How Was Your Commute Today?

[Fredwina]

note to self: do not ride bike through on alumni weekend

[BikingNurse]

note to self: do not ride bike through on alumni weekend


That sounds like an interresting story.

Um. can somebody in Eastern WA tell me who ordered this crappy weather? I'm really getting sick of it and because of it. Had to rinse my sinuses out after I got to work this AM. and Seriously, I thought my 8year old was going to get nocked off his bike this morning from that wind! GRRR!

[blackhillsbiker]

Took the mountain bike today. I'm tired of all the potholes. I enjoyed the smoother ride. Those big tires just roll over anything. Still smiling!

Deb

[Serendipity]

Headwind, rain, tailwind, more rain, headwind, rain.......
Sheesh, the wind kept changing direction! And the rain kept coming - sure was good to get home!

[redrhodie]

Just getting ready for my commute, and pumping my tires, discovered I have a slow leak. Good thing I could hear it! Taking my other bike, which is probably a better idea anyway since there's a chance of rain this evening. Looks pretty hot out.

[7rider]

This morning's ride was the first of the year where I did not need to wear arm warmers, leg warmers or a vest of any sort. 65 degrees (18 C) and STICKY. Blech.

[pfunk12]

This morning's ride was the first of the year where I did not need to wear arm warmers, leg warmers or a vest of any sort. 65 degrees (18 C) and STICKY. Blech.

Agree...blech. I was soaking wet when I got to work.

[limewave]

Since May is National Bike Month, I've been making a real effort to ride my bike more places. I work from home most days, and the days I go into the office, it's an 85 mile commute each way . . . so I don't bike to work.

BUT . . . I have been taking the kids to daycare on the bike, doing errands, getting groceries, running to the bank, etc. It's been enjoyable and the kids really love it. It's a great way to start their morning and its nice for us to have that time together before daycare/work.

[BikingNurse]

This morning's ride was great. No wind. which was fantastic after yesterday's storm. Most drivers are great. Except for mr so and so in a green hummer. I'd like to give him a piece of my mind. I was doing 13.5 mph in a 15mph zone in a round about and the jerk actually passed me! UM. I can saftly bet he doesn't pass other cars who are going the speed limit on the round a bouts! Thinking about writing a letter to the editor since it's national bike month about safety on the roads for all users. Yes I was using hand signals. Yes he was drinking a beverage and talking on the phone. GRRR. But in defense of other drivers here, Most are great.

[Biciclista]

Back in the saddle again. Yesterday was a day I REALLY Didn't want to ride. but that means I have to ride for the rest of the week, as I am a team captain for bike to work month!

[Psycler]

Yesterday I got wet going to work. It rained about 1/4 of the way. Luckily I did put my rain gear on so that when I got to work I wasn't all muddy. I just had to be careful on the last hill because I was starting to overheat and so I took it slower instead of arriving at work all clammy.
For my return trip, no rain, but no headlight either. It was still plugged in to my charger at home. I carry a backup headlamp, but it fell off my helmet and smashed all over the place. Since I ride the same route every day, I knew where all the potholes were. My biggest concern was if there was a dead animal in the dark areas. At least I still had my taillight so drivers behind me could see me.
All and all though it was a good day.
But then again, I think that just about any day I get to ride is a good day.

[pfunk12]

This is the second time in the past 2 weeks that I have almost been intentionally run over. And on both occasions, it happened at the same intersection - right in front of the building where I work. About 2 years ago, the Washington, D.C. Department of Transportation changed one of the lanes in front of our building and it created a dangerous situation for anyone who is trying to cross the street. Instead of having a center lane that goes straight, they changed it so the center lane can also turn left. When they turn left, they are flying down a hill and turning into pedestrians or cyclists. It's a blind spot for them. But even so, it's a crosswalk for pedestrians. I had 31 seconds to cross the street. I was going slowly and cautiously. I saw that a car across the street was going straight so I figured that I had enough time to cross since it would surely slow down the traffic that was turning. I was in the intersection and both lanes that were turning were coming right at me. I guess I panicked. I went to stop and I was trying to unclip but I was looking over my shoulder to my right -watching the cars that were bearing down on me and I guess in a defensive move, my body twisted to the left (as if I was trying to avoid being hit). And of course, I fell. So I'm sprawled on a Washington, D.C. street during rush hour traffic. One of the cars stopped but at least 2 other cars flew by me - AS I WAS LYING ON THE ROAD! :eek: I am frazzled - to say the least. I want my agency to make a formal complaint. I'm not sure if it should be to the Dept. of Transportation or even the Mayor. Since he's a cyclist, maybe he would be a little sympathetic. We've seen car accidents and at least once, we saw a woman get hit by a car. The last time it happened (less than 2 weeks ago), I was crossing and the guy picked up speed and again was bearing down on me and when he went by, the passenger yelled, "Yeah!" :mad: And it was supposed to be a calm commute home...

[redrhodie]

(((pfunk)))! Are you okay? How's your bike?

[pfunk12]

(((pfunk)))! Are you okay? How's your bike?

My bike is okay - thank goodness. I have a scratch/bruise on my knee but I'm just really upset. There have been times when I have crossed the street with co-workers and I have actually felt like I have had to protect some of the older women so they wouldn't get hit. That's how bad that intersection is. Thanks for asking!

[7rider]

Instead of having a center lane that goes straight, they changed it so the center lane can also turn left. When they turn left, they are flying down a hill and turning into pedestrians or cyclists. It's a blind spot for them. But even so, it's a crosswalk for pedestrians. ...

That sounds just like the intersection by my building in Silver Spring. Cars routinely come bombing through the (often red) light to make that left - right into crossing pedestrians. Just today, an Escape did it, and squealed to a stop just inches from a line of pedestrians (and me), and of course, grid-locked the intersection for traffic going straight, until the pedestrians cleared out and he could finish running that red. :(

That does sound like a horrible scene for you - and for all your fellow employees. You should take it to your building manager and see about filing a complaint. If no one says anything, they'll assume it's okay...until someone gets killed.

Glad you are for the most part okay. Scary way to start the ride home. <<<<safe rides>>>

[pfunk12]

That sounds just like the intersection by my building in Silver Spring. Cars routinely come bombing through the (often red) light to make that left - right into crossing pedestrians. Just today, an Escape did it, and squealed to a stop just inches from a line of pedestrians (and me), and of course, grid-locked the intersection for traffic going straight, until the pedestrians cleared out and he could finish running that red. :(

That does sound like a horrible scene for you - and for all your fellow employees. You should take it to your building manager and see about filing a complaint. If no one says anything, they'll assume it's okay...until someone gets killed.

Glad you are for the most part okay. Scary way to start the ride home. <<<<safe rides>>>

I know exactly where you are talking about near your workplace.

The reason that the DOT changed that lane was for the motorists. They never thought about how it would affect pedestrians or cyclists. I have watched some of my co-workers run across the street because it's the only way they could get across without getting hit.

I will definitely talk to the building manager tomorrow.

[tzvia]

pfunk12-
That intersection sounds like a deathtrap! Glad you are ok, and definitely file a complaint!

Is there another way you can go and avoid that intersection?

[pfunk12]

pfunk12-
That intersection sounds like a deathtrap! Glad you are ok, and definitely file a complaint!

Is there another way you can go and avoid that intersection?

In the evening (when the motorists seem more aggressive), I can't avoid it. My plan from now on is to be unclipped when I am crossing in case I have to stop. And also, to never assume that the motorists are going to stop because apparently, they don't care.

When I was at the light this morning at 6:50, I almost witnessed a woman walking her dog get hit.

[redrhodie]

Fabtastic commutes for me the last 2 days. :) I've started riding my summer route in the mornings, which is 3 miles longer (18 miles one way). It's such a pretty ride. I go by a horse farm, and the horses all look so happy. I pass a couple of small farm stands just selling rhubarb and asparagus at this point. It's a little hillier, and my legs are feeling it now. I had a sweet tailwind for the ride home. I needed that!

[Biciclista]

we sure have touchy weather. Yesterday, I escaped by minutes a hail storm and high winds... (well, i got enough wind)
Today it misted in the morning and RAINED all the way home. Maybe tomorrow it will be nicer?

[kmehrzad]

This is the second time in the past 2 weeks that I have almost been intentionally run over.
Patty, so glad to hear that you survived the crazy ordeal and weren't seriously injured.

[jobob]

I ride alongside a marsh as I approach my workplace.

Today I saw this family of geese - they were in about the same location as I was heading into work and as I was heading home.

[pfunk12]

Patty, so glad to hear that you survived the crazy ordeal and weren't seriously injured.

Thanks, Kathy. I'm sending an e-mail to Mayor Fenty to complain. I talked to several co-workers about the intersection and everyone said that you feel like you have a target on your back when you are in the crosswalk.

[HillSlugger]

I got to my breakfast place a discovered I had grabbed the wrong keys and didn't have the ones for my bike locks :( I have an extra set at work but I needed to leave my bike unlocked while I ate (and kept a watch on it). Once I got to work I left the bike unlocked, ran upstairs to my desk for the keys, and came down. Since they haven't fixed the bike rack that got squished by the tree I had to lock up to a parking sign.

On the way home I had to bike ~ a mile on grooved road; I hate that and can't wait until they've got this repaving done. :rolleyes:

[SheFly]

I have just discovered the joys of bike commuting, thanks to a new job in the city. It is such a refreshing start to the day to be on the bike, watching the sun come up (I'm on the bike by 5:30....), listening to the birds singing, and playing "chicken" with the squirrels and rabbits on the way.

Of course, I could do with out the getting rained on while riding home... :D

SheFly

[Fredwina]

morning is my favorite time to ride for all those reasons

[Crankin]

SheFly, are you commuting into Boston?
Details, please.

[SheFly]

SheFly, are you commuting into Boston?
Details, please.

Allston, actually. Started a job at Harvard Business School about 5 weeks ago. It's a much better bike commute than Marlborough (although my commute from the bedroom to the office was nice ;)).

SheFly

[Crankin]

Congrats on the job. I remember you were talking about that possibility.
Do you still have Friday afternoons free?

[Biciclista]

Pfunk, please keep us posted..

HEY IT's BEAUTIFUL in Seattle today! a great time to be on a bike!!

[pfunk12]

I e-mailed Mayor Fenty about almost getting killed twice recently by crazed motorists in his city. His response is below. I'm sure a staffer wrote it but still...

Thank you for reaching out to the Mayor's Office regarding the safety of cyclists in the District of Columbia.

I am pleased to report that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is working hard to make the District one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country. DDOT is continually working to connect and expand the bicycle- and pedestrian-related infrastructure in the District.

Thank you for your email and your passionate concern for cyclists in the District of Columbia. Your comments have been taken into account and have been sent to officials at DDOT and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

My administration continues to strive to act in a manner that has the best interest of your community and the District of Columbia as a whole in mind. The continued interest and feedback from the community is always welcomed. It is emails like yours that have kept the city on task as we move forward in making improvements around the District. Thanks for writing and for your support.

Sincerely,

Adrian M. Fenty
Mayor

[7rider]

Wow. If that's not a canned response, I don't know what is. :rolleyes:

[pfunk12]

Wow. If that's not a canned response, I don't know what is. :rolleyes:

I know. The probably took out the word "pedestrian" and inserted "cyclist".

[Biciclista]

Pfunk, do you have a local bike organization that does advocacy work??

[redrhodie]

Another excellent day here for commuting. Surprising tailwind this evening made the ride home fast and easy. I did 3 for 3 this week.

[pfunk12]

Pfunk, do you have a local bike organization that does advocacy work??

Yes, we do. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

[malkin]

Our mayor's bike got stolen, so I guess he feels our pain.

[redrhodie]

The commute the day before yesterday was hard. Headwinds all the way, both rides, and I was worn out by the time I got home. I decided I would rest yesterday.

So much for that! At 7:55 am, I saw that the wind was supposed to be from the south by evening (tailwind!), so even though I hadn't yet showered, I decided to ride. If I ride, I usually leave my house by 8:15. It was a mad rush, but I actually made it to work on time!

I enjoyed my tailwind back, as planned. :) I heart tailwinds.

[BikingNurse]

Have to start with last nights commute. It was FANTASTIC!! I had my son meet me at my work and we rode together. We saw 4 deer! We stopped and watched them for a bit then headed to the store. I learned to keep my camera on me. I think we saw the deer because we were on our bikes and taking it easy. All the cars that were passing? I doubt they saw anything.
Ride this AM was short but the weather was so nice. I am going on a longer ride after work. I'm excited.

[Biciclista]

commutes have been lovely. Weather has finally settled down. dry and sunny! YAY!

[Tri Girl]

FINALLY commuted today (first time this week). It was great!!! It rained hard last night, so the morning was wet, cold, and smelled so fresh and pretty. ;)
I should have ridden the first 3 days of the week, but sleepiness got the best of me in the morning.

[Trek420]

Happy Bike to Work Day Everyone :D

[7rider]

In honor of said Bike To Work Day (May 21), we hosted a "Pre-BTWD Seminar" this morning in our Fitness Center. This is the 3rd year we've done this and we had 6 attendees - an average haul - 4 of whom had never biked to work before. We had a woman from the League of American Bicyclists talk about confident commuting - going over equipment, riding in traffic and such. We had a bunch of handouts on road rules, work area facilities, benefits of cycling, and stuff like that. Lastly, we had my bike - which I actually rode today :rolleyes: - as a demo bike, showing off its lights, bells, rack, panniers.
Next week, we'll have a morning coffee for commuters - with coffee and bagels and giveaways. We have a competition going on with Discovery Communications - the cable channel is headquartered right up the hill from our office. We'll be trying to beat them with a percentage bike commuted on BTWD. Given their underwhelming response to our challenge, I'm hoping we'll do okay. :p
Lastly, a guy who works for EPA, who's working at our office for a few months came to me looking for bike facilities. Those smug EPA'ers! ;) They get a Silver Bike Friendly Business (http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlybusiness/pdfs/bfb_awards_winter_2010.pdf) designation from LAB and they get all haughty about how, why, they thought ALL government agencies had fancy bike rooms and free showers. All he had seen of our humble little agency out in the low-rent area outside the District was a member-only Fitness Center and bikes locked to railings by elevators. But I did show him, in our GSA building next door, we DID have a runners locker room that offered free showers and bike racks in a guarded garage that was so secure, a bike that was unlocked but near the racks, has been sitting their for about 5 years, and no one's lifted it. :cool: So, we redeemed ourselves in his eyes!
An attempt at a Bicycle Friendly Business designation is on the short list for us this - or next - year.

[divingbiker]

Well, you've got to admit that we do have pretty sweet bike commuting facilities! So I guess we earned our smugness and haughtiness!!:p:p

[Atlas]

The last few times I've commuted I've been told by the ridiculous weather people that it will rain so I take my delightful fendered bike - which happens to be heavy, slow, creaky, and best used for groceries.

And then it doesn't rain and I wish I had take my speed demon CC. Oh well, it's nice to not neglect the older child, er, bike because the younger is so much fun.

[Psycler]

Last week I managed 5 for 5. That is only the 2nd time I have done that at this job.
This week, not as good. 3 for 5. Bad weather and dental appointments kept me off the bike the other 2 days.
But the ride home last night was fantastic. Finally a nice warm night. I took the longer route and rode a little slower just to enjoy it longer. :D

[BikingNurse]

Walked my commute today. It rained so much it scared me going up that hill that I live at the bottom of. Probably no need to be scared but I wanted to be safe. UM. was soaked by the time I got to work and forgot we had a meeting with our VP right off the bat!

[Melalvai]

Walked my commute today.
How far a walk is it? I'll be 2 miles from my lab after we move, so I was thinking I'd walk instead of bike. Biking only 4 miles a day will not be enough exercise but walking 4 miles, at least most days, would be great.

It'll be funny when I decide to be "lazy" and bike to work!

[Tri Girl]

chased thunderstorms on the way to work (well, more like- tried to out-run the thunderstorm). It's dry now, but they are supposed to return around 4 (just in time to ride home).

No worries- after the brutal hailstorm we had on Sunday night- I'm glad to be on my bike and not have my car outside with a chance of hail again. ;)


That would be hail in the picture below- not snow.

[tangentgirl]

It's Bike to Work Day in Los Angeles, and I figured that was as good an excuse as any to start riding from my new place.

It's six miles further, but I didn't really notice. (I might notice when the headwinds kick my butt on the way home.) I ran into a nice BTWD stand sponsored by Alaska Airlines and the MS Ride. They had maps and snacks, woohoo!

The lady from Alaska said that they are working on getting bikes to fly free, but didn't have it approved in time for today. That would rock the hizzy, I could totally ride next time I visit my friends on the outskirts of Portland.

Overall, really nice ride! Pretty day, and since I hadnt been on my bike in a few weeks, I felt like a champ.

[Fredwina]

I took my camera today
Claremont station:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/S_X0-VXzn1I/AAAAAAAAIjM/akmPr71KnRU/s640/101_1082.jpg
El Monte:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/S_X08WWNg2I/AAAAAAAAIi8/RorFgeHV_FI/s640/101_1085.jpg
I have more photos will post this weekend :)

[freelivez2]

I'm pumped! 2nd Annual Bike to Work week will be better than ever before! Pancake breakfast in the AM, I don't have to work so I'll take the city route downtown and the bike trial back! What a great day ahead,I should get some sleep. :)

[Tri Girl]

can I just say that I'm SOOOO incredibly jealous of those of you who have community supported bike to work days (with stations, etc).
I wish I lived in a community who really encouraged cycling. We're getting there, but are not even close...

OTOH- I have to drive on Nat'l Bike to Work Day today. :( I rode the rest of the week, but have to drive today because I have to go get trays of food for a luncheon I'm hosting for my library volunteers.

Have a great biking day!!!:D

[lph]

I had a bike commute today :)

Which was pretty darn wonderful after four days of lying flat on my back griping about a stomach virus. A bit wobbly around the knees, but biking downhill was easy, on the flat ok, just had to quell the urge to start pushing it once I got someone on my rear wheel. Happy to say I managed to just ignore my tail and pedal at my own pace.

and he didn't pass either ;)

[sfa]

Happy bike to work day! Today's the day for central Maryland, and even though I haven't commuted all semester because of DH's schedule, I made sure to arrange it so that I could commute today. And it couldn't have been more perfect--gorgeous weather and even the hills seemed flatter today. I made it to the rally in the county where I work (conveniently held about a mile from work in a location I pass anyway) and got a bag of goodies that are mostly junk, but I'm now the proud owner of a "choose cycling" bumper magnet. This county has an irritating "choose civility" campaign (largely irritating because the guy in charge of it is irritating--give me Miss Manners any day!) and you see their bumper magnets everywhere. One of the bike shops made these bumper magnets as a spoof on that one, and at first glance they are identical. It's going on my car as soon as I get home.

Sarah

[BikingNurse]

Beautiful, beautiful ride!

[Biciclista]

bike to work day here in Seattle too. Trouble is, it was below 50 degrees and rainy.
We got to the station and there were about 8 volunteers waiting, and only the two of us cyclists....

[7rider]

Well, someone ordered up a fantastic day here in the D.C. region for Bike to Work Day....sunny and pleasant. Big crowds at my local WABA pit stop (http://waba.org/events/btwd/pitstops.php). We counted 40 riders at our own event - spectacularly average, but a lot of new faces, so that was good. Even Pfunk12 showed up with her posse of racer boyz to see how Silver Spring does up Bike to Work Day! Now, I've got to head home early to get to a dentist appointment!

[mouse59]

It rained the whole way in, but it was so nice! It always is!

[HillSlugger]

I did my Bike to Work ride. They moved our rally point further south which made it less convenient for me. I think there were only around 12 riders or so when I was there.

Beautiful weather for a ride! :D

[ColoKate]

Finally kicked off biking to work today on my 15-yr-old ratty mountain bike. It was wonderful, around 50 degrees and sunny. About 4 of the 5 miles were on empty, peaceful residential streets. Even with a heavy backpack holding my purse, lunchbox, locks and a change of clothes, it was so much more enjoyable than taking the bus and about the same length of time. Can't wait to ride home! Hoping to start off 5 for 5 to make this a habit :)

[BikingNurse]

How far a walk is it? I'll be 2 miles from my lab after we move, so I was thinking I'd walk instead of bike. Biking only 4 miles a day will not be enough exercise but walking 4 miles, at least most days, would be great.

It'll be funny when I decide to be "lazy" and bike to work!

It's only one mile. Enjoyable either way. I walk strait to and from but on my bike I make it 5 miles each way.

[7rider]

After work today, I attended a Circuit Training class my fitness center was holding. It was a one-shot deal, as the regular aerobics instructor was on vacation, and they came up with this to fill the slot.
So...I did it. After riding in and working out this morning.
Sean was teaching, which meant that it would be brutal, as he is a maniac. ;)
There were four "stations" set up - Steps, Bosu balls, plate weights, and dumb bells. Each station had four exercises. We were to do the first exercise at a station for 45 seconds, then shift to the next station, and work our way around the room, ultimately working through the list of exercises.
After a brief warm up (including jumping jacks....I don't think I've done jumping jacks since I was a sophomore in high school!), we got into it.
45 minutes of Sean running laps around the aerobics studio, coaching us on form, reminding us how to do "jump squats" over a Bosu ball, and being a general cheerleader. I don't think I ever attempted so many variations on push-ups in my life. I can't do a push up for anything. :rolleyes:
Then, I got on my bike and rode home. My legs were like jell-o on the bike. It was a slooooow ride home. :cool: I only hope I can move when I wake up in the morning. Oy.

[blackhillsbiker]

Gorgeous day! The path is along Rapid Creek, which is over its banks. I love watching the water. Of course, 2 of my favorite bike path underpasses are closed, but at least it has stopped raining and the sun is shining. After work on Tuesdays I ride with my best friend. Today we took a hill I'd never ridden. A bit of a pain going up, but woot!! going back down. :D My face hurts from grinning!

Deb

[ColoKate]

I was a wuss and didn't ride yesterday bc it was 40 degrees out. Bummed all day about it so I got on my bike today in spite of looming dark clouds and threat of thunderstorms all day. It was a nice, cloudy but not too chilly ride. I did something stupid though and rode in ballet flats and they were soooo slick on my pedals especially since the ride is half downhill. Might be bussing home :( I looked ridiculous but was surprisingly comfy in my jersey sundress, leggings, cycling jacket and helmet LOL.

[Biciclista]

wet wet wet wet
and it's been raining all day..

[Serendipity]

Bummer day!
Today was the first working day this week for me so its the day that I drive to work in the morning and then ride home. Except when I started to get ready to ride home, I realized that I had forgotten my goggles, my gloves and my HELMET!!!! The goggles and gloves I would have ridden without but not the helmet. And, it was a gorgeous sunny day, too. :(:(

So, I will try again tomorrow....and the missing bits are already packed in my vehicle so I don't forget again!

[malkin]

Saw complete cloud cover out the window before I left my office. It's been cold; Monday was snowy, so that's what I expected. Instead it was weirdly warm.

[Tri Girl]

rode TO work, then went to drinks after work with the coworkers (to celebrate the last day of school). Had a friend drive me home because I didn't feel right biking while just slightly intoxicated. Guess I'll be walking to work tomorrow and riding home. ;)

[blackhillsbiker]

Humid. And a bit sore. I'm breaking in a new Brooks saddle.

[redrhodie]

Took the long route in. Gorgeous day yesterday. Tailwinds both ways. :)

[Psycler]

Great ride yesterday. Lately, I have been doing a Time Trial on the way home on Thursday nights and last night I tied my record from 2 years ago. I was really late getting out of work that day and flew home as fast as I could. I haven't come close to that time since. Until last night. Now I have to work just a little harder so I can beat it. :)

[malkin]

I rode a bonus commute today, because I forgot about a dozen things yesterday afternoon. Sunny, warm and beautiful, with a crazy headwind on my downhill.

As an extra bonus, I brought home the jeans that live in my desk drawer. Since I can't remember how long they've been there, I'm sure they're due for a wash.

[colorisnt]

Beautiful commute to/from work today. I stopped training an hour away and moved to case management at the local office about a mile from my house. Not enough parking spots for all of us - so I love riding in. No need to worry about letting the car cool off or anything after a hot day. And yes, I am one of the lucky ones who has a dedicated parking spot for her bike INDOORS and an elevator to get in/out of!

[Serendipity]

Well, had an opportunity yesterday to test just how waterproof my new panniers are...:D:D

Actually, they are better than I expected - my commute home takes about 50 minutes and it poured for about half of the ride. Contents of the panniers were dry but the outside was covered in mud, dirt, and general road crap!! The bike and I were pretty much covered in the same stuff - and the bike and I both ejoyed a good shower when we got home (the bike first, of course).

Most amazing thing happened on the ride, though. On the ride home, I use a MUT for about 50% of the ride. There is a place where the trail crosses a fairly busy thoroughfare. I and another cyclist had stopped and were waiting for traffic to clear when we realized that one vehicle had acutally stopped to let us cross - we waved the vehicle on - then another one stopped! Again, we waved it on but I am still stunned that this happened!

Reminds me that most drivers are considerate - although its usually the jerks that we remember...:)

[ColoKate]

Nothing too exciting about my commute, still 5 miles and temps in the 50s, but I just had to say...I'm having the best time biking to work! It's the best part of my day. I thought I would only do a few days per week but like it too much not to ride every day. I've nailed my route and gotten into a groove.

Thanks all for the motivation and tips to get started! :)

[tulip]

Every once in a while I check in here...today's commute/errand run was fantastic! Nothing extraordinary happened, but it's a good day when you actually enjoy running errands at shopping centers--all because I'm on my bike.

The checkout guy at the grocery store was the best-asking me all kinds of questions about my bike and showing me his bike, parked out in the lot. He was very proud of his bike, and now wants some panniers like mine.

I did about 7 miles--Office Depot, a beauty supply store for shears to clip my dog with, the grocery store, and the post office.

I've decided that once a week I will work from a different cafe in town, at least for the morning. I'll get there by bike, so I'll have some more "commutes" to report on.

[7rider]

Well....we got our first "Code Orange" air quality day today. :rolleyes:
So, I'll be taking it easy on my ride home today. This morning, it was super sticky. It's like someone threw a switch, and the humidity ramped up over the past weekend.

----
Issued by The National Weather Service
Baltimore/Washington, MD
5:40 pm EDT, Tue., Jun. 1, 2010

... AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM EDT WEDNESDAY UNTIL 9 PM EDT WEDNESDAY...

THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS HAS ISSUED A CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY WEDNESDAY FOR THE DC METRO AREA.

A CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY MEANS THAT AIR POLLUTION CONCENTRATIONS WITHIN THE REGION MAY BECOME UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. SENSITIVE GROUPS INCLUDE CHILDREN... PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ASTHMA... HEART DISEASE OR OTHER LUNG DISEASES... AND THE ELDERLY. THE EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION CAN BE MINIMIZED BY AVOIDING STRENUOUS ACTIVITY OR EXERCISE OUTDOORS.

[e.e.cummings]

I've saved it up...

Gorgeous morning! I have been riding on and off to work since February, and this is what I have observed:
-On the road by 7am, reach work by 7:30am (12km each way). I stick to a bike path, lucky to have that straight from my home to office. I follow the Lachine canal its entire length - I see kayakers, dragon boaters, university kids playing volleyball, the pet hotel taking their many dogs for a poop walk, lovely greenery, then I finally reach Old Montreal Port. I feel lucky to have this ride. No cars, no lights! More and more roller bladers every day, I notice.
-My tires were in sore need of being changed - what a difference when I did.
-I switched from my hybrid to my road bike and love it, so much lighter.
-What to leave at work: a couple of pairs of underwear; extra pantyhose; essential toiletries; extra shoes or sandals; protein bars.
-Found a discreet place at work to hang the 'sweaty' stuff.
-I know it is controversial, but I listen to music on the way in, it breaks the monotony, and I don't play it loud. Right now it is the soundtrack to Le Fableux destin d'Amélie. Remember her riding her bike in the movie? If you have not seen this movie, do! It comes subtitled.
-Don't fool around with the iPod while riding.
-Don't answer the phone while riding.
-I bought a Bento box (a little case that fits near the handle bars) at MEC when I did a triathlon, to stash energy gels and cubes. Handy as a pocket in a shirt for iPod, key, cigarettes and lighter (just kidding!) and energy stuff (necessary for end of day low energy). My little under-saddle bag is stuffed to the brim with a pump, spare tire and levers.
-Yesterday was a warm rain day. Dressed in running shorts, MEC waterproof jacket, covers on the shoes. Could have used a rain cover for my knapsack. Next thing on shopping list. Enjoyed fewer people on the bike path though - only us die-hards when it rains.
-There is almost no such thing as too cold to ride for me (remember I'm in Quebec). As long as its a dry surface.
-Commuting makes you pay attention to the weather (and to the wind speed). The first thing I check when the paper arrives.
-Decided to remove the rack from my road bike for triathlon and left it off. Thought I would not like using knapsack, I don't mind it so much at all.
-Always take a quick look behind before over-taking. Give the person you are passing a wide berth, sometimes people are in their own world and they get alarmed and swerve when they finally notice you.
- I don't have a bell on my road bike, but I really found it handy on my hybrid. Must do something about that. With summer, that path will get busier and busier, and I don't like shouting or whistling to get attention.
-Wherever on the road, surprise/amaze drivers by obeying traffic rules. Relations between cars and drivers is tough around here, somebody has to get the ball rolling.
-Forest fires early this week many miles away - first time I ever rode in that kind of smog. Cough, cough! Can handle fog, not smog. Felt like I smoked my commute.
-Have I had a morning this week when I did not smell the remains of a skunk somewhere? Or had to keep my mouth closed at certain points because of little bugs? Or been blown away by the smell of pot coming from the two guys lying by the canal?
-Noticed the lights that the 'Bixis' have are really good. Must look into that. (For those not familiar with Bixi: http://montreal.bixi.com/home)
-My back sometimes suffers - perhaps I pull a bit too much. Yoga has been great for it.
-Enjoy the ride - it does not have to be a race against time.
-I am sleeping better at night.
I've really enjoyed reading about your rides - let's keep it rolling, commuter-community!

[divingbiker]

Well....we got our first "Code Orange" air quality day today. :rolleyes:

Aw, did you have to tell me that? Now I'm going to be gasping all the way home.:);)

[e.e.cummings]

We just had terrible smog here past Monday due to raging wildfires east of Montreal (apparently caused by lightning). I had never seen it that bad. My son said the school would not let the kids play outside at recess, it was so thick. I read that it had drifted to New England, possibly as far as Washington. We had lots of rain yesterday, which must have helped the fires. We are used to reading about wildfires in hotter places like California, it is so rare to see it here.

[redrhodie]

I read that it had drifted to New England, possibly as far as Washington.

I had to close my windows on Monday because of the smoke from those fires!

Today's commute was just okay. I had a weird incident where a jogger tried to push me into the road to give her more room. I wasn't close enough for her to reach me :confused: but I assume I was "in her space" :rolleyes:. As I was about to pass her, I looked behind me and saw cars coming in the traffic lane, so I stayed just to the inside edge of the white line (we were both in a bike lane/shoulder, and she was running toward me, so she saw me coming for a while). Until she tried to touch me, I had no idea she had an issue. She also told me to "move over". I thought she was really rude. Really, the safe thing for her to do, if she was uncomfortable with my passing distance (which seemed perfectly safe and reasonable to me) would have been to move further away from traffic, not try to push me into the road! Good grief.

When pfunk was pushed by a pedestrian a while back, and I remember thinking that people can be jerks. I'm still thinking that. At least my jerk missed me :cool:.

[colorisnt]

Great commute today despite the weather. Rode home for lunch and it was beautiful as well. Reminds me how much I would rather ride then drive.

[HillSlugger]

Aw, did you have to tell me that? Now I'm going to be gasping all the way home.:);)

I didn't like the heat or humidity, but at least the air didn't seem to be troubling me too much.

[e.e.cummings]

On my commute home, I was riding behind man with a tiny child in a little seat attached to his bike. He had been going fairly slow for some distance before we met a corner underpass. Before that, I was just taking it easy, much slower than my normal pace, and I would have passed him, but I waited until we were past the corner and all was clear. At one point, he looked around, so he knew I was there. After clearing the underpass, I started to pass him - and he decided to gun it as I was right beside him like he was refusing to be passed. We were on one of those bike paths that is 'poled' off during non-winter months, and if you go off it, you are in the traffic.

Had it not suddenly become a race, I would have passed with plenty of time for the oncoming in the other direction, but now, it was split-second decision time, I either had to fall back (not knowing if there was someone behind me who would be alarmed by my slowing down) or race ahead of him so not to encounter an oncoming cyclist who was riding at a pretty fast clip. It alarmed me that a man with a very young child on board would ride so fast and be so blatant about not wanting to be passed. You never know what people will do, or what they are thinking.

[Fredwina]

ee. i'm not sure what to say.
Looks like I may to temporarily retire from commuting. Caltrans is reworking a freeway interchange on my from work to the train station(I take a shuttle bus) - I was about an hour and a half late and just got home

[blackhillsbiker]

Frustrating. Part of the path had become one with Rapid Creek. We've had crazy rains lately. All the underpasses are closed. It is an adventure figuring out how to get there from here around all the water.

Deb

[Crankin]

Like Tulip, I check in here once in awhile, since my real commuting days ended a couple of years ago and won't start again for about a year (when I graduate and have to get a job :)). Today was the start of my summer "errand riding" season. I only have ridden my Jamis twice since January 1; once was just a winter ride and the other was in April for a doctor appointment.
I try to do small local errands on my Jamis at least once a week. Sometimes, twice. Most of these trips are 8-13 miles, some are 20. Today, I went to the fish market to buy some yellow fin tuna. I ran this morning and was in no mood for a road ride; wicked thunderstorms were predicted for later PM (they are arriving now), so I went out at around 1:45. It was so pleasant not to be thinking about speed or anything else! It was sprinkling on my ride there, but since it's 80 and humid, it felt good. I locked my bike up at the LBS next to the fish market, got my fish and then quickly took off for home, avoiding the French bistro/bakery and ice cream shop on the same block.
8.7 miles and I was soaked with sweat when I arrived home. My poor Jamis needs some TLC... i wiped the yellow pollen dust off of it, but the chain needs to be replaced (it's been sitting in the basement for awhile) and the bike needs a good cleaning.

[7rider]

Sometimes I really dislike my job (like now), but I have to admit, I love the flexibility it affords. Doppler radar was looking ugly this afternoon - an approaching front bringing heavy rain, wind, and thunder. I could see it coming off the Blue Ridge Mtns pretty fast - too fast for a dry ride home. It's not that I hugely mind rain, but all that magenta on Doppler indicated heavy, nasty stuff. And I don' like riding in that.
So I wrote up a leave slip for an hour and a half of leave, handed it to our deputy, took care of some last-minute work, and left early.
Had a dry ride home, and I'm sitting on the front porch now, showered, watching the rain fall and listening to the thunder.
Nice.

[pfunk12]

So I wrote up a leave slip for an hour and a half of leave, handed it to our deputy, took care of some last-minute work, and left early. Had a dry ride home, and I'm sitting on the front porch now, showered, watching the rain fall and listening to the thunder. Nice.

You were smart. I should have handed in a leave slip, too. I got caught in it. Heavy but warm rain, thunder and lightning. But I made it home safely. :)

[lph]

As I was about to pass her, I looked behind me and saw cars coming in the traffic lane, so I stayed just to the inside edge of the white line (we were both in a bike lane/shoulder, and she was running toward me, so she saw me coming for a while).

Wha...? :confused: That is bizarre. If you were riding with traffic in a bike lane, wasn't she running the wrong way? Not that that is a huge deal when you're a pedestrian, but certainly not a place to be bossy.

[redrhodie]

Wha...? :confused: That is bizarre. If you were riding with traffic in a bike lane, wasn't she running the wrong way? Not that that is a huge deal when you're a pedestrian, but certainly not a place to be bossy.

That's how they run here, towards traffic. I suppose that's so they can see and get out of the way of oncoming vehicles, or push said vehicles into the road :rolleyes:.

I ride that route several times a week, and haven't seen her before. I'll give her more space if I see her again. She's obviously a loose cannon. Better just stay out of her way.

[lph]

Heh, I suddenly realized that I "almost" ran a cyclist down this morning because I thought he was a pedestrian... I didn't actually get anywhere near him, but I was in full flow along the very busy bike path that every morning hosts the local "Tour de Finance", and had to switch sides from left to right, crossing the path of a couple of pedestrians walking towards me with plenty of space to spare. But just as I check my back and swing out to switch sides I see a blur in front of me. I just have time to think "Whoa, THAT'S not a pedestrian!" and swerve back.

Just goes to show, when making split-second decisions it's not always easy to see what's what, and it's especially hard to judge the speed of someone heading toward you - the same way many drivers misjudge the speed of cyclists.

[kmehrzad]

Just goes to show, when making split-second decisions it's not always easy to see what's what, and it's especially hard to judge the speed of someone heading toward you - the same way many drivers misjudge the speed of cyclists.

You're absolutely right. Before casting judgment, we should consider the other person's perspective. Glad it all worked out well for you and the other cyclist.

[redrhodie]

Yesterday's commutes were much better! With dense fog in the morning, a truck driver was kind enough to wave that he saw me, and let me have the right of way through a dicey intersection. Little things like that make me happy. PM commute was really fast, one of those rare occasions where I felt like going all out. Beautiful day, except for 100% humidity.

[e.e.cummings]

This was my first week commuting every single day! Feels great. It rained two days as well (nothing to write home about, but the path is remarkably empty when even a little rain falls - I look forward to it even more, it is a much easier ride without the congestion). Friday's commute was great - weather was perfect. One thing I notice - I still don't feel great going into a sharp turn, I slow down a lot, probably more so than others. I took a turn so sharply once that my pedal scrapped the ground and it made me nervous in my turns. Something to work on...

[ColoKate]

e.e. - I'm on my third week of biking to work every day and just loving it!

[Serendipity]

Can't believe it - I was chased by a Canada Goose (family) on the ride home last night. :eek::eek:

Was the funniest thing! I was riding through the hospital grounds and realized there was something along the side of the road moving toward me. As I'm going by, I realize (holy cr*p), its a Canada Goose hissing at me! Right behind him (my assumption that it was the male goose) are his mate and at least four goslings.....that's as much as I could see cuz I'm getting the heck out of there. How's that for a visual - bike fleeing from Canada Goose family???

Weird thing is they really weren't anywhere near water, so I'm thinking they must have gotten confused - somehow ended up in the parking lot & then couldn't figure out how to get out of there. The actual place where they were was on a grass strip between the sidewalk & the parking lot.

The things you see when you bike - commute?!?

[7rider]

He wasn't chasing you...he was trying to ask for directions!!
His wife was behind him saying "See? We're lost. And it's all your fault because you're too proud and STUBBORN to ask for directions!!!" :D

[Serendipity]

He wasn't chasing you...he was trying to ask for directions!!
His wife was behind him saying "See? We're lost. And it's all your fault because you're too proud and STUBBORN to ask for directions!!!" :D

7rider, that is just too funny! :D:D

[pfunk12]

It was a very chilly morning commute. I actually wore arm warmers for 1/2 the commute - in June in Washington, D.C. Unheard of! I (randomly) met my morning commuting buddy, Chip. He is retiring from the Coast Guard in less than 2 weeks. I will miss seeing him on the trail.

My afternoon commute was different. I had to go to a meeting at 2 p.m. so last week I e-mailed the organizer and asked him if I could ride my bike to the meeting and park it in the conference room. He's a runner so he "gets it". His response - "Cool. We can accommodate the bike and we can accommodate the rider." So instead of getting on the metro, I got on my bike. It took me less than 8 minutes to get to the building (in downtown D.C.) where the meeting was being held. I walked into the building and when I went to lean the bike against the wall, the security guard said, "Excuse me. What are you doing?" Well, apparently you're not supposed to bring bikes in the building. I guess I'm used to where I work where the security guards chat with me every day about my cycling. The guard told me that I would have to leave my bike outside but I don't even own a lock because my Madone is always by my side. :D I told him that the meeting organizer said that I could bring the bike so he called him and Kerry came down to the lobby. He looked at me (in my kit) and looked at the bike and said, "You were serious?" I cracked up. We went upstairs and I put the bike in his office and changed into professional clothes in the restroom. After the meeting, I did a quick change and one of the participants (they were all very cool university professors) said, "Did you just change in a phone booth?!" :p

I had to do my city commute instead of my daily trail commute. I was extremely alert and wired but I made it home safely.

[7rider]

It I did a quick change and one of the participants (they were all very cool university professors) said, "Did you just change in a phone booth?!" :p


Super star. Super hero. Meh. All the same! :D

One of the regular guys on our bike shop group rides left for California recently to take part in a bike ride across America....52 (?) days, from San Francisco to Portsmouth NH. We're of course all very jealous. But....before he left, he recently posted a picture of a bird he had a hard time identifying on the shop's Yahoo listserv. It was a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow-crowned_Night_Heron) - somewhat unusual for the area, but not at all rare or unexpected. Well, since he left...I've seen a YCNH on each of my commutes (which has been twice). Once yesterday in a park, it was patrolling around a park bench, looking for breakfast. Today, one was in Sligo Creek as I crossed over the wooden bridge. It's funny. That bird has been a totem (http://www.animaltotem.com/find-your-totem.html) for me for various friends at different stages of my life. Well, different birds fill that role. It always changes. Lately...it's the yellow-crowned night heron.

[tulip]

I rode my bike to two meetings today, and it worked out fine. The last meeting ended after sunset, and I found out then that my blinkie is on the blitz. I have reflectors on my shoes, panniers, and messenger bag (I had alot of stuff to bring to the meeting), but I really need to get a new blinkie.

[blackhillsbiker]

It was so gorgeous this afternoon that I came home, changed and took out the mountain bike. Finally not so humid! The creek is still over its banks in a lot of places and all of the tunnels are still closed because they're underwater. It's been a very wet spring. I only have one more day before leg surgery and forced bike hiatus so I'm trying to enjoy every minute.

Deb

[e.e.cummings]

Actually not sure if this guy was commuting or training (training by the look of his outfit - he had all the gear, the nice bike, etc.), but on my commute this morning, I came upon scene where the cyclist had fallen, blood was running down his face, his forehead, cheeks were cut - it was not pretty. People were already there, on the phone, calling for help. He was sitting up, but he was obviously in pain. I felt so bad for him. I don't know exactly how it happened, but I only saw one bike down, don't know if it involved another cyclist. However it happened, it was a sobering sight, I hope he's okay. I spent the rest of my commute thinking about him.

[JennK13]

Commute was awesome today! Gorgeous morning, and I left early enough to extend my ride up through the state park and past the lake. Must have already been in the 60's at 6am. I'm worried it's going to be hot going home, though!

[redrhodie]

That bird has been a totem (http://www.animaltotem.com/find-your-totem.html) for me for various friends at different stages of my life. Well, different birds fill that role. It always changes. Lately...it's the yellow-crowned night heron.

I didn't look at your link yet, but a few days after my mother passed away, I was walking my friend's dogs in the woods, and I saw an owl. I'd never seen one around here before, and it felt somehow special, like it had some deep meaning connected to her.

My commute today was pretty awesome. This morning the wind was with me, so it was fast and fun. Tonight, I almost took a ride to my car because it was raining, but then remembered I love riding in the rain (it's the bike cleaning I dread :rolleyes:). Anyway, the rain was light and I felt most excellent being out in it. Now to clean the bike...(I wish there was a smiley with a perfectly straight line for a mouth. That's how I feel about it.)

[e.e.cummings]

Good ride back home, but was tired after doing yoga class (I took a special with an nearby yoga centre - $20, and I can try a week's worth of classes). I tried a 6pm class. I didn't know it was one and half hours, and I didn't realize that it was going to be so intensive! Good though. Made my commute home pretty low key though.

Is it just me or are roller bladers increasing in number? And their kick out sometimes goes out into the other lane that it become a hazard for the oncoming cyclist in the opposite side of the path. Anyone ever have a run-in with a roller blader because of that? Sometimes I am thinking it is only a matter of time. A lot of roller bladers on the path tonight.

Supposed to rain tomorrow - 90% POP. I don't mind. It mean that I will virtually have the path to myself. Have rain gear, will travel.

Almost forgot to add: encountered guy riding bike, hands off handlebars, talking on his cell, smoking a cigarette.

[blackhillsbiker]

Had my farewell commute tonight until I'm cleared to ride again after surgery. This morning was cool. I saw lots of birds along the creek. This evening was really nice. The path wasn't too crowded since I worked late and it was after 8 before I started home.

I agree about the roller bladers. I really hate it when they're wearing ipods. We have lots of them here, too. And skateboarders. My least favorite, though, is unleashed dogs who have just been swimming in the creek. They come bounding up, and when I stop because I don't want to hit them, or get jumped on, they shake and share their creek water. The owner usually laughs and tells me how friendly they are.

Deb

[7rider]

This morning, in the locker room of our fitness center, there were just 4 women getting showered and ready for a day in the office.
ALL four had arrived by bicycle (and were using the Fitness Center basically for showering only - well, except me who lifted for a bit before hitting the locker room).
And who says women don't bike commute??

[redrhodie]

Had my farewell commute tonight until I'm cleared to ride again after surgery. This morning was cool. I saw lots of birds along the creek. This evening was really nice. The path wasn't too crowded since I worked late and it was after 8 before I started home.

Deb

Good luck, Deb!

[e.e.cummings]

Nice commute on a wet, but not raining when I rode, morning. Got caught for a few minutes behind a roller blader who was smoking marijuana while he was blading along. I'm starting to see it all on this path.

Ride back was calm, I had just done a yoga class just before and was in a pretty 'blissed-out' state. Passed a volleyball game, the dragon boats in the canal, and spots on the path where tiny bugs make opening your mouth a challenge. Tomorrow will be my second FULL week of commuting. Yah! I have been commuting on and off since February, but not steady like now.

[e.e.cummings]

The Grand Prix Formula 1 race is in town this weekend, and when I got close to my work I could hear in the distance the engines revving around the track. It's a real buzz. It's that time of year when the hotels and restaurants are full, the champagne is flowing and the Ferraris are out (mine is in the shop LOL!)

Pretty empty path today, it is a bit of a dull morning. No wind, lovely ride. Some people take Friday off, I think.

[7rider]

Bugs taste bitter. :mad:

[Melalvai]

I've been at my new job in the much smaller town (pop 17,000) of Kirksville, MO for two weeks now. I've commuted every day, it's only 2 miles each way. Most days I go home for lunch, so I get at least 8 miles in. The first week was just plain lonely and exhausting, because my husband and daughter were living in a hotel back in Columbia until her last day of school. Since then it's been a lot nicer. I worry about them because I'm at work meeting people, and they are stuck at home without internet. (That's a long story, we are just on the other side of the city limit sign but the problem seems to be that the house is too far back from the road, and we are having a heck of a time figuring out what we're going to do for internet. Living without is not an option since my husband just graduated with a degree in computer science!)

The commute itself is nice and easy. It's a lot more flat in town than Columbia is. There are some hills in this area, but I think the loess hills are further west.

There is a bike path, the Wabash railroad used to go through town. Missouri has mostly lost the rights to the railroad line but Kirksville has converted 3/4 mile of it into a bike path. I can see where the railroad bed extends. In fact it goes behind our house just a few feet. Forty years ago that would NOT have been a good place to build a house! (The house is only 7 years old.)

I don't really need the bike path, because it's a small town and traffic is light. There is only one street I would be reluctant to bike on--the highway as it passes through town. To get to work I don't even have to cross the highway, but to go anywhere else, it's difficult without using the highway. But it is such a small town I'm sure I'll learn the tricks soon enough.

Pictures of my commute are here (http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/?p=852), and I'll attempt to link them into the message...

http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/100_1958-300x225.jpg

http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/100_1960-300x225.jpg
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/100_1962-300x225.jpg
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/100_1965-300x225.jpg

[BikingNurse]

I was so happy to be on my bike this morning. This has been the most stressful week of my life. Our family is in crisis and it really helped me to be out on my bike. (hadn't ridden since my last post on this thread because we've had really bad rain every day and I don't feel comfortable on my dolce when the road is soaked) I see a long ride comming this weekend so I don't go crazy

[e.e.cummings]

Why do runners who have a perfectly good footpath - no loose gravel, etc., much easier on the joints (I am a runner too) - choose to run on the paved bike path instead? The foot path is a stone's throw away! If I rode on the foot path, I would be shouted off!

And why do cyclists who have a perfectly good bike path that costs the city a fortune to maintain STILL ride on the road right beside it? Risking being 'doored' by cars, etc. and all of the other risks of riding in traffic? It's their business, I guess, but it's a mystery to me.

I don't know, thought I'd would think out a loud a little. You have these thoughts when you commute back and forth.

[7rider]

Yesterday - after DH and I washed all the sweat off our bikes after a particularly sweaty, sticky, drippy, club ride - I started getting nostalgic for winter.
And I went back and re-read NYBiker's "Enough with the snow already! (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=36233)" thread in the Mid-Atlantic section.
And I was looking at all the pictures of mountains of snow and folks bundled up in their winter layers.
And I recalled, back in January, looking at the thermometer one morning before a commute, - a thermometer which was pegged somewhere south of 20 degrees F (-7C) - I was amazed that there would EVER be a time in the year where it was hot and sticky and gross, and I'd be wearing a sleeveless jersey when I left the house at 6:45 in the morning, and not wondering how I would ever move for all the layers I had on my body.
But, this morning was such a morning. I got into the gym, glistening with sweat.
It's amazing what a little time can do for you.

[blackhillsbiker]

Missing my commute. :( Second surgery is tomorrow. Hopefully then I'll be back on the bike in 2 weeks ("gentle, moderate riding") and back up to speed in about 6 weeks. I had forgotten how stressful it is to drive in the mornings. A police car pulled in behind me this morning with lights flashing & sirens blaring.:eek: Why do my thoughts immediately jump to "what did I do??!" Anyhow, he was on his way to an accident further down. Between traffic and gapers' block, I was late to work. I ignore the far-off sirens when I'm on the bike path… Sigh.

[JennK13]

Cant believe it's the same day it was this morning! Was cloudy and raining until after 3 today. But i heard it was supposed to clear up. So i brought my Fuji to work with me (dropped the commuter off at the LBS at lunch for a tune up), along with a change of clothes for tomorrow, and rode home leaving my car at work. Absolutely gorgeous evening ride home!

[tulip]

Errands by bike today: post office, grocery store for a few things. Only about 7 miles, but I was glad to spin my legs.

[Tri Girl]

no commuting for me until August. While I don't miss work, I miss the commute. Once the vacations settle down (next week), I'll just start riding daily to make up for the commute I'm missing. ;)

[Crankin]

Yesterday I rode 8.8 miles to the Farmer's Market in the next town. Like Tulip, this is my weekly "errand" commute. For 2 hours I gave out discount coupons to people who arrived by bike and watched their bikes while they shopped. I ended up buying some olive bread and 2 whole wheat scones, which made for a heavy pannier on the way back. Man, that bread is dense. I decided that since I was on the hybrid, I would do something different, so I headed into the Old North Bridge area, so I could actually ride over the bridge, past the Minuteman statue and cut through to the street I needed to be on. When I got inside the park, a ranger told me that the path is being redone, almost to the other end (it's hard packed sand, but it looked like they had paved most of it), but I could walk my bike along the side, in the grass. It was pretty quiet there, so the walk was nice. When I got past the fenced off area, and started riding up a small rise, a family who was visiting the park started clapping for me :).
By this time, it was pretty hot and humid out, so I was dreading riding the heavy bike up my hill, but, it wasn't too bad. 17.9 miles total.

[e.e.cummings]

Beautiful commute this morning, the air was fresh, breezed by the kayakers on the canal, not too many people on the path. I will be going on vacation next week, and I will miss my commute. Going to Newfoundland to visit my parents. I even investigated renting a bike there but I am not that interested in riding with no paved shoulder in places, I have this image of me being blown off the road by a transport truck. I think my fitness will be made up of hiking yoga, and running.

Yesterday, riding home, I was passed by a guy riding a Cervelo (dh's dream ride) and wearing a really nice pair of cycle shorts - the reason I noticed is because dh's birthday is coming up and after losing weight he would like a new pair of shorts. Kept pace behind this guy for quite a distance before I could determine that he was wearing Sugoi RS shorts - boosted my confidence that I could keep pace with this guy for a while!

[ColoKate]

Speaking of keeping pace with a guy, this morning a guy trailed me from my neighborhood and into downtown. He passed by me and then I lost him but we came back to the same street about 10 uphill blocks from my office. I was proud of myself for staying in the street with traffic while he pedaled on the sidewalk. I've been telling myself to be confident and just stay in the road after someone yelled at me a few weeks ago for biking on the sidewalk. Anyway I passed him going uphill and then pulled up to my building and lo and behold he locked up right next to me a minute later. I left the house a few minutes late today but apparently we have the same route. I recognized his bike because I've seen it parked outside our building for almost 2 years so I was happy I could keep up this morning. He said "Man, aren't bikes fun?"

[JennK13]

Isn't that funny sometimes, the different routes people take? I notice that sometimes I'll be riding and chatting with someone, we split at an intersection, then I see them again when I come around a bend.

ColoKate, what part of CO are you in? I'm down in Centennial, and frequently go through Cherry Creek or down the 470 trail to add some miles to my 7 mile commute.

[lph]

Yesterday, riding home, I was passed by a guy riding a Cervelo (dh's dream ride) and wearing a really nice pair of cycle shorts - the reason I noticed is because dh's birthday is coming up...

uh-huh. :D

[ColoKate]

Jenn - I bike from NW Highlands into Denver, 5 miles on the dot. I'm thinking about getting on and off the trails to add miles too but just haven't nailed down a route!

[JennK13]

Kate, my DRIVE is 5.1 miles, but I HATE riding on Arapahoe so i usually go thru Greenwood Village which is 7 miles. We just started an 8 week fitness challenge at work where we get points for each minute of activity, so I've been cruising up thru Cherry Creek or taking 470 home. Nice to have options out here! (and glad the rain has stopped!)

[e.e.cummings]

uh-huh. :D

Okay, you've got my number! I did feel like a bit of a perv, staring at a guy's butt for so long...

[Ana]

On my usual route (on the street, mind you), the construction in one particular intersection has been completed so the opposing lane has opened up. Waiting to turn left because of oncoming traffic tends to delay my arrival a bit and left turns in general make me a bit apprehensive. A car pulled into the “right turn” lane in the opposing traffic lane at the light with the turn signal on indicating a right turn. The lights are timed such that the oncoming traffic light down one block on the other side gets a green light before my intersection does.

The light at the intersection turns green but the car hesitates. Since the road has two lanes, I turn left into the left-most lane and wait until the car figures out what is happening and decides to turn; then I signal and move into the right lane. This car stays in the right lane (so it wasn’t trying to turn into the left-most lane). I often move toward the right side of the lane in case any of the drivers feel overly inclined to pass me. This woman decides to pull up next to me, roll down her window and say “have you ever thought about riding on the sidewalk?” to which I responded “No, I just ride on the road.” She said, “you’re going to get killed out there” to which I responded, “Yeah, well it hasn’t happened yet.” Mind you, I have both front and rear lights as well as a florescent yellow jersey…so it’s not like I’m in a black hooded sweatshirt here. She mumbled something after that, which I did not catch. I didn’t get defensive because I was uncertain of her intent. It may have been a genuine concern for my safety, an annoyance that I’m interfering with her driving or a combination of both. I know that I have a right to ride on the road and that my choice to turn into the other lane of the two-laned road might not have been the most prudent but still...

I’ve learned my lesson: wait for the unsure drivers when turning left :p

How common are instances like this?

[lph]

I'm not exactly sure I followed the situation, but it sure is a bit baffling when people say things like that and seem sincere. Angry people are easier to just brush off, but what do you answer to something like that? There's a "youth page" in my daily paper for teenagers to write letters about things they care about, and one of them just wrote yesterday about how she was so upset about cyclists in the roundabouts and why didn't they use the sidewalks which were made for "safety"... And she's not even a car driver yet.

I want to say something along the lines of how riding in the street is the correct and legal and safest thing to do if you're a "fast" cyclist, i.e. faster than just doodling along (it is legal to ride on the sidewalk here, but you should pass pedestrians at a walkers pace), that I'd rather be the weakest party in the street than a bully on the sidewalk, and how I'm only in danger if drivers like you don't respect my right to be there... But I rarely get around to saying anything. There's so much attitude to change. I try to just behave like a car, be visible and predictable and aware, and hope that over time somebody notices.

[ColoKate]

We're doing a fitness challenge at work too so every extra minute counts :)

[ColoKate]

And I wanted to add, I've been yelled at for being on the sidewalk AND at riding in the street the last few weeks, can't win! Just trying to do the safest thing...bleh.

[e.e.cummings]

No sooner had I left than we had a downpour of rain that lasted my entire commute. And me without my rain gear! I found out how waterproof everything is! My bike got a nice wash. So did I for that matter. At least it was not cold...

[WolfGirl]

Biked 5.6 miles each way to a new yoga class. Bike paths were crowded but the east wind on the lake path wasn't as bad as it often is. Man, I'm out of shape though...my legs were really tired after the final uphill home. (That's what I get for living on one of the highest hills in town; a fun finish! :rolleyes:)

@lph :D! on the bike-shorts guy!

[Melalvai]

I’ve learned my lesson: wait for the unsure drivers when turning left

How common are instances like this?
How annoying. Sounds like you performed your left turn correctly, but you are right, we have to watch out for other drivers, whether we're on a bike or a car.

I try not to engage during those encounters. I find it unbearably rude, whether it is someone who is honestly trying to be helpful or someone honking or cursing at me. I report the latter to the Motorist Contact Program. For the former, if it is a stranger, I have learned to ignore them completely. If it were a friend or acquaintance, I explain kindly that studies have shown that the sidewalk is the most dangerous place to ride, and that I'm at greater risk of injury or death in a car than on a bike. Once they realize I've put a lot of thought into my selection of the road, they realize that they weren't being helpful.

It really bothers me when people feel compelled to speak to me, helpfully or otherwise, even though they don't know me. It took a long time before I learned that I don't want to interact with those people. There is a limited repertoire of things that are ok to say to a total stranger and they mostly consist of "It's a nice day to ride".

[7rider]

File this one under, "Well, isn't that ironic." :rolleyes:
Today, our Bike Team hosted a "Fix-a-Flat Lunch and Learn" for folks. We had about 8 folks come to learn about tire care - how to prevent flats and fix them if you get them. Then we had some hands-on work on your own bike or wheel, or one of ours.
So...I went to my locker at 11:20 to get my bike to walk it up the street to the conference room, and...lo and behold...it had a flat! :eek:
Got lots of ribbing from our seminar speaker and looks of amazement from folks about my "skinny tires." Geez, ladies...they're 25's! :p I guess lots of our participants ride mountain bikes.
So...I fixed my flat with a brand new tube - doing just about everything wrong with my tire iron that Jim had just said not to do :rolleyes: and put the bike back in the locker for my ride home, later. I'm 3/4 mile from home and I start to feel every crack in the sidewalk I must ride up. I stop. Grab the wheel. Soft! Drat. That brand new tube is leaking! I get home...and sure enough, there's a deformity in the tube with a pinhole in it, and it's leaking. This one got a patch and it's back in the tire.
I hope I get through tomorrow's ride with no flats!

[lph]

Despite telling anyone who will listen about the importance of having enough changes of clothing at work to be a successful bike commuter, especially a change of unfavourite underwear you rarely use just in case, I still managed to miss it today.

I hate going commando under jeans :mad: ;)

[e.e.cummings]

I hate going commando under jeans :mad: ;)

I did that a couple of weeks ago - hate it too! Actually, my one saviour that day was having extra panty liners in my bag, so I stuck that directly onto my pants. Commando-lite...

[e.e.cummings]

My commute was great the past couple of days since I rode in a monsoon. My shoes finally dried out. Today was my easiest, best average speed day yet, with the wind at my back. It's Friday!

Ended up behind Sir Tokes-a-lot again rollerblading to work - by his shirt he works at a Home Depot-like store. Hope driving a forklift is not part of his job. Ride behind him for a while and get a cheap buzz!

[lph]

I did that a couple of weeks ago - hate it too! Actually, my one saviour that day was having extra panty liners in my bag, so I stuck that directly onto my pants. Commando-lite...

Yah... I was out of those too. :mad:

At least I did have jeans, and didn't have to spend the day wearing muddy bike shorts!

[ColoKate]

lph - I had an underwear mishap today as well. Changed out of my dri-fit top into a blouse and realized my hot pink bra was very visible underneath :( Luckily it's Friday and this jersey has a polo collar so I'm pretending it was intentional LOL.

[lph]

w00t! :D

[7rider]

I had my closest encounter ever with the wrong side of a pick-up truck today! :eek::mad:
I had to go to the LBS after work. There is a main drag that runs east/west right in front of my office. I needed to go west on that for a bit, then hop down into the park and circle over to the shop. But, as usual for this time of day, the west-bound side of the road was packed with cars....a total parking lot. So, I crossed over and headed east for a block. I can take the next right, cut behind a shopping plaza and drop into said park a bit lower and still get to the shop easily. I took that right...the road was pot-holed and torn up with construction, so I'm basically riding slowly, picking my way through the junk, and in the middle of the lane. Head down to find my line. A pickup comes up behind me, passes me, and starts turning right in front of me, into the shopping plaza's parking lot.
I start yelling. The guy continues. I'm more or less held up by the side of his truck and turning with him into the lot. There was no way or time to stop and avoid him. Thankfully, it all happened very slowly and he didn't cut the corner TOO much, as I had a good inch and a half of ramp to go up - rather than hitting the curb. I'm screaming bloody murder at the guy...cursing a blue streak. The jerk had a passenger in the seat not 2 feet from my cursing mouth! The window was open and he had an arm out the window, enjoying the afternoon sun. He's ignoring me. Un. Be. Leivable!
The truck drives away. I ponder giving chase and giving the jerk a piece of my mind, but honestly, I didn't want to tangle with two guys in a truck. I pull a U-y out of the lot and continue on my way, knees shaking from adrenaline, head shaking in disgust.
And the kicker of it is...I had an office laptop computer in my Arkel commuter bag to bring home so I could take it on my trip on Sunday. My co-worker said before I left, "You're on your bike today? You're bringing the computer home on your bike? Don't crash!" :rolleyes:

[lph]

:eek: What were they THINKING?! Glad you made it ok, that could have turned out a lot worse!

[e.e.cummings]

Just bought a pair of Keen sandals for my commute. After Wednesday's downpour my soul pair of bike shoes were soaking wet for two days - did not realize how dependent I was on them until I had to ride without them. Went to MEC and found a pair today. They are very comfortable! I should have thought of this before - I have killer bunions and these accommodate them a lot better than my Sidis.

[redrhodie]

Just bought a pair of Keen sandals for my commute. After Wednesday's downpour my soul pair of bike shoes were soaking wet for two days - did not realize how dependent I was on them until I had to ride without them. Went to MEC and found a pair today. They are very comfortable! I should have thought of this before - I have killer bunions and these accommodate them a lot better than my Sidis.

When my shoes get wet, I'll stuff them with newspaper, change it once during the day, and they dry really fast.

[bunny_ninja]

The ride in yesterday was incredible. I had to go into work really early and the sun hit things in such a beautiful way.

Ride home... sucked! Flat tire - a tenth of a mile from work. Then I got kind of low blood sugar, hungry, and was dehydrated for the rest of the way.

A jerk on a mountain bike with a messenger bag turned onto the road I was on - cutting me off badly (he ignored a stop sign) and proceeded to ride on the sidewalk. And then he got to the next intersection and pushed the walk light button!

Shortly after - an idiot driving 20 in a 30 (I was faster) cut me off! No turn signal of course. I had to slam the brakes so hard that I had the rear wheel skid forward. I was able to remain on the bike (no fall or collision)

[bunny_ninja]

Oh and here is a bit of bike snobbery from the BF... we do engage in the snobbery a little.

from text messages:

him: Just saw someone on a carbon fiber Cervelo with mountain bike handle bars. WTF?

Me: What a waste!

Him: Might as well put training wheels on it.

[WolfGirl]

Biked to clinic, from clinic to later appt, from appt to grocery store, then store to home. Only just over 6.5 miles total, but it's hot and humid today! Feels good not to use the car. :) But I'd love not to arrive at the clinic all sweaty; the approach is a short but steep hill, and in this humidity, it's just not pleasant.

Construction work is making drivers even more annoying than usual, and making roads kind of beat up. Definitely trying to focus on a relaxed posture while biking, instead of clenching up all over!

[redrhodie]

After Saturday's run in with a car, I was a bit tentative on the bike today. But, I know I'll be back to my old self in no time. I stopped in the LBS where the guys listened to my war story, and said all the right things. I love those guys. My bike is fine, as I thought.

I felt a little PTSD, but luckily no one cut me off or did anything too jerky, which would have ended with me completely losing it, I'm sure. I felt some cars were passing too close, which I probably wouldn't have felt last week. Maybe this too will pass, but it felt good today to take it easy.

[e.e.cummings]

Yesterday was my last commute before vacation and then we are off to Newfoundland! Stretched it at the office so late yesterday making sure things were done that I almost had to ride home in the dark. I will miss my commute. See you in a few weeks!

[BikingNurse]

tire was flat this morning and I didn't have enough time to mess with it. :mad:
Had to walk but was running too late for that. Had to call a friend to pick me up. Would have been a great day to commute.

[huffandpuff]

yesterday but too darned tired last night to post! Third time I've done the commute to work. Had to reroute around some construction so 12.5 miles in on a beautiful morning. I ride in a fair amount of traffic and have been pleasantly surprised at how well it's gone. I think drivers are getting more used to bikes around here. Ride home was hot and rainy but I made it! Only real tough part is that I have to climb one nasty stinking hill right out of the parking lot. Legs hurt like mad - tried starting in granny but that didn't seem to help much. Just need to toughen up!

[JennK13]

Was Bike to Work Today, so yes, i rode, and got the hubby to ride with me, too. Great morning, perfect temp, and really loved having the aid stations along the way - especially on the way home!

[Ambikes]

Grad school has kept me away from the forums (and the commuting thread) for the past few months, but I'm still commuting away up here. The weather currently is a vast improvement from the -30C temperatures I was riding in this winter! It's funny how much easier my 2km commute feels in better conditions.

[BikingNurse]

I got my commuting bike today and rode it for the first time. It's so much heavier than my Dolce. It's a Roadmaster Mt. Fury. I'm going to be "customizing" her over the next few weeks. I'm so excited. I love my Dolce but having a commuter will be so nice!:) Commute today was just getting to know my new ride. Great weather!!

[Ambikes]

I got soaked today by a rainstorm that was definitely not on the radar when I checked it 5 minutes before leaving work! Good thing I have a short commute.

[MyRubyE]

My first commute today on my new road bike. It's roughly only 3 miles, but I still got up early to avoid traffic. Not much to see during the commute except for gov't contracting companies and a Budweiser plant. In my mind I kept thinking drivers push the gas pedal more in the morning than they do at night on their way home. So it got me thinking way too much, so I pushed myself to relax. Glad I did it!

[miranda.cruz]

I hope that that there's bike lane in my place.

[Tri Girl]

My first commute today on my new road bike... Glad I did it!

Congrats on your first commute. Hopefully there will be many more! ;)

[redrhodie]

I was going in the opposite direction of the MS 150 ride yesterday morning in Narragansett. There must have been a thousand cyclists on the ride! It took me at least 5 minutes to get a gap big enough to get out of the park and ride where I leave my car, and I was still passing riders 3 miles up the road. I ran into them again when I was almost at work, still going the opposite way. It was exciting to see so many people doing what I love.

The attitude of drivers is really crazy here right now. I had some dude in a car yell at me, a "woo-hoo" kind of thing, but with his arms coming out the window (he was the passenger). I don't know what he was trying to do, touch me, push me, grab me, or just make an a$$ of himself (success!).

I love the long days of summer, but not the stupid people who come here.

[lph]

Ooo. I had The best commuting day today. I guess my morning paddle (fantastic, lovely hour-and-a-half in glorious sun, just couldn't go in any earlier) doesn't really count as part of my commute, but it was done between leaving home on a bike and arriving at work on a bike! :D

And my way home took over 3 hours and involved 2 really large and unnecessary hills and lots of gabbing with a bike buddy that I'd not been in touch with for a while. Oh, and we got to ride past lots and lots of people stuck in cars in a traffic jam :D Hee-hee.

Some days life is just sweet.

[MyRubyE]

My bike commute yesterday felt great and i'M so much more comfortable riding in and reading traffic. I've decided that i really need to step it up a bit and commute at least 3 days a week instead of only once or twice. I promise I will :). After my two week vacation which starts today ;).

[kfergos]

Short description: Damp to wet, depending on your definitions.

I think we've somehow time-warped back to April weather here in Seattle. It's in the 60s and drizzly. Good thing: we know how to handle drizzly around here. Bad thing: For some reason I wore sandals, a vest, and arm warmers instead of shoes and a jacket. Left damp footprints all over when I arrived at work. I turned my space heater on and have a fuzzy jacket on. Boo!

I loved the Seattle winter, but I'm starting to miss the Massachusetts summer...

Oh, and commuting-wise, I got a mention in the most recent Cascade Courier! Here's a scan of the page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kfergos/4746168501/). Catchy title for my category: Most Overall Miles by Female Rider on a team. Funny; it was just doing what I always do. :o

[lph]

Short way in, to have time for a quick paddle before work in the glorious sunshine :)

And to spot the following: just by the turnoff to work, 3 road workers putting down new tarmac, one of them a bronzed, well-built young man wearing heavy boots, the regulation neon yellow shorts, bare chest - and a pink cowboy hat with glittering fringes :D

I really need a new cellphone with a camera zoom.

[WolfGirl]

And to spot the following: just by the turnoff to work, 3 road workers putting down new tarmac, one of them a bronzed, well-built young man wearing heavy boots, the regulation neon yellow shorts, bare chest - and a pink cowboy hat with glittering fringes :D

Awesome!! :D

Today is my first commute back on the bike since my fall (it was in the shop getting brake work and a new handlebar to try to solve the hand-pain problem). I admit, I'm nervous, and this disgusting 100% humidity is not making it any easier to get back on the thing. :-/ Here's hoping for a safe ride...

[bunny_ninja]

I really need a new cellphone with a camera zoom.

(disclaimer ... I work for them)
Might I suggest the forthcoming Nokia N8 (http://thenokiablog.com/2010/06/24/nokia-n8-pepcom/)(later this year)? It has zoom and comes in great colors

:D

I want to see the pink-hatted sparkly guy!

[lph]

(Actually what I really need is a waterproof cellphone that preferably folds or otherwise keeps the screen protected as I chew up screens like crazy, that also has a camera with a zoom - got any of those? :) )

here's pink-sparkly hat, sorry ladies, best I could do!

Dude on the roller thingy looked up at me snapping the photo and nodded politely. This probably happens all the time :D

[WolfGirl]

Yay sparkles! ;)

I survived my commute, although was annoyed with myself for being shaky on the bike. :( Oh well, presumably I'll get back into the swing of things.

[divingbiker]

I should have ridden my bike today, but I drove because I had an afternoon doctor appointment. According to the traffic radio, one of the main east-west roads into DC was closed for cleanup of a cooking oil spill and all the north-south roads were detoured around it. It took forever to get over to a route that would get me to work.

The only people moving were those on bikes. I was very jealous.

[Jenerator]

cool and damp...so glad I'm not on the east coast right now!

[JennK13]

drizzle on the way home, but not bad. In fact, I think I was more wet from sweat than rain!!

[7rider]

Got my first commute ride in more than two weeks today. I left a little earlier than normal...but not by much. Still, I was amazed at the lack of traffic on the roads! (That's not a bad thing, mind you.) I realize that kids aren't getting shuttled to school at that hour during the summer, but still...school was out when I last rode. Huh. Well, it was a very welcome. I hope it's like that on the way home (but I doubt it).

[tzvia]

Cool and misty this morning but it became a bit dryer as I rode but still overcast. I knew this afternoon would be warm and sticky and yep it was. I have my own personal test method for sweat vs. evaporation I call elbow tinkle. If I flex my arm, making a V pointing down, and I make a puddle, it's too humid for my taste. And yep, today was a double arm'er, two puddles. Sweat got on my glasses and dripped from my hair. Yuck. All kinds of road grime stuck to my legs. I prefer warm and dry over this any day.

Still, I made good time and just enjoyed the ride, my first commute since coming back from vacation to work Wednesday. I kept dreaming of my relaxing and taxing mtb rides around Bend... then looked around to see the rather less beautiful west San Fernando Valley. Please UTC, move Rocketdyne to Bend, I'll relocate!

[redrhodie]

Humidity @ 100% when I left the house this morning. My "goal" was to arrive at work as dry as possible. I rode like a slacker, but at least I did my longest commute route, which also has some hills. I was pretty successful, only needing to sponge off a bit.

Tonight's commute was really good considering I rode past the beach where the state philharmonic orchestra was getting ready to perform. Crazy traffic jam, which made me glad I was on a bike. I negotiated my way through it really well, but have to remember that commuting on concert days is not a good idea if I feel less than perfect. Luckily, I felt good today, and the challenge of the cars was actually fun.

[tulip]

I rode my bike to a meeting downtown and then had lunch and rode home. I was really wishing I had a bike like Zen's Ms. Plum since I was going to a meeting and was wearing decent clothes. I would have been so much classier.:o

[Serendipity]

Seems to me that lately the commuting hazards have not been vehicles but rather other cyclists...

For example, this morning:
1. young woman on bike, no helmet, earbuds, goes flying past me as I'm stopped at a stop sign, I pass her once through the stop, she zips past me at the next stop sign, then I catch up to her zipping in and out of a lane that is blocked because a part of the road is under construction;
2. guy on bike, no helmet, comes flying out from a side street, crossing the (fairly busy) road RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME! Did not stop at stop sign, did not see me. Fortunately, I was able to brake & swerve to avoid crashing into him. Guy seemingly oblivious - I admit, though, I did yell at him.

Sheesh!!

[blackhillsbiker]

First commute since the day before surgery #1 (June 9). I'm tired but victorious. I started early this morning and it's a good thing I did. It takes me longer. I hope to have speed/endurance built back up in a few weeks. It felt good to be back on the bike.

Deb

[7rider]

Major Senior Moment this a.m.
So..I'm in the locker room, on the phone with DH -- I call him and let him know I arrived in one piece -- and simultaneously unloading my pannier while yanking stuff out of my rental locker. I reach in to the bottom of my pannier.
OMG!!! Where's my towel??? :eek: I can't believe I forgot my towel! No wonder I had so much room in my bag for my lunch bag, a box of tissues, AND my sneakers for an afternoon circuit class. Oh, man....I'm gonna have to dry off with a pile of paper towels. That is gonna stink.
I plop down onto the bench by my locker in despair. Right onto my towel...which I had already taken out of my pannier, but had no recollection of doing so. :eek::o
Sigh. Major brain-fart. DH is laughing, saying "Where's the baby? Der he is! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGbz1lTz3Xk&feature=related)" - a scene from Ice Age that just tickles his funny bone.

[divingbiker]

Ha, 7. That's what happens.

I took a tour of DC with Maidei this morning. It was cool and gorgeous, and most of the tourists hadn't come out to play yet. It was nice.

[kmehrzad]

Major Senior Moment this a.m.
So..I'm in the locker room, on the phone with DH -- I call him and let him know I arrived in one piece -- and simultaneously unloading my pannier while yanking stuff out of my rental locker. I reach in to the bottom of my pannier.
OMG!!! Where's my towel??? :eek: I can't believe I forgot my towel! No wonder I had so much room in my bag for my lunch bag, a box of tissues, AND my sneakers for an afternoon circuit class. Oh, man....I'm gonna have to dry off with a pile of paper towels. That is gonna stink.
I plop down onto the bench by my locker in despair. Right onto my towel...which I had already taken out of my pannier, but had no recollection of doing so. :eek::o
Sigh. Major brain-fart. DH is laughing, saying "Where's the baby? Der he is! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGbz1lTz3Xk&feature=related)" - a scene from Ice Age that just tickles his funny bone.


I did something similar on a commute to work, a long, hot commute to the office. FORGOT an important item ... underwear. RATS!! I was going commando that day and not enjoying it. I've had to do the paper towel dry off move before, too. It happens ...

[pfunk12]

I've gone commando a few times this summer. Seems that I am more focused in the evening on what I'm going to wear cycling the next day than what I'm going to wear at work. :D My priorities are in order.


I did something similar on a commute to work, a long, hot commute to the office. FORGOT an important item ... underwear. RATS!! I was going commando that day and not enjoying it. I've had to do the paper towel dry off move before, too. It happens ...

[7rider]

I've gone commando a few times this summer. Seems that I am more focused in the evening on what I'm going to wear cycling the next day than what I'm going to wear at work. :D My priorities are in order.

Oh...the bike outfit ALWAYS takes priority! :D

[blackhillsbiker]

So far it has been cool enough in the early mornings to cycle in work clothes and arrive at work fairly presentable. The evenings are another story. I think I'm going to need to bring lighter clothes for the ride home.

Deb

[tulip]

I did something similar on a commute to work, a long, hot commute to the office. FORGOT an important item ... underwear. RATS!! I was going commando that day and not enjoying it. I've had to do the paper towel dry off move before, too. It happens ...

Oh, that happened to me once. I went commando until 10am, when the Gap outlet around the corner opened. The only undies they had were girls, though, so I got the girls XXL and was saved. Never forgot them again (I actually kept a couple in my desk drawer just in case). I just didn't feel right going commando at work with only one layer separating me from my coworkers.

[kmehrzad]

Oh, that happened to me once. I went commando until 10am, when the Gap outlet around the corner opened. The only undies they had were girls, though, so I got the girls XXL and was saved. Never forgot them again (I actually kept a couple in my desk drawer just in case). I just didn't feel right going commando at work with only one layer separating me from my coworkers.

Reminds me of a Seinfeld episode when Kramer's "boys" were separated by only 'one layer of clothing' from the rest of the world. Jerry cringed at the thought.

[tzvia]

:mad:
1.5 miles from home, and my bike starts to feel like something is wrong. The fork feels like a noodle. Aaa crap, a flat, a nice slow leak.

Luckily I'm in front of a DWP building with a large concrete slab for landscaping. Plenty of room to sit down and take apart the front wheel while in the shade of the building. A nice breeze helped, as I had just pored some water in my helmet and down my back so was feeling rather cool. Well, I searched inside and out but could not find the bugger that punctured the tube, so I am half expecting my spare tube to be flat tomorrow. At least I had a frame pump instead of a mini pump, it was nothing to get the tire up to 80psi.

[JennK13]

Nice ride this morning, perfect temp, good times, and Wednesdays is group ride morning with work mates.
Then, we happened upon a jerk! Now, I have 3 bikes - I have a commuter with panniers, etc, if I'm straight bike commuting; I also have a road bike that I ride when we do group rides, as I will often bring a week's worth of clothes to work on Mondays and since we have lockers, I don't have to bring much as it's already at the office. So, here the three of us are, cruising up the road, single file, before 7am (before "rush hour"), on a nice, wide, 4 lane road - one that doesn't see a lot of traffic, especially going north like we were (the freeway is to the south), AND even though it's my road bike, I STILL have a light on the back. We're cruising pretty good due to the hills, 30+mph (speed limit is 35 there), and we pass a guy on a mountain bike who's riding on the sidewalk, so it's not like we "passed" him or pushed him into the curb - he was never in the street. We get stopped a signal, and he catches up to us, and yells at us for riding in the street! At first, I thought he was just commenting as though he wasn't comfortable riding in the street, as he said "I can't believe you guys are riding in the street". Then he proceeds to tell us that we need to be more considerate of everyone else, that it's "rush hour", look at all the cars around us (we were at a signal!!!), and he can't believe how inconsiderate we are riding in the street at this time of day. We had NO issues with cars at all, as traffic wasnt bad at all, we werent blocking any cars, and no one had to wait for us - I purposefully plan our routes to avoid the major thoroughfares especially during high traffic hours. This, coming from a guy riding on the sidewalk, darting out into the street unexpectedly as he crosses the street from one sidewalk to the other, and WE'RE inconsiderate? He was totally mad that we were riding in the road - no other reason, like we shouldn't be because that's where cars go especially, at that time of day. God forbid he infringe upon pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk, or just dart into the street as he crossed.
It just bugged the heck out of me, as I commute several days a week by bike, usually on a more heavily travelled, 2 lane road (with bike lanes), and I totally feel like this jerk had something against road bikes; like he was the urban commuter and we were those jerks that give cyclists a bad name. I swear, if I were on my commuter with panniers, and not wearing a jersey, he wouldn't have said anything to me - just a case of cycling prejudice!!!!
And, that's my rant for the day!

[Melalvai]

Then he proceeds to tell us that we need to be more considerate of everyone else, that it's "rush hour", look at all the cars around us (we were at a signal!!!), and he can't believe how inconsiderate we are riding in the street at this time of day. We had NO issues with cars at all ...This, coming from a guy riding on the sidewalk, darting out into the street unexpectedly as he crosses the street from one sidewalk to the other, and WE'RE inconsiderate?
Even if you did slow someone down a little you have a right to the road, and as you already know it's much safer and actually more considerate than sidewalk cycling. I think you will feel less frustrated with this uneducated and biased cyclist if you become a League Certified Instructor and start teach the bike class in your area. :D

[Melalvai]

Well, I searched inside and out but could not find the bugger that punctured the tube, so I am half expecting my spare tube to be flat tomorrow.
You probably already know this but one of the first bits of bicycle maintenance I learned was that an old tire gets brittle and can puncture the tube. I had so many flats at first until I figured out that's what it was!

[Melalvai]

Today's commute has been an exercise in Logistics.

The car needed an inspection for its upcoming license renewal and so I drove. It felt so odd. I dropped the car off and walked to my office. Then I realized I'd left the checkbook at home and didn't have any way to pay for it. (A long complicated digression about moving, changing banks, waiting on one debit card and the old debit card having been compromised and canceled, so I'm relying on old-fashioned checkbook & cash.)

I walked home (2 miles, 40 minutes), got my checkbook and biked back. Now I have both my bike and my car. The car doesn't have the bike rack on because we took it off for last weekend's trip. (I never get around to putting it back on until experiencing an inconvenience like this.) So at some point I need to drive home and get my husband to drive me back to get my bike. Or I could walk back, I suppose.

When I ran some errands I had to decide which vehicle to use. I was annoyed with the car for disrupting my day so I used the bike!

[kfergos]

Even if you did slow someone down a little you have a right to the road, and as you already know it's much safer and actually more considerate than sidewalk cycling. I think you will feel less frustrated with this uneducated and biased cyclist if you become a League Certified Instructor and start teach the bike class in your area. :DI found that since I've become an LCI, I've had to struggle against accosting bad bicyclists I encounter on my daily commute! It's agonizing to watch people blaze through red lights or meander in and out of parked cars, thinking that's the way it should be done. Unfortunately there's no good way to prove that I actually know what I'm talking about -- it's hard not to sound like a bossy know-it-all when you're telling somebody what they're doing is unsafe.

I mention all this cuz I just had to restrain myself again this morning as a lady in a hideous jacket circa 1996 zipped past me and through a red light. Argh!

[Melalvai]

I found that since I've become an LCI, I've had to struggle against accosting bad bicyclists I encounter on my daily commute! It's agonizing to watch people blaze through red lights or meander in and out of parked cars, thinking that's the way it should be done. Unfortunately there's no good way to prove that I actually know what I'm talking about -- it's hard not to sound like a bossy know-it-all when you're telling somebody what they're doing is unsafe.

I mention all this cuz I just had to restrain myself again this morning as a lady in a hideous jacket circa 1996 zipped past me and through a red light. Argh!
Well, that is a possibility too. I feel less inclined to correct people on the spot because I think "another example to use in a class!"

[JennK13]

I found that since I've become an LCI, I've had to struggle against accosting bad bicyclists I encounter on my daily commute! It's agonizing to watch people blaze through red lights or meander in and out of parked cars, thinking that's the way it should be done. Unfortunately there's no good way to prove that I actually know what I'm talking about -- it's hard not to sound like a bossy know-it-all when you're telling somebody what they're doing is unsafe.

I mention all this cuz I just had to restrain myself again this morning as a lady in a hideous jacket circa 1996 zipped past me and through a red light. Argh!

I can understand that, but the guy was clearly NOT an LCI. My husband asked if we cut him off or something, but we didn't do anything - he was literally upset over the fact that we were in the street, and his sidewalk riding was the proper way to be "considerate" to drivers. I have a part time job as a Group Ride Leader, so I'm very conscious about being safe and following the rules of the road, especially since the "kids" riding with me this morning were one of my younger interns, and the 17 year old son of another staffer (I feel responsible for them, so I'm extra safe and lead by example). And we are in Colorado, where we have a 3 ft law for cyclists.

At any rate, sounds like the lady that blew past you needed to be spoken to about her fashion sense alone :)

[JennK13]

Warm and humid commute, but it was a short commute as I had to drop my car off at the dealership for service, then ride to work - barely 3 miles. It's funny, though - when they called and said my car was done, and I pulled my bike out to go pick it up, I had 3 people offer me a ride instead, like riding a bike is a burden. I'm like "Thanks, but I enjoy riding - I'm good" :)

[7rider]

As much as I'd like to deny it, I cannot escape the fact that the light is changing. In the morning, when I get up, it is now dark enough in the house to need to turn on lights. This afternoon, although I had plenty of daylight left (and it was hotter than Hades), I couldn't help but notice the change in the quality of the sun. The angle has changed and the shadows are very different vs just a few weeks ago.
As much as I'm melting in the heat this summer, I do so enjoy the long days and plentiful light.

[kmehrzad]

As much as I'd like to deny it, I cannot escape the fact that the light is changing. In the morning, when I get up, it is now dark enough in the house to need to turn on lights. This afternoon, although I had plenty of daylight left (and it was hotter than Hades), I couldn't help but notice the change in the quality of the sun. The angle has changed and the shadows are very different vs just a few weeks ago.
As much as I'm melting in the heat this summer, I do so enjoy the long days and plentiful light.

I totally agree. When I get up at 5:30 weekdays, it's definitely darker, and I need to finish my evening ride about 30 min. earlier now. I've also noticed acorns are dropping, woolie bear caterpillars are everywhere (which usually occurs later in the year), and fruit at the local orchards this year have been available for picking about a month early. I'm wondering if we'll have --- I shudder to say this --- an early winter?

[Catrin]

... I'm wondering if we'll have --- I shudder to say this --- an early winter?

The censor didn't block this out??? :eek: Early Winter???? Let's not go there even in our thoughts. We LIKE the long days, and the sunshine, and all the pretty flowers & green stuff, and...and...and.... not having to cycle in warm clothes! Ok, so I will add the heat to the list.

At least we have a few more months so let's bike like mad while we can :D and maybe start looking for warm bike clothes on sale because everything is too large now...

[blackhillsbiker]

Hot and windy. Seemed like a headwind both ways. How can that be possible?:confused:

Deb

[kissedbyfire]

Going there? Stressful? But it's only my first week so it'll take some getting use to. I was nearly run over by a damn mower (one of those giant ones driven by someone). Later on I had some guy in a big truck almost pull out on top of me. But, I'm trying to take it for what it's worth. I just need to be more aware of things? I'm still getting use to cycling verses driving. Yesterday some lady almost clotheslined me with her dogs. I'm a klutz? I'm hoping it's just me but the boy has had similar issues. Maybe it's Los Angeles.

Regardless I LOVE it. As long as I can avoid these experiences I much prefer it to driving or riding buses. :P I do LIKE cycling, I just don't like the exciting experiences along the way. ;) I'll force it to work!

[Melalvai]

I got my first parking ticket on my bicycle today! I was mad for a moment, then I thought it was funny. The great thing about my new job is that over and over again, they've shown me how reasonable and responsive they are. So now I'm confident that when I explain "I can't use the provided bike racks because there aren't actually bike racks provided on this side of the complex", that they'll put in some bike racks.

I never lock up to a rail or signpost, if a bike rack is available reasonably close.

Now if I could only get a speeding ticket on my bike...

[redrhodie]

I got my first parking ticket on my bicycle today! I was mad for a moment, then I thought it was funny. The great thing about my new job is that over and over again, they've shown me how reasonable and responsive they are. So now I'm confident that when I explain "I can't use the provided bike racks because there aren't actually bike racks provided on this side of the complex", that they'll put in some bike racks.

I never lock up to a rail or signpost, if a bike rack is available reasonably close.

Now if I could only get a speeding ticket on my bike...

How did you get a parking ticket on your bike? How did they know whose bike it was to write the ticket? It's not like your bike has a license plate. Where were you parked?

[HillSlugger]

on my ride home I pulled up alongside a car, in a European accent the guy complimented me for biking, asked me how far I ride, and then asked me if I'd marry him. High point of my day so far :)

[DebbieOSablada]

on my ride home I pulled up alongside a car, in a European accent the guy complimented me for biking, asked me how far I ride, and then asked me if I'd marry him. High point of my day so far :)

ooooh... excellent !! :)

[Cait]

I'm wondering if we'll have --- I shudder to say this --- an early winter?

I think I could handle this actually. Maybe it was because I started riding in the winter but I much prefer cooler weather (I know I'm crazy), especially for commuting so I'm no so sweaty.

As for my ride to work...chased by a dog. This happens to me way more than anyone I know. I started carrying doggie pepper spray but its not worth the effort. It doesn't hurt them but I would still feel bad, plus I'd probably just end up spraying myself.

[kmehrzad]

As for my ride to work...chased by a dog. This happens to me way more than anyone I know. I started carrying doggie pepper spray but its not worth the effort. It doesn't hurt them but I would still feel bad, plus I'd probably just end up spraying myself.


Look at it this way, your speed will definitely improve.

[malkin]

Rolling along at about 15 mph my cheek had a head on collision with a bouncy white moth.
I didn't care for the experience, but it was probably worse for the moth.

[Atlas]

It's amazing how different my commute home is from the trip down. I inevitably end up with several pounds of groceries and I forget, every day, that my commute is uphill. Though it does make for good training and now when I ride without a bag it's like I'm flying.

[Becky]

Today's commute home was faaaaaaaaaaast! It's normally about a 40 minute rolling time, so including the slow MUT but not including red lights.

Today's trip was only 36 minutes- DH accused me of doping :D

[redrhodie]

Rolling along at about 15 mph my cheek had a head on collision with a bouncy white moth.
I didn't care for the experience, but it was probably worse for the moth.

Funny, I was buzzed by a butterfly today. It was like the crop-duster scene in "North by Northwest". Well, maybe not as suspenseful. ;)

Commute was excellent today. A little sticky, but better than last week.

[soprano]

May I join the commute thread?

I got soaked on the way in. Had to wring water out of my shirt and shorts, and was very glad that I packed a full change of clothes today. However, it was not quite wet enough that I needed to wring water out of my braid (I have tailbone length hair).

It doesn't rain so much here. Riding in the rain feels like such a treat! A lovely respite from our usual hot weather.

On the downside, I need to do a little pannier maintenance. Some of my stuff was a bit damp :(

[MyRubyE]

Bike commute was ok today. Finally got enough nerve to move over to the left lane to make a left turn at the light and ride up my companies driveway. I usually stay on the right shoulder and loop around once the traffic/coast is clear. Butttt, i didn't wait until the light was green and once the coast was clear, I turned left on the red light... I know, I know, I'm sooo bad, but I didn't want to stop and hop off the bike.

[Melalvai]

How did you get a parking ticket on your bike? How did they know whose bike it was to write the ticket? It's not like your bike has a license plate. Where were you parked?
It was one of those stickers saying use the bike racks. We'll take away any bikes locked the the railing. It's an egress issue, which I understand. Still--there are no bike racks on that side. And the facilities manager just called me and regretfully explained that there is no place on that side of the building to put a bike rack because you can't obviously take away a FACULTY member's parking space. Eh. I'm super annoyed about this. Ordinarily I try to welcome opportunities to walk farther. But I go over there to check on my rats frequently, and to have to walk so much farther every single time is going to eat up a lot of my day. I'd be better of driving. :(

Where is Yehuda when I need him?
http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2008-09-29.gif

[malkin]

Another bug vs. cheek head-on. This time, a hard shelled one. Maybe one of those disgusting box elder bugs.

I better start keeping my mouth closed or I'll be choking on them.

[redrhodie]

I just discovered my long commute route is even longer than I thought. All this time, I thought it was 18 miles (OW) but according to ridewithgps.com, it's 19.5.

All those extra miles, if they were pennies, I'd be rich. ;) Okay, maybe not pennies, but if they were hundred dollar bills...:)

[Trek420]

Not a commute but a ride to the farm market. As I was unlocking the bike a family was exiting their truck nearby. The little girl walked over with her Dad and brothers to ask what I was doing. I showed her I was unlocking the bike. She said I needed training wheels like she has :)

[e.e.cummings]

On those beautiful summer days, the path fills up with casual riders pretty fast. Some are the riders who are rarely out there and have little sense of bike path etiquette or rules, like not hogging two lanes, or weaving around on the path. Saw a guy riding his bike, no hands on the handlebars, reading a magazine (?) That beats out the guy I saw the other week using no hands, smoke in one hand, talking on a cell phone in the other. As bad as that was, at least his eyes were on the path.

Will be travelling on business next week, I will miss my commute! It is just not the same trying to replicate my commute in the hotel fitness room.

[Melalvai]

Will be travelling on business next week, I will miss my commute! It is just not the same trying to replicate my commute in the hotel fitness room.
When I'm traveling and sans bike, I like to go for walks. Hotels are invariably located in areas that are NOT designed for walking anywhere so mostly I walk around and snidely comment to myself on the poor road design. WTH, it entertains me.

[7rider]

Sometimes I hate bike commuting.
No. That's not true. Sometimes, I do incredibly stupid things that make bike commuting a p.i.a.
Like today.
Okay. So I sold my commuter bike last week. My trusty zippy Felt went to a friend and co-worker who's bike was stolen recently. DH stripped the parts I wanted from it (but he left the Terry Butterfly saddle! Grrrr). But, in the time between now and when my new bike comes in (~3 more weeks), I'm on my DH's bike - a Novara Big Buzz. So last night was swapped out pedals and saddle and raised the seat for me. He has a different rack on it, so I started adjusting my Arkel commuter bag to fit it. But it was difficult going, because of the way the rack is designed. I said "screw it - I'll just use the Detours Toocan bag (http://www.rei.com/product/783859), which doesn't require any adjustments to fit.
So fine, right?
This morning, I'm packing last minute things up, including a (full) Kleen Kanteen with water in it - stuffing that in the bag at the last minute. When bringing my Kanteen back to work, I usually bring it full, because the water will be room temp and easier for me to drink at the office (water here is COLD...and I don't like cold water).
So off I go. Uneventful ride in (but cool as it is, the Big Buzz rides like a tank compared to my Felt :(). Work out on the machines in the gym for a bit (pull my left lat on the lat pull down machine. Ouchie!), and head to the locker room. Pull my clothes out.
The Kleen Kanteen water bottle had tipped over....and all my clothes - my towel - EVERYthing...was soaking wet!!!! :eek::eek::eek:
I spent 20 minutes with a hair dryer, trying to dry my pants and sweater. Still not completely dry. Blech. :mad: Why I didn't turn around and go right home, I have no idea. But I figure...the day can only get better, right???

[Tri Girl]

Oh my- 7rider! :(:mad:
Not a great way to start out the day.

Here's to hoping the ride home is VERY easy... and dry. ;)

[Atlas]

We just moved to a wonderful little place on the quiet side of town, next to a park, blah, blah, I love it! BUT, it knocks a good chunk off my commute. I'm sure it'll be nice when I'm in a hurry, but that was always my favorite part of the day.

At least there are a lot of ways to vary my ride now whereas before there was only one path. Plus I start my morning with a good climb up a hill and then coast home at the end of the day.

[malkin]

Oh--7rider--bummer!

Brewer has given up nagging me about the Giant. We both admit that I love it far far beyond all reason, which iis reason enough to keep it in action as a commuter.

But he does still grouse about it to the boys at the LBS.

[HillSlugger]

So, I started my commute home shortly after some rain and with a few drops still falling. As I was coming up to a stop sign and a turn I applied my brakes and the bike slid right out from under me! :eek: I went down on my side and I hit my head. The helmet is obviously broken but my head is OK. Some light road rash on my shoulder and hip (didn't even really break the skin). The hip does hurt. My first real crash and I'm glad it wasn't any worse. Oh yeah, the bike seems fine, too. And I've already ordered a new helmet.

[Tri Girl]

Oh no, MD!!! :eek: Ouch!!!
I'm glad you're OK. Both times I have gone down it has been so fast that I never had a chance to think about how to "brace" myself best for impact and my head hit hard both times.
I guess you got the first "real" crash out of the way, eh? :p
Take care of yourself!!

[bunny_ninja]

OUCHIE!!! take aleve or advil, for sure. I often get the most pain -- delayed onset.

I was nervous on my ride in to work this morning because this story aired on the 5pm and 11pm news yesterday...
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/24520729/index.html

[bunny_ninja]

and here is some more good car / cyclist fun:

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2010/08/06/bella_englishs_annual_bicyclist_vs_motorist_rant/?s_campaign=8315

[HillSlugger]

Oh no, MD!!! :eek: Ouch!!!
I'm glad you're OK. Both times I have gone down it has been so fast that I never had a chance to think about how to "brace" myself best for impact and my head hit hard both times.
I guess you got the first "real" crash out of the way, eh? :p
Take care of yourself!!

Yeah, it happened fast; all I had time for was to think "Sh!t"

I took my first dose of Advil while I was waiting for a pickup.

I think my big fat pannier took a bunch of the impact and protected me from worse injury. It's dirty but not even scuffed; Ortlieb makes quality bags.

This bike had never revealed its name to me; maybe it's "Skid" ;)

[redrhodie]

OUCHIE!!! take aleve or advil, for sure. I often get the most pain -- delayed onset.

I was nervous on my ride in to work this morning because this story aired on the 5pm and 11pm news yesterday...
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/24520729/index.html

That seemed fair to me. Everybody shown on that clip had room for improvement! Why did it make you nervous? Your state's drivers seem to be extremely aggressive and impatient to me (not like my own state's drivers are perfect or anything!:rolleyes:). Do you think that story will just create more hostility? It's good that they mention the new state laws, since most people probably don't know about them.

When the one woman, obviously a car driver said "I don't want them on the road" I said to myself, well I don't want you on the road, either, so we're even. And I'm not speaking of all car drivers. Just her. :D

I'd like to see my state make info videos that would be shown at the DMV on how to drive safely around cyclists. Right now, when you go to the DMV, they show celebrity trivia on the monitors, and I think, what a waste of a good opportunity to refresh driving laws.

[Crankin]

I didn't see the clip on the news, but that group looked suspiciously like the Wednesday Wheelers, the group from CRW that I ride with. I saw more than one CRW jersey there... however, the leaders have been very aggressive at yelling at riders who don't get in a single file line when someone yells car back. I have been known to use my school teacher voice in these cases.
Sigh, I recognized some of those places on the rural roads.
I have conquered the suburban traffic, but riding in Boston or Cambridge still scares the crap out of me. Generally, I have not had any issues. I obey the law, though. When DH and DS started riding in 1999, they had tons of stuff thrown at them, bottles, soda, oranges. They got called "fags" while sitting on a bench, drinking a gatorade once, right around here, as they were wearing lycra. That has not happened in a very long time. Yes, always guys in trucks doing the throwing.

[azfiddle]

I am trying to commute once a week, on Fridays. Our school has a kind of year round schedule, so we started 3 weeks ago. It's fine in the mornings right now, but it was really, really hot coming home today- 99 the whole way way. Of course there's no shade in the desert and the asphalt radiates the heat back up. My commute is about 10 miles each way, and the last 3, I had to keep talking myself into going. At least it's not uphill.

Still working out the best way to get presentable for teaching after the morning ride in. I have been washing my hair in the sink (science classroom) and cleaning up and changing in the bathroom, but just found out the nurse's office has shower I could use. I think I would need to leave 10 minutes earlier to have a full-fledged shower though..... and I hate getting up early as it is.

[Melalvai]

Still working out the best way to get presentable for teaching after the morning ride in. I have been washing my hair in the sink (science classroom) and cleaning up and changing in the bathroom, but just found out the nurse's office has shower I could use. I think I would need to leave 10 minutes earlier to have a full-fledged shower though..... and I hate getting up early as it is.
Maybe just a quick rinse-off. But yeah, you'll need a few extra minutes. At least for this super hot stuff.

I heard squealing tires behind me this evening. A sports car behind me was going too fast, couldn't get around me because of oncoming traffic. I don't know if the squeals were from here or from one of the two sports cars following her (probably too closely)! That happened maybe 1/10 mile from my home.

[e.e.cummings]

When I'm traveling and sans bike, I like to go for walks. Hotels are invariably located in areas that are NOT designed for walking anywhere so mostly I walk around and snidely comment to myself on the poor road design. WTH, it entertains me.

My travelling involves supervising the set-up of a 3000 sq ft trade show booth, so I get a ridiculous amount of walking and standing during that time. My hotel is right across the road - it is nice, with a very nice fitness centre, but when it is beautiful weather, all I want is to go outside. You're right - it is located in a place not designed for walking. I so look forward to getting back on my bike next week, I miss it. (Nobody misses their car commute, do they?)

Right now I am waiting to meet someone at our booth and everything is so quiet, the set up is finished. Nice to catch up with TE.

[7rider]

One thing I prefer about bike commuting over driving a car is the personal nature of being on a bike. Cars are so impersonal.

Think about this: when was the last time you were standing in line at a bank, and you might be looking down -- writing up a deposit slip or digging through your purse for a pen (or even in a checkout line at a grocery store) -- and a gap opens to the person in front of you, and someone else darts in and cuts in between you and the person in front of you to take that space?
Never happens??
Then why does it happen all the time in a car? :confused: You let one car length gap form b/t you and the car in front of you -- when you're lined up to get on the highway, for instance -- and some nameless, faceless, schmuck cuts you off. They do it because they can, and they don't have to look you in the face to do it. :mad:

So anyway, I had been pondering that lately. And as I was riding in this morning, I saw a police officer getting out of his parked car in front of me. As I ride up closer, I recognize him as this guy, Ed, who is frequently at our LBS. He's friendly with the owner and is often telling tales of folks he's dealt with while on duty. He's hysterically funny (and can talk your ear off!). And it's scary, too, some of the folks he's dealt with! :eek: So I pull over, and we start chatting. For nearly 15 minutes! :eek: We're laughing, we're talking - everything from drug busts to triathlons to the heat. Funny. If I had gone by in a car, we never would have so much as waved. I would have missed out on a really great interaction with someone.

I really like my bike rides.

[malkin]

This morning I rode about a third of the way up the hill to work, when I started wondering if I had shut the garage door.

There's no one around to call, so I rode home to check and then rode all the way to work. Nice that this happened on a day when it wouldn't matter what time I roll in.

[redrhodie]

This morning I rode about a third of the way up the hill to work, when I started wondering if I had shut the garage door.

There's no one around to call, so I rode home to check and then rode all the way to work. Nice that this happened on a day when it wouldn't matter what time I roll in.

Was it open?

[Bike Chick]

This morning I rode about a third of the way up the hill to work, when I started wondering if I had shut the garage door.

There's no one around to call, so I rode home to check and then rode all the way to work. Nice that this happened on a day when it wouldn't matter what time I roll in.

What redrhodie said. Was it open?

[blackhillsbiker]

With all the motorcycles on the road (Sturgis Bike Week), I was glad to be on the bike path. I had to drive yesterday and I hated it! No offense to the motorcyclists on the forum, but I can't see the attraction. They're so loud!

Glad to be on my stealthy little commuter,
Deb

[soprano]

I'm also curious to know if the garage door was open!

I haven't been feeling well this week and it is very hot, so I took the bus on Monday and Tuesday. Today I'm feeling better and had a short day anyway, which meant not needing to ride home at 5 PM in the very hottest part of the day. It was so nice to get back on the bike.

They are doing some construction on an intersection that I go through, near the UT campus. Every day it is a little bit different. I think that they purposefully are blocking off paths that the many, many cyclists take to get around the cars - the construction has the cars down to one narrow lane each way, and sometimes the drivers become impatient waiting behind us, so we all try and go around. I need to find a detour and leave earlier :( I understand that they don't want to be watching for bikes near the construction, but somehow I doubt that the long line of drivers that got stuck behind me this morning going up the hill at 6 mph saw it that way.

[redrhodie]

Today's commute was great. Perfect tailwind for much of the way in. Then, I looked down and noticed something stuck to my front tire. I tried to wipe it off while I was riding, and it wouldn't come off. I stopped and discovered it was a thumb tack. I started to pull it out, and it started hissing, so I pushed it back in. To my surprise, it stopped hissing and didn't go flat. I continued to ride on it, to try to make it to work where there's a floor pump, so I wouldn't need to use up my CO2 cartridge (I'm a cheapo :p). Well, I made it about 4 more miles, then all at once, it went flat. I was still 4 miles from work, so I ended up using my beloved CO2 ;).

On the evening ride, I stopped at the lbs to replace the cartridge. Back on my bike a few miles later, I passed an accident at an intersection that I probably would have been at, had I not stopped at the shop. Then, after I got to my car, another really bad accident on the bridge I drive over. When I think about "what could have been" if I had been a few minutes earlier....

Had I not flatted this morning, I may have been involved in either of those. Just goes to show, you never know when something that seems bad is actually good.

[Tri Girl]

YAY!!:D Finally back to commuting after the summer off (I teach). Feels good to be back on the bike, but I sure forgot how much traffic is out at 4 pm.
Glad to be back at it!!

[Groundhog]

I moved to a new office in April and at first I could see no way to commute by bike. My old commute was by bus from suburb to downtown Seattle, and prior to becoming a cyclist I drove 2-4 miles to one or another of the park-n-ride lots and took the bus to work. Starting in 2008 I used my bike to get to the park-n-ride a few days a week, and with my short ride (downhill on the way to work) I never got sweaty so I didn't need a shower. Although the rides were so short they didn't really help my fitness, I really enjoyed it and it's better than sitting on my fat a$$ driving.

My new job is in another suburb of Seattle and is 17 miles away...way too far for this rider who is lucky if she averages 11mph on the flat. Add that to no shower or changing facilities in my building or close by.

Last month I met a fellow rider in the elevator one morning and he said that he rides the bus to work and rides the bike home 20 miles. So I started researching using google bike directions and noticed that the interurban trail goes along the freeway at one point, the same portion of the freeway that the express bus takes. And, lo and behold the express stops along the trail!

So today I took my second bus/bike commute. I had my son drive me to an express stop, and then put the bike on the bus. I rode the few blocks to the office in dress pants and changed into my jacket when I arrived (I have to wear suits and/or dressy corporate clothes at work, full makeup and accessories).

On the way home, I changed into shorts and a t-shirt and rode to the bus stop. This time I got off next to the trail and rode nine miles, almost all the way home. I live on top of a big hill that I am trying to learn to love, but I didn't try it today.

This weekend I am trying a new route to the bus in the morning and I am hopeful that it will work. It's about six miles and is mostly downhill, so I will probably be ok with a "baby-wipes bath."

I'm not sure I'll be able to do it in the pouring rain and dark, but I don't mind a little cold, so I'll try it between now and when the weather gets bad.

I still wish for a short, local commute (and applied for a job today that is just that) but am so happy to be out on the trails.

Happy trails everyone!

[lph]

Back to bike commuting and loving it :) :) :)

Passed two accidents this morning - one on the usually quiet bike path, saw a police motorcycle, an ambulance and a womans bike leaned up against a lamppost. Bike looked fine and no bits and pieces around, so I'm guessing she just took a bang to the head or something and phoned herself.

One more amusing closer to work. There's a tricky roundabout smack in the middle of "Tour de Finance", where a zillion aggressive cyclists looking for shortcuts meet cars heading for the marina and trucks heading out from the warehouse area. One car with a befuddled young driver stepping out, his front license plate on the ground, one guilty-looking middle-aged woman without helmet standing over her bike wishing she were somewhere else, one mtb on the ground and one male 30ish mtb-owner, incandescent with rage, jumping up and down like a lemming and pouring wrath over the poor woman.

Norways biggest mtb event, Birken, is this weekend and people are going slightly insane. I just ascertained that no-one was hurt and quietly went away :rolleyes:

[kfergos]

Last night was a most unusual commute. Here's what I saw while riding north on the Burke-Gilman from the University of Washington.

- A shirtless, well-muscled guy pushing a grill up the trail from Pend Orielle Road. Not just a little grill, either. This was a full-sized, man’s dream grill, and he was moving it along at a good clip. The guy I was riding with, Mark, and I commented to each other, “You never know what you’ll see on the trail!” I wondered what grill-man said when he passed people — “Burgers on your left”?

- A fistfight. Seriously. Here’s what I saw happen. Mark and I are riding along behind a couple of slightly faster cyclists just past 40th Ave NE. Then one of the faster riders moves over onto the graveled pedestrian path that parallels the paved path at that point. The next thing I know, the guy on the gravel path (Cyclist A) has stopped and is standing there, shouting. The other guy, Cyclist B, slams on his brakes and skids to a halt perpendicular to the trail, which brings me and Mark to quick stops. Cyclist B picks up his bike off the trail and heaves it into the bushes — and hurls himself at Cyclist A. Or maybe A rushed him. I didn’t see clearly. The next thing I know, they’re literally punching each other in the face, yelling, calling one another filthy names; then they’re on the ground, rolling around in the gravel, pummeling each other, gouging eyes, all-round attacking each other. Mark and a couple other guy bicyclists hurl themselves into the fray and pull the two fighters apart, with no small difficulty. The guys continue yelling at each other until Mark’s repeated shouting “Break it up! This isn’t worth it!” penetrates their skulls. Cyclist B says, “Let me just ask you one question,” but Mark says, “No. Just keep riding or I’ll call the cops.” One of the cyclists says, “This is a free trail!” and Mark overrides their protests, very firmly repeating, “Keep riding or I’ll call the cops” a couple more times. Cyclist A and B exchange parting insults (“Put some ice on that, b*tch!” “See if you can catch me, old man!”); Cyclist B rides off and we take off after him.

The kicker: They were fighting about Cyclist B’s riding through stop signs and Cyclist A’s chastising him for it. They yelled “Red means stop!” and “I stopped at every f*ing stop sign!” “You did not!” etc. Both were well over 30 years old.

I'm kind of hoping tonight's commute will be a little bit less exciting.

[DebW]

Last fall I moved to an apartment 1.5 miles from work. I was previously 13 miles away and I only commuted by bike 2-3 times/wk in good weather. Now I can commute every day even in bad weather and all winter. Still get in some of those 13 mile commutes when I work at the bike shop a couple days/wk though. Today I experienced advantages of the super-short commute. Started making bread in the morning. Went to work. Went home for lunch to put the bread in pans and bake it. While it was baking, I rode to the farm market about 2 miles away to buy fresh eggs and vegetables. Then back to work.

[Melalvai]

You all are seeing much more interesting things than me, I think I am glad of that! Groundhog, way to go on the commute, and with dress clothes to deal with too. I'm trying to dress slightly more nicely than I used to, and finding that a challenge. DebW, I want to come over to your place for lunch!

[e.e.cummings]

What a great commute today - beautiful weather, no wind, and close to my work, they are re-paving the bike path! It was so nice to ride on the return. I have riden that bike path so much that I know every little crack and bump in it and would ride accordingly - now, having a beautifully new paved surface is like heaven.

Seeing TONS of runners out there now. Two big events coming up in Montreal - Oasis, the marathon, and Esprit, the triathlon, coming up in September. I have never shared the path with so many runners before.

[redrhodie]

I gave myself permission to ride slow tonight, and it was great! Fridays are very busy with traffic coming to the area for the weekend, and lowering my speed just a little made a huge difference in my stress level. I felt prepared for every potential obstacle, and for some reason, there were none. It was really mellow and relaxing, and although I didn't check the clock right when I left work, I'm sure I wasn't even 5 minutes slower over my 15 mile route.

[tulip]

Today I commuted by bike to a meeting. It was only three miles away, so I went in my nice clothes with plenty of time to go slowly and not get sweaty. I stuck to the bike path, which turns into a canal path, which...ends at a stairway??

So I lugged my heavy panniered bike up the stairway to...an empty enclosed lot?? With no way out except back down the stairs...grrrr

Then I noticed a dirt path through some trees, so I pushed my (heavy) bike up the bank and ended up in an empty parking lot, roped off, and isolated and a bit scary underneath an elevated expressway.

By this time I was huffing and puffing from carrying my bike so much, and more than a little bit sweaty! I made my way out of the parking lot through the roped off entrance and found myself only 2 blocks from my destination.

So much for not arriving all sweaty. Next time I'll stick to the streets.