more above freezing commuters and XMAS bike newbs are on the road now so I'll need to watch out for them. The bike room at work was nearly full last week so I'll have to make a point to get to work extra early.
. Safe but fast ride, I took the Lemond today because it has the cyclocomputer and I have no clue how long my after work ride is. More and more above freezing commuters and XMAS bike newbs are on the road now so I'll need to watch out for them. The bike room at work was nearly full last week so I'll have to make a point to get to work extra early.
