Wha...? :confused: That is bizarre. If you were riding with traffic in a bike lane, wasn't she running the wrong way? Not that that is a huge deal when you're a pedestrian, but certainly not a place to be bossy.Quote:
Originally Posted by redrhodie
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Wha...? :confused: That is bizarre. If you were riding with traffic in a bike lane, wasn't she running the wrong way? Not that that is a huge deal when you're a pedestrian, but certainly not a place to be bossy.Quote:
Originally Posted by redrhodie
That's how they run here, towards traffic. I suppose that's so they can see and get out of the way of oncoming vehicles, or push said vehicles into the road :rolleyes:.Quote:
Originally Posted by lph
I ride that route several times a week, and haven't seen her before. I'll give her more space if I see her again. She's obviously a loose cannon. Better just stay out of her way.
Heh, I suddenly realized that I "almost" ran a cyclist down this morning because I thought he was a pedestrian... I didn't actually get anywhere near him, but I was in full flow along the very busy bike path that every morning hosts the local "Tour de Finance", and had to switch sides from left to right, crossing the path of a couple of pedestrians walking towards me with plenty of space to spare. But just as I check my back and swing out to switch sides I see a blur in front of me. I just have time to think "Whoa, THAT'S not a pedestrian!" and swerve back.
Just goes to show, when making split-second decisions it's not always easy to see what's what, and it's especially hard to judge the speed of someone heading toward you - the same way many drivers misjudge the speed of cyclists.
You're absolutely right. Before casting judgment, we should consider the other person's perspective. Glad it all worked out well for you and the other cyclist.Quote:
Originally Posted by lph
Yesterday's commutes were much better! With dense fog in the morning, a truck driver was kind enough to wave that he saw me, and let me have the right of way through a dicey intersection. Little things like that make me happy. PM commute was really fast, one of those rare occasions where I felt like going all out. Beautiful day, except for 100% humidity.
This was my first week commuting every single day! Feels great. It rained two days as well (nothing to write home about, but the path is remarkably empty when even a little rain falls - I look forward to it even more, it is a much easier ride without the congestion). Friday's commute was great - weather was perfect. One thing I notice - I still don't feel great going into a sharp turn, I slow down a lot, probably more so than others. I took a turn so sharply once that my pedal scrapped the ground and it made me nervous in my turns. Something to work on...
e.e. - I'm on my third week of biking to work every day and just loving it!
Can't believe it - I was chased by a Canada Goose (family) on the ride home last night. :eek::eek:
Was the funniest thing! I was riding through the hospital grounds and realized there was something along the side of the road moving toward me. As I'm going by, I realize (holy cr*p), its a Canada Goose hissing at me! Right behind him (my assumption that it was the male goose) are his mate and at least four goslings.....that's as much as I could see cuz I'm getting the heck out of there. How's that for a visual - bike fleeing from Canada Goose family???
Weird thing is they really weren't anywhere near water, so I'm thinking they must have gotten confused - somehow ended up in the parking lot & then couldn't figure out how to get out of there. The actual place where they were was on a grass strip between the sidewalk & the parking lot.
The things you see when you bike - commute?!?
He wasn't chasing you...he was trying to ask for directions!!
His wife was behind him saying "See? We're lost. And it's all your fault because you're too proud and STUBBORN to ask for directions!!!" :D
7rider, that is just too funny! :D:DQuote:
Originally Posted by 7rider
It was a very chilly morning commute. I actually wore arm warmers for 1/2 the commute - in June in Washington, D.C. Unheard of! I (randomly) met my morning commuting buddy, Chip. He is retiring from the Coast Guard in less than 2 weeks. I will miss seeing him on the trail.
My afternoon commute was different. I had to go to a meeting at 2 p.m. so last week I e-mailed the organizer and asked him if I could ride my bike to the meeting and park it in the conference room. He's a runner so he "gets it". His response - "Cool. We can accommodate the bike and we can accommodate the rider." So instead of getting on the metro, I got on my bike. It took me less than 8 minutes to get to the building (in downtown D.C.) where the meeting was being held. I walked into the building and when I went to lean the bike against the wall, the security guard said, "Excuse me. What are you doing?" Well, apparently you're not supposed to bring bikes in the building. I guess I'm used to where I work where the security guards chat with me every day about my cycling. The guard told me that I would have to leave my bike outside but I don't even own a lock because my Madone is always by my side. :D I told him that the meeting organizer said that I could bring the bike so he called him and Kerry came down to the lobby. He looked at me (in my kit) and looked at the bike and said, "You were serious?" I cracked up. We went upstairs and I put the bike in his office and changed into professional clothes in the restroom. After the meeting, I did a quick change and one of the participants (they were all very cool university professors) said, "Did you just change in a phone booth?!" :p
I had to do my city commute instead of my daily trail commute. I was extremely alert and wired but I made it home safely.
Super star. Super hero. Meh. All the same! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by pfunk12
One of the regular guys on our bike shop group rides left for California recently to take part in a bike ride across America....52 (?) days, from San Francisco to Portsmouth NH. We're of course all very jealous. But....before he left, he recently posted a picture of a bird he had a hard time identifying on the shop's Yahoo listserv. It was a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron - somewhat unusual for the area, but not at all rare or unexpected. Well, since he left...I've seen a YCNH on each of my commutes (which has been twice). Once yesterday in a park, it was patrolling around a park bench, looking for breakfast. Today, one was in Sligo Creek as I crossed over the wooden bridge. It's funny. That bird has been a totem for me for various friends at different stages of my life. Well, different birds fill that role. It always changes. Lately...it's the yellow-crowned night heron.
I rode my bike to two meetings today, and it worked out fine. The last meeting ended after sunset, and I found out then that my blinkie is on the blitz. I have reflectors on my shoes, panniers, and messenger bag (I had alot of stuff to bring to the meeting), but I really need to get a new blinkie.
It was so gorgeous this afternoon that I came home, changed and took out the mountain bike. Finally not so humid! The creek is still over its banks in a lot of places and all of the tunnels are still closed because they're underwater. It's been a very wet spring. I only have one more day before leg surgery and forced bike hiatus so I'm trying to enjoy every minute.
Deb
Actually not sure if this guy was commuting or training (training by the look of his outfit - he had all the gear, the nice bike, etc.), but on my commute this morning, I came upon scene where the cyclist had fallen, blood was running down his face, his forehead, cheeks were cut - it was not pretty. People were already there, on the phone, calling for help. He was sitting up, but he was obviously in pain. I felt so bad for him. I don't know exactly how it happened, but I only saw one bike down, don't know if it involved another cyclist. However it happened, it was a sobering sight, I hope he's okay. I spent the rest of my commute thinking about him.
Commute was awesome today! Gorgeous morning, and I left early enough to extend my ride up through the state park and past the lake. Must have already been in the 60's at 6am. I'm worried it's going to be hot going home, though!
I didn't look at your link yet, but a few days after my mother passed away, I was walking my friend's dogs in the woods, and I saw an owl. I'd never seen one around here before, and it felt somehow special, like it had some deep meaning connected to her.Quote:
Originally Posted by 7rider
My commute today was pretty awesome. This morning the wind was with me, so it was fast and fun. Tonight, I almost took a ride to my car because it was raining, but then remembered I love riding in the rain (it's the bike cleaning I dread :rolleyes:). Anyway, the rain was light and I felt most excellent being out in it. Now to clean the bike...(I wish there was a smiley with a perfectly straight line for a mouth. That's how I feel about it.)
Good ride back home, but was tired after doing yoga class (I took a special with an nearby yoga centre - $20, and I can try a week's worth of classes). I tried a 6pm class. I didn't know it was one and half hours, and I didn't realize that it was going to be so intensive! Good though. Made my commute home pretty low key though.
Is it just me or are roller bladers increasing in number? And their kick out sometimes goes out into the other lane that it become a hazard for the oncoming cyclist in the opposite side of the path. Anyone ever have a run-in with a roller blader because of that? Sometimes I am thinking it is only a matter of time. A lot of roller bladers on the path tonight.
Supposed to rain tomorrow - 90% POP. I don't mind. It mean that I will virtually have the path to myself. Have rain gear, will travel.
Almost forgot to add: encountered guy riding bike, hands off handlebars, talking on his cell, smoking a cigarette.
Had my farewell commute tonight until I'm cleared to ride again after surgery. This morning was cool. I saw lots of birds along the creek. This evening was really nice. The path wasn't too crowded since I worked late and it was after 8 before I started home.
I agree about the roller bladers. I really hate it when they're wearing ipods. We have lots of them here, too. And skateboarders. My least favorite, though, is unleashed dogs who have just been swimming in the creek. They come bounding up, and when I stop because I don't want to hit them, or get jumped on, they shake and share their creek water. The owner usually laughs and tells me how friendly they are.
Deb
This morning, in the locker room of our fitness center, there were just 4 women getting showered and ready for a day in the office.
ALL four had arrived by bicycle (and were using the Fitness Center basically for showering only - well, except me who lifted for a bit before hitting the locker room).
And who says women don't bike commute??
Good luck, Deb!Quote:
Originally Posted by blackhillsbiker
Nice commute on a wet, but not raining when I rode, morning. Got caught for a few minutes behind a roller blader who was smoking marijuana while he was blading along. I'm starting to see it all on this path.
Ride back was calm, I had just done a yoga class just before and was in a pretty 'blissed-out' state. Passed a volleyball game, the dragon boats in the canal, and spots on the path where tiny bugs make opening your mouth a challenge. Tomorrow will be my second FULL week of commuting. Yah! I have been commuting on and off since February, but not steady like now.
The Grand Prix Formula 1 race is in town this weekend, and when I got close to my work I could hear in the distance the engines revving around the track. It's a real buzz. It's that time of year when the hotels and restaurants are full, the champagne is flowing and the Ferraris are out (mine is in the shop LOL!)
Pretty empty path today, it is a bit of a dull morning. No wind, lovely ride. Some people take Friday off, I think.
Bugs taste bitter. :mad:
I've been at my new job in the much smaller town (pop 17,000) of Kirksville, MO for two weeks now. I've commuted every day, it's only 2 miles each way. Most days I go home for lunch, so I get at least 8 miles in. The first week was just plain lonely and exhausting, because my husband and daughter were living in a hotel back in Columbia until her last day of school. Since then it's been a lot nicer. I worry about them because I'm at work meeting people, and they are stuck at home without internet. (That's a long story, we are just on the other side of the city limit sign but the problem seems to be that the house is too far back from the road, and we are having a heck of a time figuring out what we're going to do for internet. Living without is not an option since my husband just graduated with a degree in computer science!)
The commute itself is nice and easy. It's a lot more flat in town than Columbia is. There are some hills in this area, but I think the loess hills are further west.
There is a bike path, the Wabash railroad used to go through town. Missouri has mostly lost the rights to the railroad line but Kirksville has converted 3/4 mile of it into a bike path. I can see where the railroad bed extends. In fact it goes behind our house just a few feet. Forty years ago that would NOT have been a good place to build a house! (The house is only 7 years old.)
I don't really need the bike path, because it's a small town and traffic is light. There is only one street I would be reluctant to bike on--the highway as it passes through town. To get to work I don't even have to cross the highway, but to go anywhere else, it's difficult without using the highway. But it is such a small town I'm sure I'll learn the tricks soon enough.
Pictures of my commute are here, and I'll attempt to link them into the message...
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-c...58-300x225.jpg
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-c...60-300x225.jpg
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-c...62-300x225.jpg
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-c...65-300x225.jpg
I was so happy to be on my bike this morning. This has been the most stressful week of my life. Our family is in crisis and it really helped me to be out on my bike. (hadn't ridden since my last post on this thread because we've had really bad rain every day and I don't feel comfortable on my dolce when the road is soaked) I see a long ride comming this weekend so I don't go crazy
Why do runners who have a perfectly good footpath - no loose gravel, etc., much easier on the joints (I am a runner too) - choose to run on the paved bike path instead? The foot path is a stone's throw away! If I rode on the foot path, I would be shouted off!
And why do cyclists who have a perfectly good bike path that costs the city a fortune to maintain STILL ride on the road right beside it? Risking being 'doored' by cars, etc. and all of the other risks of riding in traffic? It's their business, I guess, but it's a mystery to me.
I don't know, thought I'd would think out a loud a little. You have these thoughts when you commute back and forth.
Yesterday - after DH and I washed all the sweat off our bikes after a particularly sweaty, sticky, drippy, club ride - I started getting nostalgic for winter.
And I went back and re-read NYBiker's "Enough with the snow already!" thread in the Mid-Atlantic section.
And I was looking at all the pictures of mountains of snow and folks bundled up in their winter layers.
And I recalled, back in January, looking at the thermometer one morning before a commute, - a thermometer which was pegged somewhere south of 20 degrees F (-7C) - I was amazed that there would EVER be a time in the year where it was hot and sticky and gross, and I'd be wearing a sleeveless jersey when I left the house at 6:45 in the morning, and not wondering how I would ever move for all the layers I had on my body.
But, this morning was such a morning. I got into the gym, glistening with sweat.
It's amazing what a little time can do for you.
Missing my commute. :( Second surgery is tomorrow. Hopefully then I'll be back on the bike in 2 weeks ("gentle, moderate riding") and back up to speed in about 6 weeks. I had forgotten how stressful it is to drive in the mornings. A police car pulled in behind me this morning with lights flashing & sirens blaring.:eek: Why do my thoughts immediately jump to "what did I do??!" Anyhow, he was on his way to an accident further down. Between traffic and gapers' block, I was late to work. I ignore the far-off sirens when I'm on the bike path… Sigh.
Cant believe it's the same day it was this morning! Was cloudy and raining until after 3 today. But i heard it was supposed to clear up. So i brought my Fuji to work with me (dropped the commuter off at the LBS at lunch for a tune up), along with a change of clothes for tomorrow, and rode home leaving my car at work. Absolutely gorgeous evening ride home!
Errands by bike today: post office, grocery store for a few things. Only about 7 miles, but I was glad to spin my legs.
no commuting for me until August. While I don't miss work, I miss the commute. Once the vacations settle down (next week), I'll just start riding daily to make up for the commute I'm missing. ;)
Yesterday I rode 8.8 miles to the Farmer's Market in the next town. Like Tulip, this is my weekly "errand" commute. For 2 hours I gave out discount coupons to people who arrived by bike and watched their bikes while they shopped. I ended up buying some olive bread and 2 whole wheat scones, which made for a heavy pannier on the way back. Man, that bread is dense. I decided that since I was on the hybrid, I would do something different, so I headed into the Old North Bridge area, so I could actually ride over the bridge, past the Minuteman statue and cut through to the street I needed to be on. When I got inside the park, a ranger told me that the path is being redone, almost to the other end (it's hard packed sand, but it looked like they had paved most of it), but I could walk my bike along the side, in the grass. It was pretty quiet there, so the walk was nice. When I got past the fenced off area, and started riding up a small rise, a family who was visiting the park started clapping for me :).
By this time, it was pretty hot and humid out, so I was dreading riding the heavy bike up my hill, but, it wasn't too bad. 17.9 miles total.
Beautiful commute this morning, the air was fresh, breezed by the kayakers on the canal, not too many people on the path. I will be going on vacation next week, and I will miss my commute. Going to Newfoundland to visit my parents. I even investigated renting a bike there but I am not that interested in riding with no paved shoulder in places, I have this image of me being blown off the road by a transport truck. I think my fitness will be made up of hiking yoga, and running.
Yesterday, riding home, I was passed by a guy riding a Cervelo (dh's dream ride) and wearing a really nice pair of cycle shorts - the reason I noticed is because dh's birthday is coming up and after losing weight he would like a new pair of shorts. Kept pace behind this guy for quite a distance before I could determine that he was wearing Sugoi RS shorts - boosted my confidence that I could keep pace with this guy for a while!
Speaking of keeping pace with a guy, this morning a guy trailed me from my neighborhood and into downtown. He passed by me and then I lost him but we came back to the same street about 10 uphill blocks from my office. I was proud of myself for staying in the street with traffic while he pedaled on the sidewalk. I've been telling myself to be confident and just stay in the road after someone yelled at me a few weeks ago for biking on the sidewalk. Anyway I passed him going uphill and then pulled up to my building and lo and behold he locked up right next to me a minute later. I left the house a few minutes late today but apparently we have the same route. I recognized his bike because I've seen it parked outside our building for almost 2 years so I was happy I could keep up this morning. He said "Man, aren't bikes fun?"
Isn't that funny sometimes, the different routes people take? I notice that sometimes I'll be riding and chatting with someone, we split at an intersection, then I see them again when I come around a bend.
ColoKate, what part of CO are you in? I'm down in Centennial, and frequently go through Cherry Creek or down the 470 trail to add some miles to my 7 mile commute.
uh-huh. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by e.e.cummings
Jenn - I bike from NW Highlands into Denver, 5 miles on the dot. I'm thinking about getting on and off the trails to add miles too but just haven't nailed down a route!
Kate, my DRIVE is 5.1 miles, but I HATE riding on Arapahoe so i usually go thru Greenwood Village which is 7 miles. We just started an 8 week fitness challenge at work where we get points for each minute of activity, so I've been cruising up thru Cherry Creek or taking 470 home. Nice to have options out here! (and glad the rain has stopped!)
Okay, you've got my number! I did feel like a bit of a perv, staring at a guy's butt for so long...Quote:
Originally Posted by lph