How Was Your Commute Today?

[blackhillsbiker]

They've "resurfaced" (oil & pea-gravel) all the streets I need to take to get home. :( I decided to take the MTB since it handles loose gravel much better than the commuter. I've been tweaking the fit on that bike. The last modification was shortening the bars a bit. I think it's just about perfect. :D I'm not wild about buzzy tires all the way to work, but I like the traction on the gravel, and I love the front shock since they haven't repaired any of the major cracks in the bike path.

Glad to be back on the bike,
Deb

[malkin]

Oh--sorry---The garage door was closed after all.
I've been a little bit more mindful about it for the last week.

[blackhillsbiker]

Lovely! I couldn't bring myself to end the ride so I went for an hour-long ride around the lake. :)

Deb

[Groundhog]

Great commute today. Was too rushed in the a.m., so I had my teenager drive me to the express stop with the bike. On the way home, I took the bus to the early stop, then had a 10 mile ride to where I get my hair cut. I was worried I'd be late, so I really went fast (for me). Got there with 20 minutes to spare, but I was dripping in sweat. Cooled off and changed back into work clothes so that I wasn't messy for the haircut. Fun ride.

[Melalvai]

Cooled off and changed back into work clothes so that I wasn't messy for the haircut. Fun ride.
That IS one place I hate to show up sweaty. I always feel bad for making them mess with my gross sweaty smelly hair.


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.
Did anyone notice? No one noticed Thistle (http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-07-21)...

[Groundhog]

That IS one place I hate to show up sweaty. I always feel bad for making them mess with my gross sweaty smelly hair.


Did anyone notice? No one noticed Thistle (http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-07-21)...

Yes, but she has to wash my hair anyway and my stylist has been doing my hair for about six years. I don't think she minded. She's been so supportive of me, trying to find a style that works with the helmet and makes me work-appropriate after commuting.

[tzvia]

Yesterday, 106f, today 105f. No commuting, too hot. Sucks. No 'cooling' till maybe Friday so I can get one lousy commute in this week. The power keeps dipping and my UPS's start beeping due to the power in this city being so crappy that it can't handle a little heat wave (like they don't expect them in Los Angeles). If I did not have the power supplies feeding my computer and my server, they would be crashing constantly on evenings like this. All I want is for the temps to drop below 100f with tolerable humidity (right now it feels like a sauna outside) and my Fuji comes out of the garage...

[blackhillsbiker]

She's been so supportive of me, trying to find a style that works with the helmet and makes me work-appropriate after commuting.
That's what I love about my stylist. She helps me look nice despite perpetual bike helmet hair. I keep my hair short, but it has to be cut really well in order to work. I have only a couple of minutes to be work-appropriate once I arrive.

Deb

[7rider]

The End of Summer. :(
School buses were out in force this a.m.

[colorisnt]

Didn't commute today :( Stupid delivery of my new bed. I've been living with an air mattress for 3 weeks and was desperate to get it. However, they were not here and it made it so late that the uphill never would have happened.

I did ride to/from school in a test run on this new baby:
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac11/mytack4sale/Truman.jpg

It rides very nice. Not as nice as my trek, but worth the $350.00 considering the fact that it only had 50 miles on it before I got it. I can't wait to get out and ride to school tomorrow.

I call him Truman because he is tiger colors and I am now a Mizzou tiger grad student. That's the name of our mascot!

[blackhillsbiker]

Not too bad this morning. HOT this evening! Road construction is making life interesting (and not in a good way). I never know which route I'll be taking until I reach the bike path.

Deb

[colorisnt]

Made it to school in record time - about 20 minutes - 4 minute miles! I had to get up RBH to get there (really big hill) and it took a couple of stops and some talking to myself to get there, but I did in great time. I did it in a short jean skirt, too, which was remarkable. It took me about 10 minutes less to get here by bike taking the trail (5 miles) than it does to get here by car (3 miles). Too much traffic on the roads.

[azfiddle]

I have been able to commute every Friday except on school picture day (last Friday). Feeling a little proud of myself. I've figured out how to wash my hair in the sink (science classroom, with rubber tubing) and finish getting presentable in the teacher's restroom (hair dryer, etc). It's getting a little faster, too, 14.3 mph today on the ride in (which is uphill).

[Melalvai]

Not too bad this morning. HOT this evening! Road construction is making life interesting (and not in a good way). I never know which route I'll be taking until I reach the bike path.
It is an inconvenience, but I like seeing alternate routes when I'm forced off the route I ALWAYS take. I don't know why I only do that when I have to!

[Melalvai]

I have been able to commute every Friday except on school picture day (last Friday). Feeling a little proud of myself. I've figured out how to wash my hair in the sink (science classroom, with rubber tubing) and finish getting presentable in the teacher's restroom (hair dryer, etc). It's getting a little faster, too, 14.3 mph today on the ride in (which is uphill).
That is inspiring, I love hearing the creative things people do to enable their commute. Every time someone says "I'd love to bike but--" I start telling them how people get so creative so they can bike. I'm sure this endears me to them...

[colorisnt]

Exactly! I have a bathroom, a way to change my clothes, and the rec center has a place to shower that also provides towels and stuff to wash with for a very low monthly fee.

No excuse not to ride there. Even when I didn't have all of that, I found a way around it!

[7rider]

So...the new bike is awesome, but I'm less than impressed with the SRAM shifting. :mad: I threw the chain outside the cranks 3 times on the ride in this morning. So, I head over to the LBS after work to have Pepper adjust my derailleur. He hates SRAM...made me promise when I replace the cassette, I get a Shimano. :cool: Mike, the owner, assures me that SRAM needs to "break in" and shifting will get better with use.
Any other viewpoints on SRAM?? It's my first experience with it, and frankly, I'm not impressed. :(
Afterward, I'm out in the parking lot (waiting for my Garmin to lock on to satellites), and I see an unusual site come up the hill towards me. It's my friend, Chandler, and he's on the most unusual contraption I have ever seen. It's a Ellipti-Go (http://www.elliptigo.com/) - an elliptical trainer + bike hybrid. :confused: Truly a bizarre contraption. He was giddy with it and has been using it as his commuter all week. He saw some folks out in Seattle doing the STP ride on them, struck up a conversation with them, investigated the product, and bought one. (Chandler is a big guy and has a habit of breaking bikes - he was hoping he could climb his hill to his house without breaking this....good luck to him!). He claims its great for "frustrated runners". He also has gotten more calls/yells/shouts from folks on his ride than ever. Mostly thumbs up and "that is the coolest thing EVER!" kind of comments. He's the first on in the State of Maryland with one, and was trying to convince Mike to be a distributor. Mike laughed at the thought, and Pepper told him to get that piece of crap out of the shop and don't ever bring it to him for service!!! (Pfunk12....you can imagine Pepper saying that, right??).
You never know what you'll see when you walk into my LBS. :rolleyes:

[tzvia]

So...the new bike is awesome, but I'm less than impressed with the SRAM shifting. :mad: I threw the chain outside the cranks 3 times on the ride in this morning. So, I head over to the LBS after work to have Pepper adjust my derailleur. He hates SRAM...made me promise when I replace the cassette, I get a Shimano. :cool: Mike, the owner, assures me that SRAM needs to "break in" and shifting will get better with use.
Any other viewpoints on SRAM?? It's my first experience with it, and frankly, I'm not impressed. :(


SRAM? Sure, have XO on my MTB and did not like it at first. The shifting, while functionally fine, just did not feel like the XT/XTR combo on my other MTB. Not as 'fast' feeling and not as crisp. But as I rode it more, I guess it broke in, because now I like it better than the XT/XTR setup. Only thing I don't like is the cassette. It is noisier than the Shimano cassette and I don't think it shifts as well. (My MTB setup has a Shimano XTR cassette btw.) My road bike came with Shimano shifters/derailleurs , but a SRAM cassette and I replaced that really fast with an Ultegra. Improved the rear shifting noticeably. However, whatever you are using, it should not throw the chain, that's an adjustment of the stop screws on the derailleur and is really easy to do. It's just a matter of limiting how far it goes at each end; not so far to swing the chain into the spokes or off the small cog; or jammed between the frame and crankset or flopping down off the crank. For all the in-between gears, the cable tension handles those. Nothing wrong with SRAM when properly adjusted.

[malkin]

Today's commute was great both ways!
Pretty much just misery between the rides though.

Where is that resume...

[pfunk12]

I can hear Mike laughing and can hear Pepper saying exactly that! With that wonderful smirk on his face. :D



He's the first on in the State of Maryland with one, and was trying to convince Mike to be a distributor. Mike laughed at the thought, and Pepper told him to get that piece of crap out of the shop and don't ever bring it to him for service!!! (Pfunk12....you can imagine Pepper saying that, right??). You never know what you'll see when you walk into my LBS. :rolleyes:

[blackhillsbiker]

Today's commute was great both ways!
Pretty much just misery between the rides though.

Where is that resume...
Ditto. Amen!

[JennK13]

Riding in was great - around 65 degrees, beautiful and clear Colorado skies.
And after my glowing report about how Denver is great about bikes, on my way home, on a street with a bike lane, in front of a "Share the Road" sign, some jerk yells out his window (after he's past me, of course) "You're not a car"! I yelled back "And you're not nice!" Of course he was too far away to hear.
Now there are some streets I refuse to drive on at any time of day, some I won't drive on during "rush hours", and some I can ride at any time. This was an any time street, one I ride almost every day I commute. It's a 30 mph speed limit, and almost all down hill from the highway - I routinely reach 25-30 mph on this particular stretch of road, and since it was rush hour, vehicle traffic was only moving at about 25. It's a two lane street, and I'm in the bike lane except at intersections where I move over into the line of stopped traffic (at my place in line - I don't race by the cars to the front) so cars turning right can go into the right turn only lane without worry, when the light turns green, I start going with traffic and move back into the bike lane when it appears again on the other side of the intersection - I am ALWAYS going the speed of traffic (or faster in the bike lane) because it IS rush hour and the cars can only go so fast.
There is one place I have to make a left turn - there is one lane going straight and two left turn lanes. I was coming up to the intersection, the light was red, so cars were slowing; the car behind me was WAY behind me not giving any indication to pass me since the traffic ahead was stopped. So I signaled and took my place in the left turn lane. The lanes are kind of long before the intersection, and as I started up the lane, the signal turned green so the cars going straight started going. I am NOWHERE in the through traffic lane, and since there are two left turn lanes, I'm not hindering any traffic behind me - the other cars just went into the far left turn lane. As I got to the intersection, it was clear (it's not a protected left so you can go any time if clear), so I proceeded to turn left with the cars in the other turn lane also going. The "yell" came from some jerkwad going STRAIGHT! I was nowhere near him, nor was I slowing traffic down. In fact, since the majority of the cars were going straight and only had one lane, me and my bike along with the other left turning vehicles were all going faster than then through traffic. Maybe he was ticked that I was passing him on a bike while he sat in traffic. Not like I wasn't in that same taffic all the way up to that intersection. Just a total hater!

[HillSlugger]

Today was my first bike commute since my crash back on August 5th. I can't believe how much morning light we lost over these weeks! I had to break out the lights again :(

Uneventful rides each way but I had little zip in my legs and the ride home was possibly my slowest ever.

[Groundhog]

Today was my first bike commute since my crash back on August 5th. I can't believe how much morning light we lost over these weeks! I had to break out the lights again :(

Uneventful rides each way but I had little zip in my legs and the ride home was possibly my slowest ever.

That's great that you're back riding! And you cant possibly be slower than I am. But I'm sure you'll be back up to your speed in no time!

[Groundhog]

Afterward, I'm out in the parking lot (waiting for my Garmin to lock on to satellites), and I see an unusual site come up the hill towards me. It's my friend, Chandler, and he's on the most unusual contraption I have ever seen. It's a Ellipti-Go (http://www.elliptigo.com/) - an elliptical trainer + bike hybrid. :confused: Truly a bizarre contraption. He was giddy with it and has been using it as his commuter all week. He saw some folks out in Seattle doing the STP ride on them, struck up a conversation with them, investigated the product, and bought one. (Chandler is a big guy and has a habit of breaking bikes - he was hoping he could climb his hill to his house without breaking this....good luck to him!). He claims its great for "frustrated runners". He also has gotten more calls/yells/shouts from folks on his ride than ever. Mostly thumbs up and "that is the coolest thing EVER!" kind of comments.

I saw one of these on my last commute home, which is on the Burke-Gilman trail (MUP). I laughed out loud! Looked cool! On that commute, I saw bikers, skaters, that thing, recumbants, walkers, joggers and a uni-cycle! Plus a recumbant that is all-enclosed in a plastic pod-like thing. About all the ways human beings can propel themselves!

[blackhillsbiker]

I didn't commute this morning because of very high winds. They calmed down by this evening, so I rode my bike to knit night. :) Had to break out my lights for the ride home. The first dark ride since last winter. It was a nice evening. :)

Deb

[lph]

Nothing special on my latest commutes, just the usual tiny city riding situations. The usual hordes of dedicated commuters have settled down a little and stopped trying to kill themselves now that the Big Bike Race is over.

Everybody wants to pass me now that I have a rack on my mtb commuter. It's still the same bike with the same engine though. I had one morning where I started counting people I pass and people who passed me - bad idea, I got way too het up :p

A roadie who seemed quite bemused that I came up to say hi and thanks after having drafted on him for a while. Many more road bikes out, actually, and old ones too, looks like people have been digging them out from attics and garages and finding out that they're better than mtbs for summer commuting.

One woman on a real upright city cruiser, with handlebars so astonishingly high that when she stood up to pedal up a hill she almost fell over. To each their own, but that didn't look very comfortable to me.

Went through the centre of town yesterday, following one jerk with a fear of putting his foot down, who consistently weaved through crossing pedestrians and ran 3 red lights in a row, right through traffic. I was feeling righteous and muttered loudly about it, the polite young woman behind me agreed. This guy just ignored the whole concept and zigzagged through like a squirrel.

Our bike parking at work is overflowing. We're about 300 employees, we have 70 or so spaces, and there were over 90 bikes there the other day! And two of my closest co-workers, sturdy guys both, have started biking regularly. One of them has lost 17 kg since spring, the other has just started. I feel happy for and a bit proud of them :)

[redrhodie]

I had good commutes this week, even with record breaking heat. One thing to remember when it's over 90º out, bring a water bottle. :rolleyes: I knew I was forgetting something. Luckily, it's only 10 miles to the lbs.

Guess I punctured last night, because my front tire is now flat. Glad I didn't have to change it on the road, because I was in a hurry to make an appointment. I hope the ones who throw the bottles onto the roads get it back at them somehow.

Off today. Rode my other bike this morning, out early before Hurricane Earl.

[blackhillsbiker]

We had a nice cold front go through. This morning was the coldest it has been since early spring. It was cool this evening. Great riding weather.

Deb

[malkin]

Maybe it's just the work irritation leaking out, but I blurted out "Stupid!" at a rider who crossed the street against a red light into oncoming left turn traffic (that had a left arrow) I was one of the left turners who had to wait for her to get out of the way.

Later another cyclist blew through a 4-way stop rattling me and the auto traffic. I called him another name, one that questioned the circumstances of his birth. One of the drivers heard me and smiled and waved.

I need to formulate a simple statement that will convey the idea that "Ignoring traffic conventions endangers us all" but only contains 2 or 3 syllables.

[bunny_ninja]

HAHAHHAHAH! LOVE it! LOVE it!
I fully support your work with the English language. :D


Maybe it's just the work irritation leaking out, but I blurted out "Stupid!" at a rider who crossed the street against a red light into oncoming left turn traffic (that had a left arrow) I was one of the left turners who had to wait for her to get out of the way.

Later another cyclist blew through a 4-way stop rattling me and the auto traffic. I called him another name, one that questioned the circumstances of his birth. One of the drivers heard me and smiled and waved.

I need to formulate a simple statement that will convey the idea that "Ignoring traffic conventions endangers us all" but only contains 2 or 3 syllables.

[redrhodie]

I need to formulate a simple statement that will convey the idea that "Ignoring traffic conventions endangers us all" but only contains 2 or 3 syllables.

I don't think there's one thing you can say that will work universally, but you can say "use your turn signal" or "pay attention" or "3 ft please".

Not quite as satisfying, perhaps, as calling someone a ^%$#@, but maybe better in the long run.

[bunny_ninja]

btw - my universal, that I do say, not that loudly is

'Dou**eb*g'

It fits everything, but the problem is that it doesn't convey the error. If you can find short terms, especially without cussing, that convey the error -- I would be ever so grateful :D

[colorisnt]

I had a GREAT ride in today. Best hill climbing ever. As a newbie I am always learning. I went on a ride with some more accomplished riders in town and one named Bob explained that I was having a TON of issues getting up hill because I wasn't even getting to my smaller gear. I had a great lesson and am finally getting good at these hills. Got there in under 20 minutes. Not bad for 5 miles with hills.

Coming back, I had issues with cars. Stupid undergrads who just want to get home! Learn to drive! Killing a cyclist DEFINITELY won't get you there faster.

I had a guy pull out right in front of me. I swerved and was able to avoid him, but he just FLEW out of a congested parking lot without looking. We were stopped in a LONG line of traffic, so I walked up and waved at him. He rolled down the window and I politely explained that you need to look both ways before pulling out and that he could have killed or seriously injured me.

He said he figured he would be able to get out then and only then and he didn't think about a cyclist being there.

So, I count that as good. Not getting angry probably scared someone and will make them look next time (I hope).

Going home was fast but hot. Oye. I did a good job of navigating and picking the best route. So much better now that I can hill climb. and I will stop if necessary to take some water and slow my breathing down because my asthma can be a real issue if I don't control it, but I am doing much, much better.

[tzvia]

I need to formulate a simple statement that will convey the idea that "Ignoring traffic conventions endangers us all" but only contains 2 or 3 syllables.

I use "Yep, bottom of the gene pool." No, it does not contain 2 or 3 syllables or have anything to do with bike safety, but it's how I feel about jerks, in cars or on bikes. So I just yell that out.

I had my first cool weather commute in several months. Even though we have had our mildest summer in ages, it was still in the 90s for most rides home (and a few times, at 100f or above). Today it was a glorious 70f to 72f with overcast skys. A bit muggy, but not hot so was quite nice. Temps are expected to rise though, back into the 90s in time for the weekend.

[blackhillsbiker]

My bike was in the shop today for a different rack and fenders. He also swapped out my derailleur. I like the upgrades, but now the chain rubs. I tried to adjust it. No dice. I guess she goes back again tomorrow. I'll have to commute on the MTB for another day.

Deb

[indigoiis]

I'm finally back on my bike today! It's been eleven weeks. I broke my ankle mountain biking on June 21st, and today was my first commute in from the park and ride to the city - 15 miles. My kid came with us so we kept the pace low-key. It was awesome! I get to ride home, too!

[Crankin]

Nice job, Indi! You get to ride at the best time of year.

[lo123]

I did my first bike commute (since I was a kid at least :D) this morning. 6.5 miles or so, and it went great. I left before dawn to avoid busy roads, and it was awesome.

I'm hoping the ride home (much busier, so I'm going to be doing some weirdness to be safe) will be just as good.

[HillSlugger]

I installed new tires on my commuter over the weekend and did my first commute on them yesterday. The bike in was uneventful. After work I got the bike all loaded up with my Garmin, panniers, etc and was about to push off and go when I realized my back tire was flat. So, took everything back off the bike so I could turn it over, removed the wheel, and replaced the tube (looks like I probably pinched it when I was removing the old tire). First time using CO2 with these tires so I was afraid to overinflate them (max ~80psi) and ended up stopping too early and riding home with an underinflated tire...into a strongish headwind. :eek: It was a slow ride home. I'm pretty amazed I made it in without going flat.

[redrhodie]

I'm finally back on my bike today! It's been eleven weeks. I broke my ankle mountain biking on June 21st, and today was my first commute in from the park and ride to the city - 15 miles. My kid came with us so we kept the pace low-key. It was awesome! I get to ride home, too!

Yay! That's great news. What a beautiful day to ride, too.

My commutes were so nice. Summer traffic has definitely died down. I wore knickers and long sleeves. Fall is in the air!

[getting there]

Wow! Eleven weeks. Congrats on being back on your bike! I have been feeling sorry for myself because the Dr. told me 2 weeks with no biking (I crashed during my commute Thurs). Two weeks will seem like a breeze! I will just have to bike vicariously through this thread! I may be sprained & bruised, but I'm not broken!

[WindingRoad]

I really kinda wish my commute was longer now but it is nice being able to get to school in 18 minutes. It's a hilly route so that counts for something right? Some douche bag on a BIKE no less buzzed by me this evening! No call out of any kind just all the sudden I hear another crank straining besides my own right next to me. That's just plain rude! Some dude on a road bike, go figure. Maybe he just couldn't pass up the opportunity to show up a girl riding a 40 Lb commuter bike climbing a hill on his nice light road bike, wow impressive. :rolleyes: Sometimes I just wanna slap people ya' know! :eek:

[redrhodie]

One of those days today. I got up early, planning to do my 20 mile commute route. Got in the car to drive to the park and ride, and my brake light is on. I decide to pass the park and ride and drive right to the mechanic, which is only 5 miles from work. I ended up doing a 12 mile loop in the morning, but only the 5 miles to the shop after work, so my total for the day was less than half what I wanted to ride.

and it turns out the car needs $700 worth of brake work. Ugh. I hate cars.

[Crankin]

With my new schedule, I get to go out and ride at the time I used to be commuting. I so love getting up early and riding in the dark, watching the sun come up, and then going to work later.
I wish I could ride to my internship, but, it's not going to happen for lots of reasons. But, I think that my years of commuting have helped me love being out at this time. I was thinking about how much my tolerance for stuff has changed over the last ten years; this morning it was 46 out and it felt perfect (maybe I've just bought so many cycling clothes I am finally comfortable) and I almost prefer being out in the dark with my light, with hardly any cars.

[Melalvai]

I put my downlow glow on since the sun is not up yet in the mornings. I saw one other cyclists out that early, he had lights on too but he really stared at my downlow glow like a lovestruck teenager!

[Biciclista]

got caught in the rain going home. I believed the weather forecast so I got wet. A mile from home, I got a rear flat tire. I walked home with the bike, got very wet. Longest commute time of the year....

[malkin]

Allergies made it hard to breathe. Drove the car.
I like seeing cyclists who ride like vehicles, but I saw many more who rode like idiots.

[redrhodie]

Did basically the same commute from the car mechanic to work that I did the other day. It was wet, and never reached the forecast temp, so I was little cold. I rode hard to keep warm, and it was fun to go all out.

Funny how driving closer to work and riding a shorter route didn't get me there any earlier. At least my car is fixed.

[blackhillsbiker]

Cool this morning. Cold and windy this evening. I got some new tires on the 29er so I rode it today. I'm not sure they'll be great for mountain biking, but they sure are fun in town! Did a bit of a ride with DH after work. I got off early and he doesn't work on Fridays.

Deb

[7rider]

Good grief. Was gunning for a green light this afternoon, watching the crosswalk timer count down for peds with the light. A woman - pushing a baby stroller - came RUNNING out in front of me -- crossing against the light!! I slammed on my brakes, swerved, and yelled out to her. She pulled up and I passed through my green light. Thankfully, I wasn't in a car, or someone might have gotten hit. Geez, it's bad enough that peds completely ignore the crosswalks around here. But to throw your baby in harm's way like that. It makes my blood cold.

[blackhillsbiker]

Worked late and didn't have my headlight on the bike. Rode home in the near dark and almost got wiped out by Mr. "Look, Ma, No Hands" Guy. I've never seen him use his handlebars. I wish he would look where he is going. I think I need to find my light charger.

Deb

[kiwi girl]

The bike is feeling much better to ride after some much needed maintenance (brake adjustments and pumping up the tyres). Much of central city Christchurch is starting to get back to normal - but I still need to take a couple of detours around the few cordons remaining in place after the earthquake. The days have also got noticeably lighter during the two weeks I had to work from home - didn't need the lights in either direction today.

[Tri Girl]

Rode to work today for the first time in... sahfdljafdklfhd (mumbling because it's been WAY too long). ;)
Had a great dark commute in. I can't wait to ride home and stop by the grocery store for some apples. Yum! :)

[blackhillsbiker]

Rode to the LBS that moved to a very difficult-to-bike-to location for the Women's Wrenching Class, only to be told it had been postponed and nobody had let anyone know. Grrr. Not only are they nowhere near the bike path, but they are on one of the most dangerous corners in town. My whole day has been frustrating. This just was the icing on the cake.

Deb

[Melalvai]

I had to be in early for the rats, and I got my downlow glow on. It is beautiful. I did not have room for my rain pants, because I had put my basket on my daughter's bike so she could bike to school, since the car is going to the shop today. Her backpack is so heavy it's hard to bike wearing it, and it's even heavier right now because she has a lot of homework to make up from the 2 days she was sick.

When she called frantically just as we were finished with the rats, because her chain had come off and she couldn't get it back on, it was raining. I raced across town to catch up with her, fixed her bike, and accompanied her the rest of the way to school to sign her in since she was late by then.

I feel pretty bad that she has to bike to school in the rain while she's still getting over a cold. :(

It was getting late but I thought I might still get a short swim in. But even the indoor pool closes when there's thunder. Something about it not being grounded.

Back at work I changed into a dry shirt but my pants were cold and wet. I cursed my foolishness at not having brought and worn my expensive and highly effective goretex rain pants. But within an hour they had dried enough that rain drops showed up on them when I walked across campus.

Now I'm waiting to hear back on what is wrong with the car and how much it will cost, and I will bring the rain pants tomorrow, therefore it will NOT rain because this goretex stuff is magical that way!

[redrhodie]

I got a flat a few miles from the end of my evening commute. It was one of those where the tire is just suddenly dead flat, nothing gradual about it. So, I changed the tube, and am about to pump with CO2 when a lady pulls up in a car to see if I need help. I thank her, and tell her I have everything I need. Well, oops, I didn't know my tube would pop out of the tire when I was filling it. Good thing I had another cartridge. I deflate and check to make sure it's well seated, and I don't see anything weird, so I use the other CO2. Oops again! Same thing, the tube popped out of the tire opposite the valve.

That was my last cartridge :o. Before I start my 3 mile walk, I decide to call my mechanic to see what I did wrong. He figured it out, and offered to come get me (with a tube, cartridge, or ride to my car), since they were closing, and I was on his way home. Aren't my lbs guys the best?!

I said yes, and while I waited (walking my bike) a man pulled up and offered me a ride, which I declined. I'll only do that if there's no other alternative. Then another man pulled up, and offered me a pump, which he had in his trunk! This I accepted. He even pumped it for me! I rode the rest of my ride, and called my shop guy to say I was okay.

I feel so human! Days like this make me see how good people can be. It's nice.

[malkin]

Wow!
You're so Popular!


Rode early, really nice to go before the sun was glaring over the hills.

Rode home late, rode like a fiend to break away from some of the bad stuff at work. It was clouding up and almost starting to rain. Wonderful.

[Tri Girl]

wow, Red- that's quite a ride home. What a GREAT LBS guy!!!

[lph]

Wow, Red, I want your lbs! :D

[redrhodie]

wow, Red- that's quite a ride home. What a GREAT LBS guy!!!

I know! I need to do some baking. It's been a while since I brought them anything, and they're due for several reasons.

I'm still high from the kindness of strangers. I know this is how it's supposed to be, but it still amazes me that anyone would stop to help, never mind 3 people in just a few minutes. It's nice to be reminded that not all car drivers view us negatively. I suspect they were all cyclists. The man who pumped my tire told me about having 3 flats in one day while doing the MS150.

[MyRubyE]

Wow Red, so great to hear that there are nice people out there. I have yet to get a flat tire and I dread the day it happens. I somehow always forget my bike pump. I carry the spare tube though :)

[redrhodie]

Wow Red, so great to hear that there are nice people out there. I have yet to get a flat tire and I dread the day it happens. I somehow always forget my bike pump. I carry the spare tube though :)

Oh, don't dread it! Flats are fun. Even when it doesn't go according to plan, it's an adventure. As long as you have a cell phone and can call for help, you're golden.

[laura*]

Friday I needed to buy a cheap item from a store far away. I could get most of the way there via the public transit systems of two counties - but I was too cheap to pay to ride a third county's public transit. Or maybe it was a temperature well above 80F, as I like it. Or the long, flat, straight, wide roads passing endless light industrial complexes. So I brought my nearly new Dahon folder and rode a 26 mile loop to the afore mentioned store.

On the way back I was zooming along on a barely perceptible downgrade with a slight tailwind. I was just about to slow down and relax a bit. Then the greyhound in me saw a rabbit about a quarter mile ahead and gave chase. In reality it was more of a tortoise - a guy on a mountain bike riding very slowly. In no time at all, I flew passed him.

Soon thereafter, I saw a red light up ahead. I coasted a long ways and then stopped at the intersection. Two seconds later, I heard another bike stop next to me. It wasn't who I expected - instead it was a guy on a road bike. Mr Roadie said he had been riding at 28 MPH to catch up with me! :eek: (Before the light changed, Mountain Man rolled up - he must have picked up the pace after being "chicked" and "roadied".)

Mr Roadie and I road in tandem for a mile or two and chatted. I discovered that my nice sustainable pace is around 18 to 20 MPH. On the folder. :cool:

(Note to self: Get a computer for the Dahon!)

[lph]

:-D hehe, nice going on a folder!

[Melalvai]

Well, I got out of bed today and got on my bike, just a short ride to work and back, but it was a major achievement. I think I can announce that the germs are on the retreat. However if my daughter's persistent cough is any indication, the germs won't give it up easily and I have at least another week of coughing ahead of me. Husband is coming down with it now. So's my sister's boyfriend--400 miles away. She asked how we managed that and I said "A really big sneeze and a strong wind?"

[Biciclista]

taking 2 weeks off from Commuting, will be overseas. hang in there you guys

[IFjane]

Have a wonderful trip, Mimi!

[blackhillsbiker]

Too hot for this time of year! The ride home was a bit cooler than this morning (the opposite of the usual temps). My LBS switched out the crank on my Dew. I'm liking how it felt. :)

Deb

[malkin]

Too headachy to ride the last two mornings.
:(

[redrhodie]

I know it's Saturday, but I worked and commuted. One of the main reasons I work a lot on weekends is so I can ride with less car traffic, which was actually just as busy as a weekday after work, with lots of people heading to the beach since there was big surf. No problems, though. Great commutes in both directions, and I stopped at the lbs in the morning and got Puddin' some new shoes (tires to you and me ;)). The sun was really intense, and I was wishing I had a visor. It's that time of year again.

[radacrider]

Not really a report on my commute today. I actually have not been on the bike much at all this year (not sure why), but maybe like 5 times (includes a few of our Portland Sunday Parkways rides).

Anyway, a local organization puts on a Bike Commute Challenge for the month of September. About mid-month, the team captain for our work asked if I could do just one ride to help with their percentages. I should note, my commute would be 30 miles round trip and about 600' elevation gain each way.

Have to say, it was challenging, but I actually did 3 commutes for 90 miles in a 7 day stretch. It was great, though, and was just the extra push to get me on the bike. Poor legs, were pretty tired, but emotionally I was feeling pretty good. Had the timing down to 1hr 15min each way.

I wrote this summary to our team captain:
So as I drove in to work this morning, and a bit before, I reflected on my bike commuting contribution. 15 miles each way, 30 miles per day roundtrip.

* Hard? Yes. But I expected it to be hard since I have, basically, not done any riding, except for a few Sunday Parkways and a couple of under 10 mile roundtrip errands.

* Hate? Yes, still don’t like the Barbur/Tigard hill, but, slow and steady and I did get up and over it 6 times. 3500+ ft of elevation gain for my 3 day total.

* Time? I realized that I do not have a sense of time or how long it is taking that I do when I am driving. When driving, my speed and progress are totally at the mercy of everyone else on the road. When I am biking, save for lights and things, I am only at the mercy of my own conditioning. I do not feel controlled in a stop and go environment.

* Ego? Yes, boosted. Again, given my training foundation, I done okay.

[Melalvai]

What a great story! I hope you have many more commutes. That is a good distance, I can see why you might not do it daily but 3 times in one week is great.

[radacrider]

Thanks, Melalvai. I am thinking of trying to do maybe 1 per week. The good news is that in December, our corporate office is moving to downtown Portland, so my commute will be 6 miles 1 way. I am planning to primarily bike.

[tangentgirl]

Got up, jumped out of bed with determination to ride to work today! Put on my bike clothes, got me some coffee & breakfast, went to my bike and - flat tire! No problem! Fixed the flat, opened the garage, started to ride out and found some strange substance seemingly coming from the sky? Wha? Is that rain? Surely just a little mist, I said, headed down the block, got around the corner and realized, nope, my glasses are covered with raindrops and I can't see without a windshield wiper. Came home, got dressed, jumped in the car, drove in. Boo. Rain through Wednesday.

[kiwi girl]

I came off my bike on the way home tonight.

Got my wheel caught in the tram tracks and just tipped over. I have a hole in my riding tights and a bit of a bruise but no real harm done. Except I came off directly across the road from my 'local'. If anybody saw me my pride will be the thing most hurt when I next go in for a drink on Friday night.

I generally avoid the square on the bike because of the tram tracks and because of the number of buses - particularly in the evening commute - but my regular route home is still cordoned off because of the severe damage to this building in the earthquake - just my luck to be affected by one of the very few road closures still in place

12006

[e.e.cummings]

I have not posted in a while, I have just been doing my commute quietly every day. Then I received a birthday email from Team Estrogen and felt all warm and fuzzy! Thanks, TE!

My commute last week was the soggiest week so far - it rained EVERY day, sometimes it came down in sheets. It felt like the tail end of a hurricane. All the rain gear was out, the full nine yards - a person from work joked that even riding home, I was probably going to be drier than they would be walking to the metro with their umbrella. I don't mind rain that much when it is warmer. I even wore my sandals, it was mild enough for that. The nice thing is that the bike path is virtually abandoned when the weather is like that. The bad thing is that the rain and wind brings down more sticks and leaves on the path, it can get slippery.

The skies opened up this week, but I could feel the seasons click - have put away the sandals and shorts and am wearing shoes and longer pants. Must enjoy what is good about this season - cooler weather for riding and beautiful fall colours.

[Duck on Wheels]

Am camping in my sister(Trek420)'s spare room while on sabbatical in CA. Just a few more days of this visit, then back to Norway for 2 weeks. Today we biked to BART. I borrowed SIL's lovely rescued Giant (aka Cedar), now safely parked at BART's free valet parking. About to head home early today. Trek gets off early and will show me the reverse route home from BART (didn't have time this morning to stop and memorize how things would look on the way back). Next visit I'll have my own old Trek (aka Big Red) down from Sonoma, so should be doing lots of bike commuting this coming year.

[7rider]

So, I decided NOT to attend my Tuesday evening circuit class at the gym. I was just feeling ... blah. Not feeling the love.
While leaving the locker room, heading for my bike, I ran into a friend of mine - my old commuting partner who doesn't ride anymore since his near-fatal accident two and a half years ago. We chatted. He asked me if I was on my new bike (http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z85/7rider/IMG_1536.jpg). I was. He wanted to see it, so we walked down to the lower parking level to the lockers, where my bike is parked. (Terry doesn't ride anymore, but he'll talk non-stop about getting this bike or that bike.)
While down there, 4 biking friends showed up to get their bikes. It was a regular biker party at the lockers! They were all groovin' on my bike's fish stickers (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFR_003.html) and the team (http://www.noaacycling.org/)sticker.
Twenty minutes of test rides, catching up, different ways to utterly geek out the bike (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001ASY3JU/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=3403201&s=cycling)and the body (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/2894N,01,_Carhartt-High-Visibility-Class-2-Vest-For-Men.html). It was pretty funny. I left feeling much better for blowing off my circuit class!

[Melalvai]

I've got early morning rats every day this week, so I get to ride with the downlow glow. It's like a warm orange glow of pride. There was a streak of pink across the sky, and the crescent moon was really bright, I could see the entire moon in fact. It's rough to get up so early again, but it's awfully pretty.

[Tri Girl]

FINALLY dragged my butt outta bed this morning to commute. Don't know why, but I've really been needing that extra hour of sleep the last couple weeks. Today was International Bike and Walk to School Day in the USA so we had a big thing at our school with the kids. Over 200 walked or rode their bikes to school (FAR more than the 20 or so that do it daily). Was exciting and gave away some gift cards, reflective backpacks and blinky lights in a raffle.

[Melalvai]

Today was International Bike and Walk to School Day in the USA so we had a big thing at our school with the kids.
I didn't realize that was today. I'm glad my daughter happened to bike to school today! It was beautiful weather for it. Maybe next year I'll suggest that the school observe the day.

My new basket came today. It is ENORMOUS. I gave my old one to my daughter (her backpack is so heavy, it was uncomfortable to wear it on the bike). My old one, when I got the packing slip, was labeled "basket, huge". If it was huge, the new one is IMMENSE! It's actually designed to hang from the front handlebar, but I took a chance that I'd be able to attach it to my rear rack when I ordered it. I had no problems attaching it.

It is pretty heavy, but I've got it attached with bungies, so I can swap it out for the little trunk when I want a lightweight ride on the weekend.

I'll have no trouble getting my swim bag, work clothes, and lunch to work. If I want to bring an extra book, or run as well as swim, I can do that too, no problem! I think there's room for a small family in there. Anyone want a ride to work? ;)
http://www.kemenel.org/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=730&g2_serialNumber=1

[HillSlugger]

I dropped my car at U-Haul to get a hitch installed and then biked it from there to work. Didn't bother with a bike computer or anything but it was only around 2 miles round trip.

[Tri Girl]

I didn't realize that was today. I'm glad my daughter happened to bike to school today! It was beautiful weather for it. Maybe next year I'll suggest that the school observe the day.


I had to beg and barter and practically get on my knees to get my principal to let me do it with the kids. Sadly, we are such a litigious society, she was terribly afraid that someone would get hit or hurt and sue the school. 97% of our kids are dropped off by parents (we are a Parochial so no buses for the kids). Most kids don't live close enough to walk or bike, but we had a TON whose parents dropped them off at the end of the block and they walked the block to school. I was thrilled. One kiddo rode his bike 5 miles by himself (a 3rd grader). I was SOOOO pleased with him! Yippee!!

Good job to your daughter (she bikes most days, doesn't she?).

[redrhodie]

The weathermen were so wrong today. They said sun, and it rained the whole way to work. It was also really windy, and I should have had on a visor to keep the rain off my glasses, but since I was dressed for sun...I still did my long route.

Met up with Indigoiis and Maidei this evening. Maidei's with me now. She seems a little tired from her commute to Prov this morning. Good thing we have tomorrow off.

[girlsubobscura]

Today was a gorgoeus Indian Summer day, so I invented errands to do on the other side of town so I could add an extra 5 miles to the commute home. Unfortunately, the drivers on the other side of town seem to be bigger jerks, and for the first time ever, someone tried to run me off the road, pulling up right next to me and then laying on the horn as they drove further to the right into my space. I honestly would have reported them to the police if the sun hadn't prevented me from noting their full license plate before they sped off. The rest of the drive was unevetful, but I was glad of teh newly striped bike lanes on the route home with a gallon of milk and various other sundries.

[7rider]

Why are school bus drivers complete idiots? :confused:
Just about every morning now that school is open (we must have the same schedule), this same ding dong insists on passing me - across a double yellow line on a curve with oncoming traffic. This, mind you, is while I am doing 20 mph on a road that has a speed limit of 25 mph, with speed humps, to boot. :mad:
Ya know...I don't mind that most insist on passing me so they can exceed the speed limit (b/c it's pretty obvious that the speed at which most pass me, they're going well above 25). But can you please do me the courtesy of waiting until (a) the road straightens out a bit, or (b) opposing traffic is clear?
Geez, Louise.

[malkin]

Nice cool ride both ways in sprinkles.
Since we'll be cycling in Germany this spring, I'd better get used to it.

New mantra: must not quit job (at least until after Germany) must not quit job

[colorisnt]

7,

I almost was hit by a bus today, too. Left around 8 to go to teach. Got to the end of the drive and turn because no one is coming. Bus BLOWS through a stop sign. I avoided it by using my breaks (extra weight in the panniers helped thanks to both a paper I am writing and a stats book).

Other than that, my commute was AWESOME. The only thing that pisses me off if the fact that they put in a concrete divider in the road I am used to crossing. Grrrr. I now have to do the sidewalk thing and cross through a parking lot, but I am okay with that if it means I cut 10 minutes off my commute. Two panniers again was AWESOME!

My ride home with my added lights was AWESOME. The Serfas headlight makes me feel much safer and I can just clip it off to take it with me so no one on campus steals it. same with the gummy light on the back. Plus, the trunk bag makes a great lunch bag!

[Melalvai]

I almost was hit by a bus today, too. Left around 8 to go to teach. Got to the end of the drive and turn because no one is coming. Bus BLOWS through a stop sign. I avoided it by using my breaks (extra weight in the panniers helped thanks to both a paper I am writing and a stats book).
Exciting! A great opportunity to use that quick-stop they teach us, where you stand up slightly and push your butt back over your seat, to put more weight on your back wheel. That's funny that your paper & stats book helped.


Other than that, my commute was AWESOME. The only thing that pisses me off if the fact that they put in a concrete divider in the road I am used to crossing. Grrrr. I now have to do the sidewalk thing and cross through a parking lot, but I am okay with that if it means I cut 10 minutes off my commute. Two panniers again was AWESOME!
What road is that?

On my commute home tonight, I learned something interesting. I started a new job this summer at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and I heard that osteopathic treatment can help TMJ. (I saw a lot of research posters on it too and it was pretty convincing.) I got manipulated this afternoon. My jaw feels so much looser. But the funny thing was, when I was biking home, I looked down for a moment and something was different. After a moment I figured out--it didn't hurt my neck to look down. I could even touch my chin to my chest and it didn't hurt. What was even funnier is I had never realized that that hurt, until it didn't.

I'm sold!

[radacrider]

Pretty good commute, (#6 for the year :D). Dry which was good, kinda rained all weekend so was hoping for some dry. Cool, though, left without my fleece gloves so hands were a little chilled. Used my SUB and felt stronger in general than previous ones, did not have to go into my granny gear as much.

{30 miles round trip, 1-1/4 hrs each way, much prefer the 7 mile downhill going home, than the 7 mile climb going to work}:p

[Melalvai]

I've been commuting long enough that it's been a while since I had a challenging commute. Today was a challenging commute. Yesterday I developed a UTI, and I couldn't get the antibiotics until today. In the meantime I used pyridiate (the stuff that turns your pee orange). This morning when I got up super early to go do the rats, I forgot that taking pyridiate on an empty stomach makes me nauseous.

It was a real struggle to bike to work without throwing up.

And then the nausea cleared up and an uber migraine hit which won't go away. This is the longest and 2nd worst migraine I've ever had. My migraines come with an aura, meaning I lose my vision. So I did not bike home but called for a ride. While it's fun to close my eyes and ride a little ways, I did not want to truly take on the challenge of riding blind!

[redrhodie]

I've been commuting long enough that it's been a while since I had a challenging commute. Today was a challenging commute. Yesterday I developed a UTI, and I couldn't get the antibiotics until today. In the meantime I used pyridiate (the stuff that turns your pee orange). This morning when I got up super early to go do the rats, I forgot that taking pyridiate on an empty stomach makes me nauseous.

It was a real struggle to bike to work without throwing up.

And then the nausea cleared up and an uber migraine hit which won't go away. This is the longest and 2nd worst migraine I've ever had. My migraines come with an aura, meaning I lose my vision. So I did not bike home but called for a ride. While it's fun to close my eyes and ride a little ways, I did not want to truly take on the challenge of riding blind!


That sounds like an awful commute! My worst bike ride ever was when I had a migraine, and it was a really, really low level one. I can't imagine riding with an aura. Hugs to you, and I hope you feel better already!

[malkin]

oooh ow. Sorry about the migraine.
One time (and only one time) I rode as stoker on the tandem while coming on to a migraine. I felt nauseous and kept dodging imaginary things that were flying at me. Horrible.

Today's commute was cold, pleasant, uneventful. Work was even ok. All the cats were away and it was pretty nice for us mice.

[lph]

Oicks. I've planned a detour commute today, riding in the wrong direction for half an hour before joining up with two colleagues to follow the river down towards town. So I'm up early - it's pitch black out and I have no front lights. Baaad planning. Gotta go find a blinky.

[colorisnt]

Exciting! A great opportunity to use that quick-stop they teach us, where you stand up slightly and push your butt back over your seat, to put more weight on your back wheel. That's funny that your paper & stats book helped.


What road is that?

On my commute home tonight, I learned something interesting. I started a new job this summer at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and I heard that osteopathic treatment can help TMJ. (I saw a lot of research posters on it too and it was pretty convincing.) I got manipulated this afternoon. My jaw feels so much looser. But the funny thing was, when I was biking home, I looked down for a moment and something was different. After a moment I figured out--it didn't hurt my neck to look down. I could even touch my chin to my chest and it didn't hurt. What was even funnier is I had never realized that that hurt, until it didn't.

I'm sold!

Its green meadows where it meets providence. Tmj is something my gp here is suggesting I look into.

[Melalvai]

Its green meadows where it meets providence. Tmj is something my gp here is suggesting I look into.
I was always surprised that intersection didn't have concrete barriers since all the other Providence intersections do. Kind of ruins that side road (Old Rt K is what it's called I think) which is otherwise a perfect alternative to Providence. I wonder if we could get them to cut a pathway through the concrete. It would keep cars from going straight there but allow bikes & wheelchairs access.

[lph]

Its green meadows where it meets providence.

This sounds like the lyrics to a Johnny Cash song :p

[Biciclista]

expected it to be much colder, so i was dressed too warm. Then tonight I will carry my heavy stuff back up the hill.

I'm back!

[malkin]

Welcome back!

[7rider]

Yes, welcome back, Mimi. I hope you had a good trip.

DH finished work early, and came into town to meet me to ride home with me this afternoon. Was nice to have company, and a fast wheel to ride going home! :p
Coming into our neighborhood, you go in one block to a stop sign, take a left, and we're a few streets in on the right. Everyone pretty much ignores the stop sign - motorists and cyclists alike - because the street off to the right is a dead end and rarely has cars coming out of it. Traffic from the left nearly always turns right at the street you're on, so folks just roll it. I usually roll it on my bike. I was telling DH that yesterday, I actually had to stop, because there was a car coming from my right, taking a left onto the street I was on. So, I stopped and put a foot down and waited. Meanwhile, a woman in a minivan came up behind me and tooted. It was strange, I told DH. It was the first time I ever got tooted at for NOT running a stop sign! :confused::eek:

[redrhodie]

expected it to be much colder, so i was dressed too warm. Then tonight I will carry my heavy stuff back up the hill.

I'm back!

We're opposite twins. I was cold. Luckily, my new Ibex ribbed hoodie (on clearance) and Bo Peep hat arrived at my lbs, so I put them on for the last bit of my ride. Then I was too warm, but it was okay because the hoodie might be my favorite Ibex piece. Something about it is so perfect for me. The longer sleeve length and slack cut make it really comfy for work at the bench. The hat is totally cute, too, and fits nicely under a helmet.

Stopped at the lbs again on my way home to pick up some cod a fisherman friend left there for me. I feel like I've gone through some kind of New England cyclist's rite of passage, riding with cod. I suspect it was not the first fish from these waters to ride a bicycle. And they say fish don't need bikes. ;)

[mudmucker]

Stopped at the lbs again on my way home to pick up some cod a fisherman friend left there for me. I feel like I've gone through some kind of New England cyclist's rite of passage, riding with cod. I suspect it was not the first fish from these waters to ride a bicycle. And they say fish don't need bikes. ;)
Chuckle. Very cute.

[blackhillsbiker]

First frost this morning. Note to self: locate wool beanie for under helmet. Not enough frost (unfortunately) to cut down on the late afternoon gnat population.

Deb

[colorisnt]

I was always surprised that intersection didn't have concrete barriers since all the other Providence intersections do. Kind of ruins that side road (Old Rt K is what it's called I think) which is otherwise a perfect alternative to Providence. I wonder if we could get them to cut a pathway through the concrete. It would keep cars from going straight there but allow bikes & wheelchairs access.

Yeah, I take a side street near my house up to route K and then over. They haven't cut anything. It doesn't surprise me to see a barrier (it actually helps traffic). However, I just go up through the Regions lot and cross into the gas station. It gives me a good vantage point and is safe at 8 AM when there will never be a car in that parking lot haha. The other alternative is the cross walk at the TOP of the intersection which they are putting in. However, that would require me to take the trail up. between Route K and the road. I don't know if they will continue it past the intersection, if they do, I will take it up and down those hills.

That hill is my KILLER when I come home. It's a VERY long incline that starts at the intersection there and goes up and up and the last part of it HURTS if you don't use your core. I'm getting better, but I still need to stop for my lungs to recover somewhere along there.



Mimi,
Welcome back!

And lol LPH - it kinda does.

[Melalvai]

That hill is my KILLER when I come home. It's a VERY long incline that starts at the intersection there and goes up and up and the last part of it HURTS if you don't use your core. I'm getting better, but I still need to stop for my lungs to recover somewhere along there.
I know which hill you are talking about! There's no shame in a low gear. The hill on Old 63 (south of Stadium) is actually steeper, but not as long. My old commute involved Old 63 more often, so the Old Rt K hill was sort of a test for me, I could tell that I was getting stronger as that hill became less challenging, whereas my usual Old 63 hill was a daily thing so the change was too gradual to notice.

Today the sun is shining, it was slightly chilly in the morning and very beautiful when I went home for lunch, and for the first time this week I haven't had a crisis today. Yet. Well, I did forget my keys when I went home for lunch but that is merely an inconvenience, not a crisis.

[colorisnt]

The hill on old 63 is the devil and I ride it for "fun". I have been avoiding it lately because they are doing something to the road there right now. It is awful.

[Melalvai]

The hill on old 63 is the devil and I ride it for "fun". I have been avoiding it lately because they are doing something to the road there right now. It is awful.
I bet they're putting in the pedway they promised. It's part of the GetAbout project. They did bike lanes for that road north of Stadium, it's just the section south of Stadium before you get to the apartments that is narrow and curvy and hilly. During the public planning meetings about 3 years ago, I told them if they put a pedway there I wouldn't use it, because a pedway is just a glorified sidewalk. Maybe they figured since I moved away they could build it anyway. :D

[colorisnt]

I bet they're putting in the pedway they promised. It's part of the GetAbout project. They did bike lanes for that road north of Stadium, it's just the section south of Stadium before you get to the apartments that is narrow and curvy and hilly. During the public planning meetings about 3 years ago, I told them if they put a pedway there I wouldn't use it, because a pedway is just a glorified sidewalk. Maybe they figured since I moved away they could build it anyway. :D

Yeah, there is a sidewalk there part way now, but it is too narrow to ride on (not that I would anyhow), but a bike lane would be better.

[Tri Girl]

got ready to head to work this morning, but discovered a flat front tire. Once I *finally* had it changed, I was on my way (took a ridiculous amount of time because that blasted tire would not come off the rim). :rolleyes:

[pfunk12]

I haven't posted in a while because my commutes have been normal...uneventful...until this morning. It was a beautiful ride in. I left around 5:55 a.m. and the temperature was in the low 50s. A perfect morning for a ride. I got into D.C. and rode in front of the Lincoln Memorial. It's one of my favorite parts of my morning commute. The sky was very, very dark (it was threatening to rain) so with the lights shining on the Memorial and the dark sky in the background, President Lincoln looked extremely regal. I took a left onto 23rd street when I saw something lying in the far right lane (my lane). From far away, I thought it might be a construction sign that got knocked over (since they're doing construction on Independence Avenue). But it was a cyclist. She was crumpled up on the ground and wasn't moving. My first thought was "F*ck". Two cars stopped in front of her and the drivers got out. I thought she got hit by a car but she had only fallen. I unclipped, put my bike in the grass, told her not to move and got her foot out from her bike and moved her bike onto the grass. Her bike weighed a ton. It must have weighed at least 30 pounds. Compared to my Madone, I felt like I was lifting a truck. :D One of the drivers called 911 and handed the phone to me because she didn't know our location. So I talked to the 911 dispatcher who kept telling me to keep the cyclist on the ground. She was totally embarrassed and didn't want any attention (I know that feeling) but she also thought that she hit her head. The driver left but the other driver stayed. He said that he heard her fall and looked back and thought she got hit. He couldn't understand why all of the cars were just going around her and continuing on their way. But hey - it's D.C. and everyone is in a hurry to get to work. :mad: At least 2 motorists did yell out their window and ask if they could call 911. The ambulance came but she didn't want to go to the hospital. They put her in the ambulance to check her vitals. Then the first Park Police officer came. And then 3 more Park Police officers. The one cop looked at the 4th car and said, "Wow...this is overkill." And I said, "Well, it's nice to see such a response." And the other cop said to us, "If something happens to you in Federal territory, call us and we'll show up as soon as possible." I'll say. When she thanked the first cop for coming (he looked like he was 20 years old), he said, "I got to drive up Independence Avenue where it's closed. That was fun. Thank you for letting me have some fun." Such a cutie pie. As she and I got on our bikes, they said, "Have a good ride and don't get hit by a car!" Bunch of smart arses. :D She and I rode together all the way to my building and then she continued on to her building. She gave me her e-mail address so I'll e-mail her later to check in and see if she's okay. She said, "I'm like the bike czarina at work and look at me...I fell." I said, " That's okay..."Crash" is my middle name." :D I'm really, really glad that she was okay. I had a sick feeling in my stomach when I saw her bike. I imagined the worst. Especially when I assumed that she got hit by a car. She's not really sure what happened but after we talked for a few minutes, we decided that she was in the process of blowing her nose...so probably had only one hand on the bike...and she hit a manhole cover that dipped down. I'm hoping that I have a boring commute home.

[7rider]

Another one who does all her own stunts, huh?? ;)
Did she hit her head? Glad you were there to offer assistance. Please check on her.
I've gotten into this running thing, drat it all. I think until I complete this race in December (which, at 5 hilly miles is far beyond anything I've attempted thus far), I'll be riding less and running more. <<shudder>>

[pfunk12]

I'm using my "I do all my own stunts" coffee cup as I type this! :)
I will definitely check on her. She thinks she may have hit her head. Her forehead was a little sore but she thinks it was from the visor.
Turns out she lives near me and teaches spin at the sports club near the shop. Small world.
You have crossed over to the dark side! ;) I did that race once and yes, it's hilly. Anything in Baltimore is hilly.


Another one who does all her own stunts, huh?? ;)
Did she hit her head? Glad you were there to offer assistance. Please check on her.
I've gotten into this running thing, drat it all. I think until I complete this race in December (which, at 5 hilly miles is far beyond anything I've attempted thus far), I'll be riding less and running more. <<shudder>>

[kmehrzad]

Wow, pfunk, I was almost afraid to read on as you mentioned "she was crumpled up on the ground and wasn't moving." So glad all turned out well in the end. You do lead an exciting commuting life, don't you? Glad to see your posts once again.

[Biciclista]

my commute this morning was COLD! warm fuzzy gloves were necessary.

[MomOnBike]

I haven't posted until now because I work at home and walk to my other job. However, I've been biking to my radiation treatments, so that counts, right?

Anyway, I went out to get my bike to ride to my appointment, and I have a really soft tire. Figuring (hoping) I had a slow leak, and that it will be OK for the afternoon, I began to pump. SSSssssssss. Hmmm, maybe it's not a slow leak.

The hole in the tube was where the last umpteen holes were. So, I did the only obvious thing and patched the tire on the offending spot. I slapped in a new tube and was on my way.

That would have been the end of it, except DH called after work. He had a flat - multiple holes in the tube - and needed a rescue.

I do wonder how we offended the cycling gods. Surely today will be better for both of us.

[radacrider]

{Posting today about yesterday's commute}
Yesterday (Tuesday) was the test ride for my new crankset (went from 175mm to 170mm crankarms). What a difference 5mm makes, or was it really the mental expectation from spending the $100+? The long 7 mile climb was done almost exclusively in the middle chainring (36T) versus previous rides using the inner (26T) quite a bit. Just a few tweaks to the cassette gearing and I'll be happy, at least for a while.;)

Nice morning in Portland, OR - dark when I left, cool in the 40's.

The return trip started off a bit slow as my right foot cleat came loose, so I had to take a few to trial and error it back into the correct position. The warmer afternoon had me sweating more, but good ride home. Nice to be able to take advantage of our good, spring like weather - hear it's about to change on us and get a bit wet.:(

[redrhodie]

Relaxed. Totally no wind. I could get used to this.

[Catrin]

Relaxed. Totally no wind. I could get used to this.

no wind!?!? Such a wonderful thing is possible? I need to move to your area ;)

[redrhodie]

no wind!?!? Such a wonderful thing is possible? I need to move to your area ;)

We usually got plenty! There's maybe one day like this every six months.

[Melalvai]

I haven't posted until now because I work at home and walk to my other job. However, I've been biking to my radiation treatments, so that counts, right?
That is hard-core! Of course it counts! I hope you run of flat tires and bad bike luck has passed.

[7rider]

Yesterday morning, I saw this woman from my neighborhood who I occasionally see who rides a Fuji cross bike to her job at a school just north of us. Just seeing her was shocking enough, because I know she usually leaves much earlier than I. She was just enough ahead of me, that I couldn't catch her before our routes parted. I did note, however, that I could barely see her from the side, and that if/when I saw her again, I would mention that she should consider adding some side reflectivity to her bike or her body.

Well, I saw her on my ride home, coming back into my neighborhood. I caught up to her this time, and we chatted. She mentioned how she was 15 minutes late and she vowed she'd never do THAT again. She was amazed at the increase in traffic on the roads from 6:30 to 7:00. If you can get out at 6:30, the roads are empty. After 6:45, to 7:00, the amount of cars picks up significantly. (After 7, forget it...it's a zoo out there). I noticed that, too. However, I can never get my act together in the morning to get out at 6:30 as I would like to. :rolleyes: Too much time spent playing with my bunny, Noah, in the morning. We have to have our little bit of quality time. :p

Oh, and I did mention the reflectivity to her. She was wearing an Illuminite jacket, but I swear...I have a pair of Illuminite tights, and I honestly find they are not all that reflective. It has to be pitch black, and the lights have to hit it just right for it to work. I recommended she get some reflective stickers from a hardware store and ugly up her frame some. We both agreed, visibility is better than an un-marred frame.

[colorisnt]

Rode home last night with my headlight, taillight and all my blinkies. It was glorious. Cool and no one bothered me. I didn't intend to stay so late, but I had a really bad day and one of my friends who is a second year forced me (not against my will) to go to dinner with her and have a beer.

It was worth it!

I was going to ride this morning, but because college gameday is here, there is no way I will be able to get to my building on bike due to this huge closeout of most of the roads on central campus. Think tons of people who may or may not be already drunk. I am happy CGD is coming, but I wanna ride!

[7rider]

Ya, know....you just learn all sorts of things and meet all sorts of folks when you bike commute that you would NEVER meet when driving in a car.
I had a young woman riding behind me for much of my ride home today. Finally, when I got to a light in a plaza, I asked her "Are you following me?" ;)
She replied, "I'm trying not to!"
We ended up riding together for a bit. I showed her a road through a quiet neighborhood that avoided a busy street she was about to ride. She told me she had recently completed a charity ride to raise money for cancer research. It was a cross-country trip - from Baltimore to San Francisco called 4K for Cancer (http://www.4kforcancer.org/). Sounds like quite an adventure for a college student! I certainly would never have done it when I was her age (yikes....having a "feeling old" moment here...but it's been more than a few years since I've left college).
Was an interesting, fun, and pleasant conversation.
Too bad I had to drop her on the downhill! Bwahahahahahahaha!! :D:D:D

[colorisnt]

That's fun. It's always nice to meet other cyclists. I met one today that works in my office building but I didn't know him. I was showing a friend how bad his chain was on his bike and pointed to the chain on a Kona the guy was putting on the rack. He let me show my office mate a demo about a clean and lubed chain. We talked and turns out he and his gf are both in psych and just down the hall from us.

I love bike people!

[kimikaw]

I'm a new commuter. Just over 11 miles each way. Combination of multi use path, lightly traveled neighborhood roads and some small sections of trafficked road. Overall a great ride. Generally rolling, but primarily downhill to work, more of a climb back home.

Anyway..... until today ride has been uneventful. Cars seem generally aware of cyclists. Most of my "what are they thinking, oh yeah, they aren't" moments have been on the MUP, usually someone walking their dog.

But today I fell. Due to a driver. Combined with still having to think about getting out of my pedals - versus instinctively unclicking when I brake.

At the very end of my commute there is a fairly steep short climb up an urban neighborhood road. Saw the driver backing out of her driveway. Sure she saw me. She stopped, looked at me, backed a couple more feet, stopped....and then apparently decided that she couldn't wait 15 seconds for me to pass, or that I was going so slow she could beat me or whatever stupid thought was in her head. It was almost like I could see the thought process and knew what she was gonna do. Sure enough she went from stop and wait to back right out.

I yelled, braked hard. And didn't take a foot out. Over I went. Luckily she also slammed on her brakes. I'm fine, bike is fine. Tiny little strawberry on my knee.

Damn. I was so pissed at her. I mean really a few seconds to wait. Yes, it's a hill, yes I'm going slow, but c'mon.

And then almost equally frustrated with myself. Will I ever get that instinct - brake fast=unclick same time. As opposed to thinking about taking my foot out because I anticipate a stop ahead. Same issue is handicapping me in mountain biking now that I'm trying that.

Just had to vent. And really I do know it was the driver at fault - but maybe even madder that I can't help but get on myself at the same time.

[redrhodie]

That really sucks, Kim. Hope you're okay.

[kimikaw]

Thanks. I'm fine. Confidence just a bit shaken. Had a brief mental debate in afternoon to call hubby to bring me home. But then realized I needed to ride home, get over it.

MTB friend thinks the more I ride off road - where I can't anticipate all the stops the more instinctual it will get(the unblocking with sudden braking). As for careless drivers, I just have to continue to ride defensively....

Oh and for the earlier post from 7rider about lack of side visibility on another commuter. That's something I hadn't thought about until reading this forum either. I put the little lightweights stickers on all my spokes over the weekend got em at REI, about $15 for the pack of 86 stickers. A world of difference!

[malkin]

You will learn new habits and skills that will help keep you safe. Still, they're bigger than we are!

Glad you're ok!

[Melalvai]

This reaffirms my reluctance to go clips on a commuter bike. It just doesn't make sense in town. When I get my road bike, it'll have spd pedals and if I am in town, I'll leave my left foot unclipped for safe stopping. Glad you weren't hurt and hope you don't have any more adventures like that!

[colorisnt]

Wow, Kim.

So sorry to hear that. This is why I cannot put clips on my bike. Even without cars, I fall into ditches on the road bike. Too many PEOPLE to worry about with clips on campus. They scare me more than cars here.

[WindingRoad]

Kimi glad you were not hurt, drivers do the stupidest things sometimes. I had an 'encounter' myself this afternoon. Well no wrecking but darn close. I do ride clipped in and I can get out pretty fast but I didn't even have time to think about it today. I'm almost home, riding through the neighborhoods, I see a woman running on the other side and a car coming up toward me. I get over so he can get through and at the last second he turns left right in front of me into his driveway :eek::eek::eek: I missed his back fender by a mere foot. What a moron!!!

[Melalvai]

They weren't kidding about that wind advisory. It blew me OFF the road. I tried to get back on the road and here comes another gust. After that I managed to get in the middle of my lane, even a little bit on the left, and the next gust blew me toward the edge instead of off the road.

Coming home I realized that the gusts would want to blow me into traffic instead of off the road. I came up with a strategy: I would assertively take a good chunk of the lane to encourage passing cars to use all of the left lane. Then as they passed I would move toward the right, giving myself plenty of room to be blown into by a gust.

In reality it didn't work that way. Too many cars and it all happens too fast to be constantly moving back and forth. So I just took the lane assertively and scanned frequently so I always knew what traffic was behind me.

Speaking of scanning, in the early afternoon that was difficult because I woke up with a crick in my neck. I had texted our med student who is helping with our rats and asked "Does osteopathic manipulation cure a crick in the neck or do I just have to wait it out?" He replied "Meet me after lunch and I'll work on your neck." WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! I was able to scan comfortably after that. It would have been really hard to be as aware of the traffic behind me, if I'd still had a stiff neck.

That, and the free memberships to the gym and the aquatic center, are benefits to working at an osteopathic medical school!

[kimikaw]

Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts. I intend to continue riding with clip less. My commute is so rolling - Garmin says nearly 1000 ft ascent / 500 ft descent in my 11 ish ride home (and the much easier inverse on trip to work). Really like having the upward stroke pull. But will probably keep one foot out in key spots. And continue to work on the unanticipated stops/quick feet out. Know that the more MTB/WI single track I do, they better that will get. (best place to practice - hitting the dirt much softer than the pavement!)

WindingRoad - Yikes! Glad you're okay! And was able to maneuver around him!

Melavai - Gotta hand it to you riding in this wind. Know I don't have the guts to do it. Both from fear of bike handling, and from my tendency to curse headwinds!

[redrhodie]

Yesterday the forecast was for 75º and sunny, but to my surprise, the roads were still wet from the rain the day before. Add the fallen leaves to the mix, and it was the messiest commute ever. I looked like I'd done a 'cross race when I got to work, my back and legs (and bike!) were covered in mud. There was crud everywhere, even little sticks between my chain rings.

It never warmed to anywhere near 75, and I was worried I'd be cold since I wore a ss jersey, so I kept a good pace for the ride back to stay warm. The roads were still wet at 5pm, despite being mostly sunny all day! I managed a new record for that route, but I had a tailwind, so there you go. :cool:

[pfunk12]

This made me laugh because I also looked like I did a 'cross race yesterday. Wet roads/bikepath and lots of wet leaves. My front brake was sticking during the a.m. commute so I had to adjust it. I didn't realize that my hand was very dirty so I was wiping the sweat off my face on the way to work (it was very balmy and humid). When I got to work, I had black dirt all over my face. I didn't know it was there until I saw the horrified look on the face of one of my co-workers. I looked like an NFL linebacker - black marks under my eyes. :D


Yesterday the forecast was for 75º and sunny, but to my surprise, the roads were still wet from the rain the day before. Add the fallen leaves to the mix, and it was the messiest commute ever. I looked like I'd done a 'cross race when I got to work, my back and legs (and bike!) were covered in mud. There was crud everywhere, even little sticks between my chain rings.

[7rider]

I was so happy to leave early this a.m. I always strive to get out of the house early, but it never seems to happen. :o This morning. I actually did.
But, before I got out of the neighborhood, I realized that my flashing light on front - even tho' it does have a low-beam steady on - was not sufficient for the dark morning. So, I pulled over to switch the light from flashing to steady. Now... I love this light, but switching from flashing to steady is not an easy task and since I don't do it regularly, I have to stop and think about it...and it went something like this:
"Okay, I think it's 'Hold the button for 2-seconds to shut it off. Then press and hold for 6- seconds to switch modes.' Then...what? Another 2 seconds to turn it on to steady? How come it's not working?? Drat it! How do I get this thing to turn back on at all?" :confused:
So, with much puttering, I finally got the light on steady. But by the time I got 2 miles away, on the darkest part of the road, I realized that the battery was nearly dead. So at the top of the hill, I pulled over onto a lit side street and swapped out the batteries (rechargeable AA's).
Whoa! :eek: Light and dark difference! Night and day! Aaaaaaa (imagine a host of angels singing on high).....let there be light!!!! :cool:
But....so much for my early start. All that puttering on the side of the road ate up all that early start. Regular time at my desk (actually...late, cuz I ended up talking with folks in the fitness center). :rolleyes:
So....love the light, but I think the Knog (http://bikemag.com/gear/accessories/Knog_Gator_605_LED/)is going on when I get home, instead.

[HillSlugger]

I knew they were forecasting for a windy day but I REALLY wanted to ride today. Morning wasn't bad, but it was crazy windy on the way home :eek:

[7rider]

I knew they were forecasting for a windy day but I REALLY wanted to ride today. Morning wasn't bad, but it was crazy windy on the way home :eek:

Yeah...
And Murphy's Law of the Bike was in force: You shall always have a head wind! :eek::rolleyes:
Brutal, eh?

[Melalvai]

It is that time of year when the lighting problems come to, er, light. Well, I've been using my lights for a few weeks, but generally the one light that has to have batteries changed, my rear cateye blinkie, goes out shortly after I start using it again. It took me several days to get new batteries in it and get it back on my bike.

Day 1, I couldn't get the panel off. Finally I took the blinkie completely off my bike. I STILL couldn't get the panel off. It required a screwdriver and a man. (Maybe just the screwdriver, if I'd thought of that before he did.)

Day 2-3, we didn't have AAA batteries. Bought rechargeable (even though they won't last as long).

Day 4, charged up the rechargeables.

Day 5, first attempt to get the light mounted. Determined I needed either a 3rd hand or electrical tape to hold the rubber shim in place. Ran out of time.

Day 6, couldn't find the electrical tape where I'd last left it. DH said "probably with the electronic tools." Huh?

Day 7, DH reveals that the electronic tools are in his desk drawer. "Which drawer?" One of the left ones. Yes! The tape is there! At last I get the stupid light in place!

All this would have happened much more quickly if I didn't also have realights and a downlow glow.

[MyRubyE]

Ok, so for eight days or so I have become a sloth like zombie and didn't ride my bike for various reasons. So I got on my bike and commuted to work both on Thursday and Friday - finally!! *And, I'm feeling like me again!!. I'm alive!! I'm the king of the world!! I'm Tarzan ahAAaaAa!! *Ok, back to reality... When I don't ride, or do not do any form of excercise, depression sets in. *Thus the need to rotate those wheels to create a spark in my being and make me feel worthy,*empowered,*and*invigorated. *Here's hoping for another devine week weather wise and a natural anti-depressant-like bike commuting next week.

[redrhodie]

MyRubyE, I get the same way if I don't ride, and it ain't pretty. Glad you got out!

Yesterday I had 20-30 mph winds with 40 mph gusts, and you know, it wasn't bad. I've just resigned myself to the fact that's it's going to be slower, and in the morning, it only took me about 5 minutes longer for my 14 mile route than usual. At night, it was a wicked tailwind, so I flew home! I have to admit, my quads were on fire when I was done.

Easy spin today, not a commute. Happy Halloween!

[malkin]

When I don't ride, or do not do any form of excercise, depression sets in.


No kidding. I've been sick for over a week, and I started wondering if big Pharma could market a combination anti-histamine & anti-depressant. They put everything else in those OTC remedies, why not this?

[colorisnt]

An anti-depressant anti-histamine would be all I need! LOL. Speaking of which, I haven't been eating much because of an adjustment and tapering up of my SSRI which makes me feel like I will throw up when I exercise. Gah. Between that and the flu, it takes almost everything to finish a meal. So far, I haven't been too successful, but it is getting better.

Commuted for the first time in a week! Felt SO good to be back out. Took the trail that they have now finished for MUP with a crossing for bikes and pedestrians. OF COURSE the construction workers left all sorts of goodies behind - nails, boards, metal things everywhere!. I had to get off the bike and kick the following away so that I and others could get through. Sad. Other than that, the trail is great. And I enjoy not having to go through parking lots anymore!

Rode here and climbed the big hill with no issues, so I know I am getting stronger despite the time off of commuting. Had a good ride, but man that wind was awful! Getting up the small hills into the university was awful. Cold weather gear worked great, but boy that wind is hard to power through!

[7rider]

A wee-bit on the chilly side this a.m. - first ride in the 30s since last winter. :eek:
Was wishing I had something covering my cheeks - and thought it might be time to pull out the goggles. But, I was certainly warmed up by half-way in.

Also - rode DH's bike as my bike is in the shop getting a tune-up and some minor tweaking. I sent my bike in with its pedals, and we have no spare SPDs for his bike (he uses Crank Bros on his bike), so I had to wear his mtb shoes. :eek: BIG...good think it was cold so I could wear big, fat, fuzzy socks! :p

[colorisnt]

If I had to commute in someone else's shoes with strange pedals, I would kill myself lol. You are a brave (and talented) commuter!

[Tri Girl]

see- it's starting to get cold and I'm starting to become a wuss. Pump me up for those ccccccold mornings, ladies. I *know* I need to do it, but my warm bed and car are not making getting out on my bike easy to do.

OK- I'm just going to suck it up!!! Tomorrow I shall ride (I haven't ridden to work in...gasp...3 weeks). eek!:eek:

[pfunk12]

You can do it, Tri Girl!! :D


see- it's starting to get cold and I'm starting to become a wuss. Pump me up for those ccccccold mornings, ladies. I *know* I need to do it, but my warm bed and car are not making getting out on my bike easy to do.

OK- I'm just going to suck it up!!! Tomorrow I shall ride (I haven't ridden to work in...gasp...3 weeks). eek!:eek:

[colorisnt]

Maybe it was growing up outside of Chicago that makes me love this freaking cold weather, but I am in heaven right now!

I would be more in heaven if an ***hole hadn't pulled out in front of me when I was riding back from work - right at the crunch part of the hill. He inched forward and then TOOK OFF within about 3 ft of me reaching the drive he was coming out of. If I had been smart, I would have taken down his license number and reported him,but he threw gravel in my face and some hit my cheek.

Idiot college boys.

This is why I am glad to be over that.

[7rider]

Sure you can do it.
It's all a mindset.
It's not cold... It's "invigorating!"
It's not dark.... It's nearly dawn.
Just think of how toasty you'll feel after your first hill (assuming you hit some hills, of course!)
Remember the Shrek method of dressing (layers...like an onion!).
Enjoy a warm beverage of your choice at the end of it all, and let us know how it went! :)



see- it's starting to get cold and I'm starting to become a wuss. Pump me up for those ccccccold mornings, ladies. I *know* I need to do it, but my warm bed and car are not making getting out on my bike easy to do.

OK- I'm just going to suck it up!!! Tomorrow I shall ride (I haven't ridden to work in...gasp...3 weeks). eek!:eek:

[Melalvai]

Pump me up for those ccccccold mornings, ladies
Do your core exercises first. THAT gets the blood moving and warms you up, and then that blast of cold air isn't quite so painful. My core exercise routine is 20 bicycles, 10 crunches, 10 supermans, 10 legups (which I don't like and often skip), and 10 turkish standups on each side. You can skip everything but the turkish standups. Those things will heat you up!

(A turkish standup, it turns out, is you lie on your back, stick one arm in the air, and stand up. And lie down. And stand up. All with one arm sticking up in the air. Ten times. Then put that arm down and stick up the other.)

[colorisnt]

Remember that girl who fell into the deep ditch? I bet she could really hurt herself doing a Turkish standup. Not to mention... bear with me because I am immature... but that just sounds... inappropriate haha.

And I hate the heat. Give me this weather ANY time of the year over the summers here in MO. No merci!

[Melalvai]

Remember that girl who fell into the deep ditch? I bet she could really hurt herself doing a Turkish standup.
Ha ha, that piece of advice is only for Tri Girl, not for Falls-in-a-Ditch, I mean colorisnt!

Today's commute: BIKE THE VOTE! This the first time I've voted since we moved to Kirksville (I didn't get registered in time for the primaries). Turns out my polling place is 3 miles away! And NOT in a convenient direction; my usual 2 mile commute was 6 miles by the time I got to work.

But I didn't mind the extra miles. What I minded was biking down the shoulder of a split 4 lane highway during what passes for "rush hour" around here! Granted it doesn't cause much in the way of traffic jams, but that is a heck of a lot of traffic on that road at that time of day. When I left, it took me a long time to get across both sections of the divided highway to the far shoulder.

The polling place, the area office of the Mo Dept of Conservation, has a bike rack. Why?? The only way to get to it is that busy divided highway and I don't know many people (any? besides me?) in the area comfortable biking on it. Well, I won't ding them for having a bike rack! The bike rack itself is not a great one. Yes, it's the snake shape and not a wheel bender, but it isn't bolted down, and it's lightweight. Crush fell over in it.

Crush falls over a lot these days. It's that enormous heavy basket. And all the stuff I put in it. The kickstand can't quite handle it.

So, that's my story of going to vote. The actual voting was uneventful. I voted "no" on all the state constitutional amendments, not because I objected to them all, but because just because something is a good idea doesn't mean it should be a constitutional amendment. Save that for the important stuff.

I put my "I voted" sticker on Crush.

[lph]

I impressed two small boys riding home today. It was dark and raining, and I was in full flashy mode, complete with flashing green Spokelit front and rear. I've still haven't seen anyone else with these.

As I approached they huddled a bit together and slowed down. As I passed, they stopped and stared. Quite a way ahead of them I overheard one of them gasp (the Norwegian equivalent of): AWESOME!!

:D Guess who's going to go home and ask mom and dad for Spokelits for Christmas?

[colorisnt]

Couldn't commute today for several reasons. I think one of my meds is making me really, really ill and I just couldn't imagine being sick in the middle of my commute and then having to not only continue on but also then get back home. No thanks. I will have to try it tomorrow.

Did see a mother and kindergarten aged kid climbing a BIG hill together on the way home. It was probably the most adorable and happy thing ever. It really made my day (which was not good by any means lol). His little backpack was bigger than he was, but he was just chugging along!

[kimikaw]

Only a half commute for me today. Hubby called around 4, said he'd be in the area of my office at 5ish...and that it was raining, did I want to be picked up. Yep, low 40's and raining, not my thing. Jumped at that.

But the morning commute was great. Mid-30's when I took off. Have some great Pearl Izumi winter tights, nice wool socks. Nothing too heavy on top, a base layer and a thermal type jersey plus windbreaker. May need to look for warmer gloves tho', fingers a bit chilly.

One big change was I fully aired up my tires. I commute with an "all-trail" hybrid that I've also been taking on dirt trails on weekends. Just got the bike a couple of months ago. Thought the tires said 35-50psi - so been keeping it just under 50 for the commute. Over the weekend, I knew were we going to be on a bit more technical (tho' still beginner-ish) singletrack, and took the air down to 35. When I was pumping it back up, I saw the tires (700c by 45) said 35- 80psi. Oops. Could feel the difference. Either that or I'm getting a bit stronger. Maybe both, but climb some of the hills a gear or two higher than usual, and had a lower heart rate than usual. Maybe a touch of both????

Oh, one question:

In cold weather my eyes water like crazy. Anyone wear goggles? How about goggles over prescription glasses? ANy recommendations, so I don't have tears running down my face the whole way. They're a bit cold!

[blackhillsbiker]

Currently 18° :eek: with a high later in the mid-to-upper 60°s. :cool: Makes dressing for the day a challenge. :rolleyes:

Deb

[malkin]

Brrrr!

[7rider]

Last commute with evening light, as we turn our clocks back on Saturday night. :(
Entering into a state of mourning, and already pining for the Solstice!

[out_spokin']

Answer for kimikaw - yes, I picked up a pair of Smith ski goggles for last year's winter commutes, and wore them in the under 15 degree situations. I usually just wear wrap-around style sunglasses (Smith Factor Max, usually with the clear lenses this time of year) but in the real cold I can't keep them from fogging up. The goggles worked amazingly well. Kept my face warm, tear-free, and fog free.

[redrhodie]

Last night's commute was dark. I had an hour to get to my car before sunset, but with the cloud blanket, it was pretty dark right from the start. First ride of the season with a helmet light. Added my extra blinky, too.

In the morning, some guys on 'cross bikes were riding behind me, so I held up and let them pass. Then they slowed a bit and were riding at my speed, so I stayed with them, happy to have some shelter from the headwind. We were on the bike path. At the first street crossing, the first guy called out "clear" and the second guy and I went through. I had been talking to the second guy, so they knew I was there. At the next street, first guy goes through, not saying "car", the second guy doesn't say anything, just brakes hard, and I nearly rear end him. Luckily I was already preparing to turn off the bike path, and they were going straight, so I had just enough room to squeak by and not hit him. That coulda been really embarrassing. My own fault for riding too close to strangers.

[Tri Girl]

My first commute in weeks was this morning. Why, oh why did I just not "suck it UP" and do it the last few weeks? I LOVE commuting in the morning and have really missed it. I can't wait until after work when I'll stop at the grocery store and pick up some dinner on the way home. Riding is really the BEST!
I *was* slightly disappointed this morning because it was so light outside (I know- don't hate me for saying that). I got a new light mounted on the bike and it was so light I couldn't use it. ;) No worries, it will be pitch black again in a couple weeks and I'll get to use it to light the night. :p

Tomorrow I have to take the dog to the vet, and I can only accomplish that by driving (the vet is 20 miles away). :( I'll ride the rest of the week, tho- even through the rain they're predicting on Thursday and Friday.

Last year I came across some really cool looking "goggles" that weren't very goggle-like. I didn't buy them, and now I cannot find them. I'm off to search the interent in hopes of finding them again..

[radacrider]

Awesome commute - despite some cold, drizzle, head wind and darkness. Today's ride started dry and was the maiden voyage for using a pannier and my new B&M Ixon IQ headlight.

Portland has had some serious rain the past week, and on and off showers. The leaves are so pretty to look at, not so great to ride through. Several sections I had to signal and ride outside the bike lane area, no issues with the drivers.

To work, dry and felt really good, climbing my 7 miles out of downtown toward work (350+ feet of constant uphill), love the new 170mm cranks, just feel like I can find that good RPM and pace. (Swapped out the 175mm stock cranks a bit ago). Except for the really slow points, the single sided pannier was not noticeable and my back loved not having my stuff on it for 15 miles.

Just before I left work for the ride home, there were several downpours and I was questioning whether riding to work was a smart thing. Then, as if someone was going easy on me, it all let up and there were actually some breaks in the clouds. It was getting dark, though, leaving at about 4:30pm. I knew I would be in dark soon.

The 7 mile back down Barbur toward Portland was nice, though I probably rode slower because the shoulder has some random dips, leaves and other junk. Again, drivers were pretty cool when I signaled to move left into the traffic lane in order to avoid the piles of wet leaves.

The B&M Ixon IQ was great - not only was I seen, but I could actually see the road, a good thing with it being wet, strewn with leaves and all. Just needs a bit of tilt adjustment, but a great light.

The best thing was I had several sections where I hit that amazing rhythm of speed, pedaling and not feeling like I was exerting a lot of energy. Brought back some great memories of when I rode a lot some 15 years earlier. Cycling nirvana for sure.

[blackhillsbiker]

Enjoyed the warm day today (rumored to be the last one in awhile), but I forgot to plug in my headlight charger, so I had to ride home with my light on the low setting. It wasn't too bad, although I prefer the bright light. It wasn't full dark. That'll be in a couple of weeks. I now have a note on my computer screen (love the Mac OS Stickies) to remind me to charge it when I get to work. Guess I need to find the rest of my wool tonight. Yawn. It always takes awhile to get used to the time change.

Deb

[colorisnt]

Commuted to day and it felt great! I thought I would have to drive just because of a doctor's appointment, but I decided to come in early to help a student and I will just commute from here to there and then go to class!

So glad to do it! Felt amazing - perfect weather. Except for the butthead who pulled out in front of me last time and again this morning, I did great!

[7rider]

Holy smokes. Where did that fog come from this morning??? :eek:

[pfunk12]

I loved it! :D It was sooooo quiet this morning and so pleasant. Wonderful way to start the day. Now...time to work. :(


Holy smokes. Where did that fog come from this morning??? :eek:

[Melalvai]

I biked to work today! For such an uneventful ride and common occurrence, I have a lot to say. :D

I was a little nervous but the bigger problem is my brain kept wanting to go "there", until I saw someone I know walking his 2 black dogs. (I recognize the dogs first every time.) He said "You're on your bike!" intelligently and I laughed "Yeah!" (Afterward he felt dumb for saying such an obvious thing but it didn't seem obvious to me exactly!) That broke the loop and I was able to enjoy the rest of my ride and my swim.

Coming home for lunch was a little nervous again as I made that fateful left turn. I was prepared to pull off the road and cross it on foot, but there was no traffic at all.

In the evening I was a little nervous again because there was so much traffic. I kept looking behind me. I remembered during my LCI training, the instructor told me that I needed to scan more, and I thought "I bet I'm scanning enough for him NOW".

After the morning ride, the bigger problem continued to be that my brain just wanted to go "there" when I was on my bike. I assume that will get better.

Another first today is that my daughter did her first full day of school since her wreck (Friday she went in the afternoon). I thought she'd be exhausted but she had more energy than I did tonight.

[Catrin]

Congratulations on your successful commute! This was a great step, and perfectly understandable why your mind kept wanting to go "there".

[pfunk12]

Congrats, Melalvai! On both your commute and your daughter's full day at school.

Today was the first time that I commuted to work when it was actually raining. I've been caught in the rain many times during my commutes but if it's raining at 5:30 a.m., I normally don't take the bike. But I've purchased some rain gear recently and it was time to use it. :)

It was a great commute. I felt like I was the only one out there and actually...I was until I got to the Lincoln Memorial and I saw 2 other cyclists. Another peaceful, quiet morning. It wasn't raining too hard when I started but it really started to come down when I got to Georgetown (about mile 10).

I LOVE my new Showers Pass jacket and I LOVE my new OverBoard waterproof backpack.

[7rider]

I LOVE my new OverBoard waterproof backpack.

That's not the one that Cataboo recommended from Costco, is it??
I didn't commute today. I planned to be off the bike, anyway, and taking a Circuit Training class at my Fitness Center.
Unfortunately, I threw out my back this a.m., and I'm now dosed on 800 mg Ibuprofen anxiously awaiting a return call from my chiropractor telling me to come in for a fix! I don't think I'll be doing much of anything today except whimpering.

[pfunk12]

Ooh...sorry to hear that! Back pain is no fun.

It is the backpack that Cataboo recommended. I found it on Amazon for $30 so I jumped on it. I love it.



That's not the one that Cataboo recommended from Costco, is it??
Unfortunately, I threw out my back this a.m., and I'm now dosed on 800 mg Ibuprofen anxiously awaiting a return call from my chiropractor telling me to come in for a fix! I don't think I'll be doing much of anything today except whimpering.

[radacrider]

All in all a great ride today. Forecast for Portland was chance of showers early and maybe later in the afternoon. Debated for about 15 minutes this morning on whether to ride or not. Finally decided to ride.

Morning to work had some mist/drizzle for the first 5 miles to downtown Portland. Then, it was basically dry the remaining 10 to the suburbs where my work is. Actually, felt a bit overdressed on top, a bit warm.

Riding back home was nice, cloudy, no rain, dry roads. Definitely needed the headlight the last 40 minutes as it was getting dark.

Had a man and his older daughter ride up and ask about my rear light "cuz it was so bright". (It's a Dinotte 120). They both had two sets of blinkies. It was actually nice to ride along (it was a quieter neighborhood bike ways street) and have a chat, since I am normally riding along solo.

[Melalvai]

I rode yesterday. My brain still wanted to go "there". I hope it will get easier to not remember & think about her wreck, and that my commute will one day be a pleasant experience again! I'm doing a lot of advocacy (specifically to get the speed limit reduced, more generally to start up a local bike/walk advocacy organization) and sometimes I can think about that instead.

I loved putting on my lights. I ended up with a 12 hour day so I got to use my lights on both rides!

[redrhodie]

Really cold today, low 30s when I left this morning, wind chill in the 20s. I saw just 1 other rider. Makes me feel like a tough guy. :cool:

At the big hill right by work, I came upon a horrible accident where a car had crashed into a telephone pole. It hit so hard the pole broke in 2 and came down, and brought down another one across the street, and the power and telephone lines were lying in the middle of the road. The car looked like an accordion. It was a spectacular looking scene.

The police at first said I couldn't go through, then one said he'd walk me. I asked if anyone was killed, and miraculously, the kid who was driving walked home from it (I can't imagine why he didn't go to the hospital just in case of a head injury). The cop told me he had fallen asleep, and wasn't drunk. It happened at 3 am.

The road was still closed when I left work, but again, they let me through. This time, no hot lines to navigate, so I rode. Cars were still being detoured. I often notice special treatment for bikes through detours around here. I wonder if it's like that everywhere?

Rest of the commute was non-eventful. I like it like that.

[malkin]

You are a tough guy!

[HillSlugger]

First commute in 3 weeks, since before the time change. I enjoy biking into the sunrise of a new day, but I don't like biking home into the darkness :(

[e.e.cummings]

I enjoy biking into the sunrise of a new day, but I don't like biking home into the darkness :(

Let me second that - I was thinking the exact same thing today - beautiful morning, then dark in the evenings can be dodgy - particularly if there is black ice around.

Living in dread of stopping my commute by cycle for winter weather- I have been very good this year, I have only taken my car on a couple of occasions since April. I have not taken monthly parking for a long time. Nice to save that money. Looking back on it, I have ridden in everything - high winds that I thought would blow me off the path, driving rain, melting heat, freezing temperatures - but tomorrow's forecast for freezing rain might make me leave the bike on the hook (if the forecast is actually correct). I take a bike path to work - once it fills up after the first snow, it's car time.

This morning's commute was amazing - it was cold, but not a cloud in the sky, not a breath of wind. Black ice here or there, but nothing to be too concerned about. It is a bummer that it gets dark so early.

[7rider]

I did my first commute in the rain this a.m.
I figure, I've got a ti bike with fenders and disc brakes and rain gear and the only thing keeping me from riding in rain is my own wussiness. To deserve my bike, I figure I've really got to put it through it's paces.
So this morning, with mild temps (57) and nearly nonexistent traffic because of yesterday's holiday, was the perfect time to head out in a very light drizzle.
It was fine. Great, even. Saw one other woman on a bike and almost as many cars. :eek:
This afternoon was a different story, however (lots of bikes!!).

[tzvia]

Wussed out today. We just don't get this cold in the am in L.A.- it was 46F and dropping to 43- I got my thermals out, and warm winter cycling jacket and gloves. Wait... What about my face? I do have a nice wool cap that I can pull down around my ears, but my face will freeze! Crap- need a sky mask but don't have one, this is the San Fernando Valley, not Vail Co! But I'm not going to crack my face like I did my hands on Sunday in the freezing winds (they look like mummy hands right now). :( Took the truck, and stopped by the Big 5 on the way home and now own a balaclava. I look like a cycle-terrorist with it on LOL but if it keeps my face toasty so be it.

[Melalvai]

I had stuff at work on both ends of the day, so I was biking in the dark & cold. It had warmed up slightly and was snowing at lunch, and that was beautiful.

[tzvia]

Ahhhhh balaclava was nice. Wore it twice in the AM, and my face was not all red and cold by the time I got to work. Should have bought one sooner. The pre-dawn light has been lovely, with wispy clouds of pink and grey. My nose isn't freezing. This evening was going to be a very nice ride, temps in the mid 60s.

That was, till I saw my front tire was flat. ^%$#* crap. So I sat in front of my building in the quad area in front of Medical and changed my tire. Didn't bother to patch the bad one as I could not find the hole, but I did find a thorn poking through the tire and removed it. Patched it when I got home, it was a very small hole that I found with soapy water.

While I enjoy reading of you girls made of tougher stuff than I, trekking in the snow and rain, I am glad to say I have only seen snow where I live only twice in all my life. And both times, it had melted before the sun rose. As for rain, I take the truck when it rains, because I don't think I can fit fenders and I really have no desire to be all grimy at work (we don't have showers). Ok, I'm a wimp, but I am a dry, warm wimp. :D

[Tri Girl]

holy moly I wimped out today...
temps were in the low 20's, with wind chills in the single digits. Wind blowing at 10-20mph.
I got up, walked out the front door to see what it felt like, walked right back to bed and fell asleep for another half hour.
I want to be strong, but when it's that cold this desert rat just can't handle it. I long to be tough like my northern counterparts. :p I'll admit it- I'm a fair-weather cyclist in the winter.


The drive to work, however, was very pleasant! ;)

[redrhodie]

holy moly I wimped out today...
temps were in the low 20's, with wind chills in the single digits. Wind blowing at 10-20mph.
I got up, walked out the front door to see what it felt like, walked right back to bed and fell asleep for another half hour.
I want to be strong, but when it's that cold this desert rat just can't handle it. I long to be tough like my northern counterparts. :p I'll admit it- I'm a fair-weather cyclist in the winter.


The drive to work, however, was very pleasant! ;)

It's okay! That's really cold, and if you're not used to it, it's really cold! It's easier when you're acclimated to it. I hate heat. My lowest mileage month is always July. Didn't you hike the Grand Canyon last summer? See, that would be torture for me.

[Melalvai]

Tri Girl, if you don't have the right clothes for this weather it will be painful to try. Once you've spent money on these clothes, you are nearly happy for a cold or rainy excuse to wear them.

My hair froze this morning, underneath my balaclava.

[Catrin]

I think that heat is much easier for me than cold...at least on the bike. I have noticed that while a very hot ride doesn't get my asthma going that a strong cold wind does... Yet I love to go hiking in the bitter cold - so go figure. Course there isn't much additional wind-chill when walking...

[Tri Girl]

I have all the right warm winter clothes to ride in- just not the right attitude. :p

I haven't lived in the desert for 18 years . You'd think I'd be acclimated to this cold, but after almost 2 decades, I just don't think that's going to happen. :rolleyes:

[blackhillsbiker]

I hate that first step out the door and onto the bike. Once I get going, I'm always glad I did. It's why I'm not much of a swimmer. I can't make myself get into cold water. Maybe I like cycling better because I don't have to strip off all my nice, warm, wooly layers to do it.

Deb

[Crankin]

Well, today I noticed that the real cold is bothering me more than usual. I think maybe because it was so freaking warm this year. And i didn't even ride today! I just have to acclimate. I, also am no longer a desert rat, after 20 years. I have the right clothes, too. But I think I've reached my outer limits for riding, in low 30's. I don't think I would like my hair freezing. What's the point? Being miserable is not my idea of fun. I ran on the treadmill in my nice warm loft today.
It's just that weird time of year between the end of the better riding weather (i.e. 40s) and the beginning of the nordic ski season. Hey, in 4 weeks, today's temperatures will feel balmy.

[7rider]

Grrrr.
3 miles from home - I'm on a dark MUT and it's nearly full dark - and my headlight blinks out. Completely. Utterly. Went from bright high-beam glorious light flooding the trail, to....nothing. :eek:
Normally, the Li-Ion battery has a light that lights up when it is going weak. But it didn't this time. The light just blinked out without warning.
I'm hoping it's only that the battery is dead. It's on the charger now.
I don't have a spare battery for this light and don't normally carry a spare light. But I felt utterly exposed with no headlight (just my blinking LED on my helmet), despite the 3 lights I had on my back.
Perhaps I need to carry the Dinotte as a spare.....

[Melalvai]

Grrrr.
3 miles from home - I'm on a dark MUT and it's nearly full dark - and my headlight blinks out. Completely. Utterly. Went from bright high-beam glorious light flooding the trail, to....nothing. :eek:
Normally, the Li-Ion battery has a light that lights up when it is going weak. But it didn't this time. The light just blinked out without warning.
I'm hoping it's only that the battery is dead. It's on the charger now.
I don't have a spare battery for this light and don't normally carry a spare light. But I felt utterly exposed with no headlight (just my blinking LED on my helmet), despite the 3 lights I had on my back.
Perhaps I need to carry the Dinotte as a spare.....
http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2010-12-08.gif

[DebW]

I put on my studded tires yesterday since morning temperatures have been consistently below freezing, though the roads are still dry. The snow and ice will be here soon enough. I should be riding every day this week - only 2 miles each way to work.

[DebW]

Grrrr.
3 miles from home - I'm on a dark MUT and it's nearly full dark - and my headlight blinks out. Completely. Utterly. Went from bright high-beam glorious light flooding the trail, to....nothing. :eek:
Normally, the Li-Ion battery has a light that lights up when it is going weak. But it didn't this time. The light just blinked out without warning.
I'm hoping it's only that the battery is dead. It's on the charger now.
I don't have a spare battery for this light and don't normally carry a spare light. But I felt utterly exposed with no headlight (just my blinking LED on my helmet), despite the 3 lights I had on my back.
Perhaps I need to carry the Dinotte as a spare.....

I had a MiNewt fail on the bulb/head, battery was fine. Ended up buying a new head. Maybe you can find someone else with the same light and try your battery on their light.

[7rider]

I had a MiNewt fail on the bulb/head, battery was fine. Ended up buying a new head. Maybe you can find someone else with the same light and try your battery on their light.

Looks like it was the battery after all. Whew!
I charged it up, attached it last night, and it's working fine.
Double whew!
Mental note to self: Regular battery charging, and DON'T rely on that little indicator light...which does not appear to indicate anything! :rolleyes:

[pfunk12]

Glad to hear that it was just the battery. I concur on the note to self. I have gotten into the habit of recharging the battery every evening. By the way, without the wind this morning, it was a balmy 20 degrees. :D Another toasty ride.



Looks like it was the battery after all. Whew!
I charged it up, attached it last night, and it's working fine.
Double whew!
Mental note to self: Regular battery charging, and DON'T rely on that little indicator light...which does not appear to indicate anything! :rolleyes:

[DebW]

Looks like it was the battery after all. Whew!
I charged it up, attached it last night, and it's working fine.
Double whew!
Mental note to self: Regular battery charging, and DON'T rely on that little indicator light...which does not appear to indicate anything! :rolleyes:

Even if you don't get the indicator light, you should notice the step-down to a dimmer level as the battery gets low and attempts to preserve power. Though the last time that happened to mine, I had less than 5 minutes before it shut off and I had to ride home on my backup light. Always have a backup light, even if it's a cheap dim one.

[Melalvai]

The nice thing about a cold snap is that when it's over, 30F feels SO warm!! I don't have to spend 20 minutes getting dressed for a 15 minute ride. (Slight exaggeration. Only the 1st time, after that I could always easily find my long johns on the floor where I left them when I got home.)

[7rider]

Even if you don't get the indicator light, you should notice the step-down to a dimmer level as the battery gets low and attempts to preserve power. Though the last time that happened to mine, I had less than 5 minutes before it shut off and I had to ride home on my backup light. Always have a backup light, even if it's a cheap dim one.

Well, that's the head scratcher. I didn't notice any step-down in power (maybe I'm just clueless!). It went from full-on bright, to nothing. Like a switch was thrown. I don't know if maybe my powering up from low-beam to high as I prepared to enter the dark MUT was the straw that broke that camel's back. I didn't ride today (ran in the a.m. and a retirement party to attend this evening), but tomorrow will be the next test. I do know I'll be packing the Dinotte in my pannier, tho!

[malkin]

The nice thing about a cold snap is that when it's over, 30F feels SO warm!! I don't have to spend 20 minutes getting dressed for a 15 minute ride. (Slight exaggeration. Only the 1st time, after that I could always easily find my long johns on the floor where I left them when I got home.)

I didn't even think it was an exaggeration. Some days, I have trouble smoothing out all the wrinkles in the leg layers.

[colorisnt]

No today's ride, but yesterday's. A cool 22 degrees and it felt GREAT. I had a great time riding to/from school and did a great job in a higher gear going up my hell hill coming back. Just me and the road. I love that quiet.

I thought I would chicken out in the cold, but I loved it.

[lph]

Ooh, I have a new cold record! And a new handy tip!

My last "lowest" was around -15 C (5 F), but I remember it as a bit painful. Now I rode in to work (50 minutes) one morning in -16,5 C (2-3F), had a couple of cold fingertips on the downhill part, they thawed up nicely but then my toes started complaining, so when I got to work I had 3 or 4 really cold toes.

Next morning was -19 C, I wussed out.

Next morning was -16,5 C again, and I was determined to try again. Fashioned toe covers out of newspaper - one double sheet folded once, placed with the fold right in front of the cleat underneath my shoe, then just packed around my forefoot like packing a gift, and one round of tape around to hold it together. Then shoe covers over. Toasty warm, worked like a charm! :D And they were solid enough that they can be reused, even!

[redrhodie]

Fashioned toe covers out of newspaper - one double sheet folded once, placed with the fold right in front of the cleat underneath my shoe, then just packed around my forefoot like packing a gift, and one round of tape around to hold it together. Then shoe covers over. Toasty warm, worked like a charm! :D And they were solid enough that they can be reused, even!

I love that idea! I had a cold record yesterday, which I thought it was probably my limit, and it was about 15º warmer than yours! I have been thinking of plastic bags inside my shoe might help my frozen toes. The newspaper cover sounds like a great option, since I already have a lot going on inside my shoes, and I think numbness is partly due to lack of circulation by so many socks.

[lph]

Yup, I think newspaper is better than plastic when it's cold, because it'll absorb a little extra moisture instead of trapping it. I have pretty loose shoe covers though, so if yours are tight, like my old ones were, you might want to consider scrapping a pair of large old socks instead.

[pfunk12]

So why did 33 degrees with a wind chill of 22 degrees feel warm this morning? :confused: I woke up at 5:25, turned on the news to catch the weather and saw one of the reporters outside with snow coming down in the background. When I walked the dog at 5:40, the snow started to fall. They were calling for a dusting up to an inch - before 9 a.m. So I did the logical thing and left 10 minutes earlier than usual knowing that I would get to work before an inch of snow fell. :p It was a beautiful, peaceful commute with snow falling almost the entire time. The bike path and roads were fine but the bridges on the path were covered with snow. Why did I get excited when I saw the other bike tire tracks in the snow? Nice to know that there are other cyclists out there.

[Tri Girl]

it was chilly this morning. Temp of 20 with wind chill of 13. Not too bad, but my thumbs got cold (I have winter gloves that have a neoprene lobster sleeve that fits over the fingers, but not the thumbs). Toes and thumbs are the worst. Thankfully it's only a little over 3 miles, so even at my turtle pace it doesn't take longer than 15-20 min. max depending on how bad traffic is on the two major streets I have to cross.
I love getting props(in the form of: you're crazy) from co-workers when they see I rode to work. I keep hoping to inspire just ONE person (but so far no luck). ;)

[Melalvai]

Why did I get excited when I saw the other bike tire tracks in the snow? Nice to know that there are other cyclists out there.
I love biking in winter because of that physical evidence that I'm not alone. I feel this warm camaraderie with someone I will probably never see. And with everyone who will see my tracks.

I love getting props(in the form of: you're crazy) from co-workers when they see I rode to work. I keep hoping to inspire just ONE person (but so far no luck).
1. You inspire me. Yes, I already bike, but I wouldn't continue to bike without people like you.
2. You'd be surprised at who you have inspired without knowing it. I get kind of hung up on certain people I want to inspire, such as my husband, or co-workers, that I don't appreciate the people I DO inspire, such as my dad, or co-workers I don't work directly with.

[pfunk12]

Melalvai is right, Tri Girl. They may not commute on their bike in the cold like you do because you're crazy. :D They may not even bike...period. But you are probably inspiring them in other ways and you don't know it.


2. You'd be surprised at who you have inspired without knowing it. I get kind of hung up on certain people I want to inspire, such as my husband, or co-workers, that I don't appreciate the people I DO inspire, such as my dad, or co-workers I don't work directly with.

[kmehrzad]

PFunk and TriGirl, you both are inspirational. I have a difficult time getting out on my bike when the temps are under 40 degrees. You ladies rock!

[Tri Girl]

I guess you're right, ladies. Maybe we're inspiring them in other ways.

Now pfunk, I will give you major props for riding in the snow. I'm so afraid of falling that I won't venture out in the snow. Although.... I guess I *could* take my mtn bike with the big ol' knobbies if it's snowing a little... hadn't thought of that. hmmm... now YOU are MY inspiration. ;)

Keep it up, ladies!!! We're all doing great things for our bodies, the planet, our communities, etc.

[Biciclista]

I'm down to one commute a week. But i lucked out today and last week, Friday. The weather has been bad, lots of rain and cold too.

Today's a beautiful day and I came to work on my bike. YAY

[Melalvai]

I miss my bike. But I have had lots fewer flashbacks & anxiety attacks, so staying off the bike is good for now. Yesterday and today, I walked home with the pink setting sun. A row of deer ran across the road. Traffic stopped on both sides. Several deer, and another, and another, and another. I lost count but I guess 15-20 in that herd.

I like walking. It's a different pace. Since we moved here, I kept intending to walk some days instead of bike, but it is always inconvenient to change modes. If I want to walk I have to bring lunch, because it's too far to walk home for lunch. If I walk I can't throw everything in my basket, I have to figure out how to carry it all. If I walk I have to come home before dark or remember to bring a flashlight. All these things would be second nature if this was how I traveled all the time.

Even walking, I have some anxiety. Moments of a crystal clear image of an approaching vehicle out of control...but of course that doesn't happen. There's no urge to dive into the ditch, and it doesn't happen as often as on my bike. Walking a good way to travel for me right now.

[blackhillsbiker]

Lovely 30s & 40s today. Sometimes the commute home feels like a chore. Tonight it felt like my bike was a part of me. Hard to explain, but marvelous when it happens. Work has been incredibly stressful lately. I'm so grateful to have my commute to look forward to.

Deb

[Tri Girl]

I wimped out this morning. hit the snooze 3 times and kept rolling over. So to punish myself for not commuting I rode the trainer for 1:45. That will teach me to get out of bed tomorrow morning for sure! ;)

[Crankin]

Melalvai, get a headlamp for walking. I have a cheaper one, from EMS, that cost around 25.00. I use it for walking, hiking, and as a back up for dark rides. That, plus some blinkies are good.

[tulip]

I wimped out this morning. hit the snooze 3 times and kept rolling over. So to punish myself for not commuting I rode the trainer for 1:45. That will teach me to get out of bed tomorrow morning for sure! ;)

Oh, we do we feel the need to punish ourselves?? Really? It's okay to sleep in. It's okay to not be perfect. It's taken me 43 years to figure that out, and what a relief it is!

TriGirl, you are inspiring people even though you may not know it. When I lived in DC, I commuted by bike regularly (3-4 times a week) to and from my job 14 miles away. I just went along my regular life without thinking about inspiring anyone. It was a way to get to work; the best way in terms of time, fun, budget, and parking.

One morning, when I was slugging up a hill at the beginning of my route, a lady yelled to me from her porch. I stopped (I was almost stopped anyways because of the hill), and she came down off her porch in her pink bathrobe. She said that she had seen me ride my bike past her house for several years in all kinds of weather, and that because of that, she and her husband had gone out and bought bikes and were riding them around the neighborhood on nice days.

That totally made my day. See? you are probably inspiring people without even knowing it.

[DebW]

I wanted to bike to work, but the lock on my basement door wouldn't open - I have only 1 way to get to my basement, and it's an outside door. It's done this a few times before, always very annoying. I saw my landlady and asked her to open it from the inside, which she did. I thought she was going to leave it unlocked for me, but 15 minutes later it was locked again and the key stil wouldn't turn. Aarg! So ended up walking to work, 1.5 miles but busy streets with no sidewalks. I've got a reflective vest and reflective triangle on the backpack for the walk home, but all my blinkeys were locked in the basement with the bikes. I did bring a headlight.

[Tri Girl]

good for you, Deb!

Meh- it wasn't really punishment- just that I needed to ride, and I would've had to only ride the trainer for 45 min. instead if I'd ridden to work. :p

That's a cool story, Tulip!!! That would have made my day/week/year!:)

[blackhillsbiker]

My commute was amazing! It was my first ride on the Felt. I could have sworn I was floating above the pavement! I'll have to ride my Dew for exercise, though. I shaved 5 minutes off my commute and wasn't even sweating. It was effortless. The last time I rode a road bike was the Schwinn Varsity in the 80s. This one is a whole different animal!

Deb

The saddle, however, has got to go!

[redrhodie]

I woke up at 6:15 to get ready for my commute....but, it was 14º. It was supposed to be in the 20s overnight. Boo. I know my limits. I went back to bed, guilt-free. :)

[Christopher]

Nice commute this AM, just enough light (with the headlight) to avoid iced-up puddles. Very pretty with the sun just coming up and I enjoyed the crunching of frost under the wheels. Had to hop onto the pedestrian path to avoid a wrecked car on the cyclepath - it had skidded on black ice and hit a lamppost. Fortunately no-one was injured. The driver was waiting for the tow-truck and didn't need assistance.

[MyRubyE]

Didn't have to commute this morning, but rode my bike this morning to do errands. The weather and road comditios were excellent for riding. Came across an interesting bike find along the way, which I plan to blog about later this evening. An all around great day for riding.

[blackhillsbiker]

Freezing this morning! Much nicer this evening. I've been taking the long route past a park that is all lit up for Christmas, with music playing and everything. I enjoy that.

Deb

[MyRubyE]

Sounds wonderful Deb - if we can beat the cold, enjoying the holiday decorations is wonderful to observe while riding.

[redrhodie]

1st commute on Princess Ice Boogie, my new bike. She's a 'cross bike with studded tires and disc brakes. This morning was in the 20s, and the roads had a lot of black ice. No problem! Really fun ride.

I had to avoid the bike path, which was all rutted and not great for these tires, and stay on the streets, which is a hillier route. Really felt the extra weight (she weighs almost 27 lbs since the tires weigh 2 lbs each). By the time I was getting ready to go home, my legs were burning from the morning ride.

I was so sore when I got home, I took some Advil and got right into a hot bath. I remember feeling the same way the first few times I commuted on both my other bikes. It must be new bike syndrome. I'm taking a rest day tomorrow!

[7rider]

Boy....the vacations are over.

Although I didn't bike commute b/t Christmas and New Year's, just being out on the road during that week - and to a lesser extent, bike commuting in the days leading up to Christmas - showed that the level of commuter traffic was down to tiny levels as folks took vacations and burned leave. It was a joy to be able to get out of our neighborhood easily without line after line of non-stop traffic.

But...all good things must come to an end. It's Monday and the workers are back - even at 6:45 a.m. Saw more traffic than I like this morning. May have to re-set that alarm clock 10 minutes earlier to try to get out ahead of it. :rolleyes:

But...today is the first day - and likely the only day - where Pfunk12 and I have the same number of bike commutes! Yahoo! :p

[pfunk12]

You are beating me! Today is my work-at-home day so no commuting for me. I am going to do the 12:30 Thrasher ride. Hoping that the pace is civilized and I don't get dropped.



But...today is the first day - and likely the only day - where Pfunk12 and I have the same number of bike commutes! Yahoo! :p

[blackhillsbiker]

Yuck! The path was drifted over every few feet, rutted and icy. I was wondering whether or not it would be plowed due to holidays. My 15-minute ride took me just under an hour. It started to snow really hard. The snow tires and my trusty Dew kept me upright. DH picked me and my bike up to go home for lunch. I'll try again tomorrow.

Deb

[Tri Girl]

great day to commute! Had to be careful of the icy patches on the roads, but it was so peaceful and quiet... except for the howling headwind the whole way- which made the ride home sa-weet!! ;)

[Rebecca19804]

First day back commuting by bike following knee surgery - yay! And so far, so good. Totally enjoyed my journey, including the first 45 minutes in the dark. Weather was a bit warmer than forecast and I got a bit too warm. But it was such a joy to be back in the saddle again! :)

[7rider]

Good for you, Rebecca! Welcome back!

The back story:

Occasionally, I go grocery shopping at lunch at the grocery store across the street from my office. Inevitably, I buy way more than I can carry in my Arkel pannier - which is usually already full with my clothes, towel, and lunch bag. So, I got a grocery pannier (http://www.rei.com/product/795714?preferredSku=7957140010&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7957140010&mr:trackingCode=F64CB1FE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA) with the intention that it will live on my rear rack for those occasional lunch-time trips. Most of the times it's empty, but it's there for those "just in case" needs to carry some crap or other.

This morning, the pannier was empty, and I hit a bump in the road just right, and launched it off the rack and into the street (I really need to dial in the bungee, so it's tight enough to stay, but loose enough to conveniently remove). So, I stop, swing back to go get it, waiting for passing cars to clear. Every car - except for this one big black SUV (figures :rolleyes:) avoided it. The SUV hit it smack - dead on. Grrrrr....You did that on purpose, you turd!! I yelled after it. :mad: Fortunately, it was empty and there's not much to it, so it's fine. But geez....did that grate my cheese for the morning.

This afternoon, I'm heading up the hill to my neighborhood - the last 3/4 mile includes 1/2 mile on a sidewalk to avoid a busy 6-lane road. On the sidewalk, by the Baptist church, there was a bunch of broken glass. It's been there for at least the past two days that I've ridden.

Grrrr...Somebody's got to do something about that, I thought.

So I decided I would be that "somebody". I rode home, grabbed a broom out of the garage, and went back and swept up the glass. There. Done.

[kmehrzad]

7 Rider,

Sorry to hear about your pannier being hit - OUCH! Hope it wasn't damaged.

Good for you sweeping up the glass. That's what I'd do and have done. You ride by it day after day then finally make the move to get rid of the glass. Somebody's gotta do it, right?

[7rider]

Sorry to hear about your pannier being hit - OUCH! Hope it wasn't damaged.

?

grrrrr
I just finally went and checked. It's busted. The hard frame that gives shape and support to the opening is shattered. The hard back, where the hooks are is still in (nearly) one piece, so I think it's still useable, but yup - jerk-wad busted it. :mad:

[blackhillsbiker]

Plowed paths! Back to my 15-minute commute. It was very cold this morning. Also very pretty with frost on everything. Hopefully my new light will get here this week. That will make my evening commute so much better. :)

Deb

[radacrider]

This week's commutes have been very nice (albeit, dark at both ends) because while cold (in the low to mid 20's), it has been dry. I am lovin' the flexibility of biking and have also done a few lunch errands using the bike.

So far, since my work place move, I am hitting my goal of 100% bike commuting! (Okay, that makes only 5 days, so far. :D:p).

Our weather is on the change for the rest of the week - rain front coming in.

I've seen some wonderful morning lights along the river and right before I cross the bridge to the work building. Lovely riding.

[tzvia]

Had off X-Mas eve through New Years weekend, and due to family member medical emergency, spent the 10 days assisting after his release from ICU. Now that things are improving (such as they can), I was able to get back on the bike to commute to work and back today. What a great way to release some tension.

Tried out a new lighting setup- I bought a Dinotte 300R tail light (wow, self contained and BRIGHT!) and put my old Stella 150 on the helmet to augment my Magicshine headlight on the bar. So now I have two bright tail lights, both rechargeable, and two rechargeable headlights + a glowlight that wraps around the frame.

It was cold (for Los Angeles county, that is). In the 40s when I left the house. It had rained most of last week and it is rather damp feeling outside, and a bit windy so gave me a chill. Even though I wore a ski mask, my face was red when I got to work. I don't know how you women ride when it is in the 20s and there is snow on the ground, or in the rain. I don't get paid enough at work to endure riding through that to get there!

Be safe out there - it's probably mighty dark one way or the other, be sure you can be seen! Have a safe commuting New Year!

[redrhodie]

Had off X-Mas eve through New Years weekend, and due to family member medical emergency, spent the 10 days assisting after his release from ICU. Now that things are improving (such as they can), I was able to get back on the bike to commute to work and back today. What a great way to release some tension.

Tried out a new lighting setup- I bought a Dinotte 300R tail light (wow, self contained and BRIGHT!) and put my old Stella 150 on the helmet to augment my Magicshine headlight on the bar. So now I have two bright tail lights, both rechargeable, and two rechargeable headlights + a glowlight that wraps around the frame.

It was cold (for Los Angeles county, that is). In the 40s when I left the house. It had rained most of last week and it is rather damp feeling outside, and a bit windy so gave me a chill. Even though I wore a ski mask, my face was red when I got to work. I don't know how you women ride when it is in the 20s and there is snow on the ground, or in the rain. I don't get paid enough at work to endure riding through that to get there!

Be safe out there - it's probably mighty dark one way or the other, be sure you can be seen! Have a safe commuting New Year!

I moved my Minewt light from my helmet to my bars today, so I guess light redecorating is in the air (I'm also planning on getting a new commuter helmet that has lights built in when it comes out in the Spring). As for riding in the cold, I'm convinced it's my Slavic heritage. Hardy peasant stock! I just don't get cold until it's below 20.

Today's commute was fantastic. I was up, on the road and at work an hour early.

[tzvia]

My cycle computer said it was 39F all the way to work this morning. At least, it was more of a dry cold than yesterday, and I did not wear the ski mask. Face was red when I got to work, so I made myself a hot red tea that I just held on to for a bit before drinking.

I hope tomorrow is warmer.

[blackhillsbiker]

Still quite cold! 1° this morning, 4° this evening. Still no new light. :(

I did see one lone runner on my way home tonight. I was glad to see other bike tire tracks in the new snow this morning. Makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone.

Deb

[redrhodie]

Still quite cold! 1° this morning, 4° this evening. Still no new light. :(

I did see one lone runner on my way home tonight. I was glad to see other bike tire tracks in the new snow this morning. Makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone.

Deb

Burrrrr!

It was in the low 20s here with a single digit wind chill factor. The woman I work for was surprised I rode. I wonder how surprised, though, since she didn't plow the driveway, and I never would have been able to drive down it in my car. I had to stay on roads, which is a hillier route than the bike path, which was also not plowed. The last 4 miles or so was into a brisk headwind, similar conditions to last week, when I got so sore riding to work. I guess I'm adapting to the new bike, because I didn't get sore at all this time.

On this new bike, I've totally overcome my apprehension of riding in the dark (and on ice). It's been so freeing! I highly recommend the Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tires. They've made so many days that would have been driving days cycling days. They also have reflective sidewalls, which makes me feel that much more visible at night. Two thumbs up!

[pfunk12]

It was so quiet this morning. The calm before the storm? I know I'm taking my chances riding the bike in since we're supposed to possibly get 2-4 inches of snow - starting this afternoon. But the ride in was so peaceful and quiet so it's worth it. I am scheduled to leave at 2:30 so maybe I'll beat the first flake.

[Melalvai]

I commuted by foot today and yesterday! Yesterday would have been ok by bike, but with all the storm warnings I didn't want to chance it on coming home. Today was a fun walk.

I like the quote from this article (http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/jan/10/no-need-to-put-away-bike-for-winter/): "Life is too short to bicycle only nine months of the year, and it’s definitely too short to spend time scraping ice off a windshield."

[radacrider]

So far this week, we have had cold but clear weather. So, I am continuing to bike to work. Today, the prediction is for possible snow/freezing rain/rain and gusty east winds (these are the cold ones for us). Will have to see how I feel heading east toward home this afternoon into those 20mph headwinds.

So far, have bike commuted 100% for the year :D

[blackhillsbiker]

The -12° this morning made the +13° this evening feel almost delightful. Seriously, I love winter riding (I had to keep telling myself that this morning when my gears wouldn't work). It's supposed to be almost 40° tomorrow! :D

Deb

[radacrider]

What started out as an ordinary rainy commute (with son to school, then me to work) turned into a flat adventure. I wrote it up here, http://portlandiapedaler.blogspot.com/2011/01/omg-when-it-rains-it-pours.html.

Other than that, have to figure out why my knees got soaked through my rain pants (Showers Pass). Looked pretty funny at work for about an hour or so.:eek::D

[7rider]

The -12° this morning made the +13° this evening feel almost delightful. Seriously, I love winter riding (I had to keep telling myself that this morning when my gears wouldn't work). It's supposed to be almost 40° tomorrow! :D


Sorry, Pfunk12. In my eyes, you have lost your lead as the baddest of the bad-a$$ bike commuters out there! :eek::D

Holy cow. I'm a native New Englander and I still cringe at the thought of -12! The thought of bike commuting in it? No friggin' way.
(of course...I've gone skiing in it!)

[pfunk12]

Well, then...I'm hoping for some serious cold weather in DC so that I can get my bad-a$$ status back. :p Yes, that is ridiculously cold. Blackhillsbiker - wow. I'm not sure what my limit is yet since I haven't reached it. The 15 degree wind chill this morning wasn't that bad but it's nowhere near -12 degrees. Yikes.


Sorry, Pfunk12. In my eyes, you have lost your lead as the baddest of the bad-a$$ bike commuters out there! :eek::D
(of course...I've gone skiing in it!)

[girlsubobscura]

Today was my tenth commute of the year. It was snowing and the back streets were rutted and bumpy, making this the first day I wished I had sprung for studded tires. The sun is shining and the plows have been out though, so the ride home should be better.

[Atlas]

I had been commuting 2-3 days a week on my Cross Check but it pained me to see it get all mucky and dirty. We had a Gary Fisher frame that we got from a neighbor but it was a bit too small for me so we traded with a co-worker at the shop who had a mountain bike frame that was a bit too big. Win-win. Now I have an older Diamondback with fenders and lots of lights to get me through the rest of this winter. Downside is that it's really heavy compared to my other bikes and the 'morning hill' is a lot bigger it seems.

This morning was my coldest commute yet at about 4ºF. I need something more than a scarf around my face, that's for sure.

[redrhodie]

I commuted yesterday. The forecast was for snow starting after 4 pm with light flurries to start. Plenty of time for me to get back to the park and ride, where I keep my car, if I went in a little early. Well, imagine my surprise when at 11 am there were already a couple of inches, and it was falling hard. I was thinking it would lighten up, and I'd still be able to ride, assuming the main roads were probably clear. I called my lbs for a pep talk, figuring they'd tell me it's cool, mellow out, you'll be fine. Instead, what I heard was concern about the plows, and nothing he said made me feel better, telling me the roads already looked bad. For the next few hours, I waffled about whether I would ride or take the car ride my friend was insisting on giving me. Finally, at 3:30, I decided to wimp out.

I realized I made the right decision after we were stuck in a several mile long traffic jam, on unplowed main roads, in heavily falling, slippery, heavy snow. I was glad to not be on my bike in that.

[kmehrzad]

I commuted yesterday. The forecast was for snow starting after 4 pm with light flurries to start. Plenty of time for me to get back to the park and ride, where I keep my car, if I went in a little early. Well, imagine my surprise when at 11 am there were already a couple of inches, and it was falling hard. I was thinking it would lighten up, and I'd still be able to ride, assuming the main roads were probably clear. I called my lbs for a pep talk, figuring they'd tell me it's cool, mellow out, you'll be fine. Instead, what I heard was concern about the plows, and nothing he said made me feel better, telling me the roads already looked bad. For the next few hours, I waffled about whether I would ride or take the car ride my friend was insisting on giving me. Finally, at 3:30, I decided to wimp out.

I realized I made the right decision after we were stuck in a several mile long traffic jam, on unplowed main roads, in heavily falling, slippery, heavy snow. I was glad to not be on my bike in that.

Wise choice you made. The DC area was in total gridlock yesterday. There were so many horror stories about traffic and the length of people's commutes - amazing. Car Mageddon for sure.