How Was Your Commute Today?

Commute today was cold! Just above freezing. Had to pull a a wool blanket over me to eat breakfast, we haven't put up any curtains or heaters yet. I debated going up to the icy attic and crawling around thunking my head on the beams to find my winter shoes, didn't sound too appealing so I went for shoe covers instead. Warm enough, but only just. Time to break out all the winter stuff now. The weather is glorious, which means warm (-ish, 10-12 deg C) rides home again, but also clear nights and cold, cold mornings. Will have to pay careful attention to the road some mornings in case the ice sneaks up on us.

Smell: I ride past a huge coffee storehouse down by the ocean every morning :) :)

I smelled what I'd swear were freshly-baking waffle cones this morning. That warm, sugary bready smell... oh man. My other favorite smells I've encountered on-bike are bacon and chocolate chip cookies. The only disappointment is not getting to enjoy them.

Today was cool, in the mid 40s, but dry and we had my favorite kind of sunrise: Where there's a low layer of clouds so that when the sun rises, it lights up the bottom of the clouds like they're flames. Like this, but way nicer:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/...49f16f2ee0.jpg

Also thanks for all the comments on my Xtracycle haul. It was definitely the exception rather than the rule, even with an cargo bike like that (:rolleyes:), but it's neat to be able to use a bike like that. Re: the 10-lb bag of kitty litter -- you'd never even notice it on the Xtracycle. Seriously. It's already a heavy, slow beast, so tossing a bag like that back there would hardly make a difference.

Kfergos, you DID enjoy them. Eating isn't the only pleasure.
This morning was the coldest commute of the season. 44 degrees on my bike thermometer or 7 deg C. BRRRRR

today's commute was good- in the morning. In the afternoon I was waved on by a co-worker in the parking lot as I was heading out, and I went to wave thanks, my hand slipped on the handlebars, and I went over the bars (not really sure how that happened). My wrist is killing me now and I'm a bit bruised. I hate when I do stupid things like that. Then I almost got hit by a car who thought I was going slow and decided to speed up past me and turn right in front of me. Had I not hit the brakes I would've been creamed. Grrr...
I'm glad I made it home in one relatively held together piece. :rolleyes:

Ouch Tri Girl. Take care of the wrist.

I did something similarly stupid today. Commute was fine in the morning, rode home to get lunch... As I was going out the door to go back to work, it occured to me that I should go grab something, turned around to run into the house and rammed my knee into the door frame...

i did my owwies dance, hopped down the stairs to get whatever the heck it was i needed, came back upstairs and half thought I should take the car to work... But decided that would be lame, limped to the backyard, got on the bike and the first few pedal strokes was going... I bet this wasn't a good idea.

Got to work and watched my knee swell and the bruise develop for a few hours before it was time to make my slow bike ride home .

Yay for stupid self inflicted injuries!

Today was a half-commute.
A friend and co-worker of mine had borrowed my old Seven for the summer so she could do the Civil War metric century the other week. She successfully did the ride and wanted to get the bike back to me. So, she brought it in to work this morning in her truck, and I took Metro in, bringing bike clothes in a backpack. We put the bike in my locker so I could ride it home in the afternoon.
Now...I have been riding clipless pedals on all my bikes for years. But my friend does not. So I got some pedals with toe cages & straps for the bike, which she used. I rode home today with those pedals.
Oh. My. Gawsh.
Once you go clipless, I have discovered, there is no going back. I felt like a total newb.
- Trying to flip them around when starting from a light was maddening (all my pedals are double sided entry - just stomp and go.).
- I had to loosen the strap waayyy up so I could fit my sneaker in, and then my sneaker would slide out when I was pedalling (being a complete newb, and in city traffic, I was actually afraid to tighten them up too much!).
First task on the list now is putting Speedplays back on the bike!

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Originally Posted by Catriona

I did something similarly stupid today.

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Ouch! I'm glad I'm not the only one. :rolleyes:

kfergos- I'm sure the sunrise was beautiful if it was anything like the picture. Awesome!

I want a friend that lets me borrow a seven for the entire summer.

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Originally Posted by kfergos

I smelled what I'd swear were freshly-baking waffle cones this morning. That warm, sugary bready smell... oh man. My other favorite smells I've encountered on-bike are bacon and chocolate chip cookies. The only disappointment is not getting to enjoy them.

Today was cool, in the mid 40s, but dry and we had my favorite kind of sunrise: Where there's a low layer of clouds so that when the sun rises, it lights up the bottom of the clouds like they're flames. Like this, but way nicer:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/...49f16f2ee0.jpg

Also thanks for all the comments on my Xtracycle haul. It was definitely the exception rather than the rule, even with an cargo bike like that (:rolleyes:), but it's neat to be able to use a bike like that. Re: the 10-lb bag of kitty litter -- you'd never even notice it on the Xtracycle. Seriously. It's already a heavy, slow beast, so tossing a bag like that back there would hardly make a difference.

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Very beautiful photo, kfergos.

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Originally Posted by Catriona

Ouch Tri Girl. Take care of the wrist.

I did something similarly stupid today. Commute was fine in the morning, rode home to get lunch... As I was going out the door to go back to work, it occured to me that I should go grab something, turned around to run into the house and rammed my knee into the door frame...

i did my owwies dance, hopped down the stairs to get whatever the heck it was i needed, came back upstairs and half thought I should take the car to work... But decided that would be lame, limped to the backyard, got on the bike and the first few pedal strokes was going... I bet this wasn't a good idea.

Got to work and watched my knee swell and the bruise develop for a few hours before it was time to make my slow bike ride home .

Yay for stupid self inflicted injuries!

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I hope it doesn't affect Saturday's ride (Tour du Port).

Today was the coldest commute yet- high 40s in the morning! Overall, I think I was well-dressed for it, but it's hard to gauge. I'm halfway to work before I'm warmed up, so I need to remember to dress a little warmer than I would for a long road ride. My hands were a little cold- my "cool weather" insulated gloves are terrible, but it's not anywhere cold enough for heavy Amfib gloves yet. I also need to remember about glasses fogging up when I stop at traffic lights- had a couple sketchy moments where I couldn't see anything!

It was a beautiful ride in, cool and quiet, with the sun just beginning to rise behind the Delaware Memorial Bridge. I need to keep up the motivation to get out the door when it's cold and dark because I really enjoy the ride once I get going.

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Originally Posted by Becky

It was a beautiful ride in, cool and quiet, with the sun just beginning to rise behind the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

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Wow. Very impressive. You actually made southern New Jersey look ... almost photogenic!

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Originally Posted by 7rider

Wow. Very impressive. You actually made southern New Jersey look ... almost photogenic!

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Actually, DH made New Jersey look photogenic :) That pic is from about 2 weeks ago, I think. It's a lot darker now!

Nice photo Becky.
this morning as we were getting ready to leave for work, DH misunderstood me and got huffy. "See you tonight" he said. Well, i left right behind him and sure enough, he had calmed down and was waiting for me on his bike behind the house. We rode together quietly and parted friends once more.

I think DH would be tickled pink if he could find a job where he and I could bike commute into town together.
I just don't think I'd be able to convince him to get up and out the door at the early hour I do....and I leave late compared to others I know!

DH and I enjoy being able to commute together. It makes some of the sketchier parts just a little safer. Safety in numbers and more eyes are both good things.

(Though I nearly got nailed this morning. A guy in a truck decided to roll a stop to make a right turn behind DH, and never looked to his left to see me there. I dunno how he missed me- my headlight looks like something from a motorcycle.)

Gorgeous picture, Becky!!! :)

Hey ladies! I just saw this thread and thought I'd pop in and say hi! I've been commuting 3 days a week ever since I got my trusty Surly Cross Check. (Best commuting bike ever!!)

It's 13 miles one way, 6 miles on the bike path, 6 miles on a quietish 35mph street with bike lane, and 1.5 miles through bikelaneless BMW-jerkwad hell.

I do consider myself lucky that it's only 1.5 miles. I don't think I'd be able to handle the commute otherwise.

This morning was the first time I felt really really cold, although my definition of really cold is totally wimpy and cheating since I'm in Arizona. I'll be heading to REI this week to stock up on some warmer layers, for sure.

Even though it takes me an hour to get to work, I like it so much better than the 25 minutes I spend in the car. Totally worth it!

Enjoy your commutes, people! :)

Only got 1/2 a commute in today. Great ride in...I actually feel safer in the dark. After spending 10.5 hours in PowerPoint Purgatory, I decided to ask DH for a lift home & dinner out. My bike will spend Wednesday with me at the office until I can ride her home for the other 1/2 commute Thursday afternoon (I have meetings & appointments tomorrow that make riding not an option). I know...she'll be sitting there, next to the file cabinet & visitor chairs begging me to get her out tomorrow! My day seems incomplete. :(

Beautiful photograph and sounds like a nice commute.

Note to self: Put a small container of dry lube in the tool locker (or even, my own locker).
Was not planning to ride today. But DH had a 7:30 a.m. "date" with some riding buds to do a loop out into Howard County (yes, MDHS, he went right by Harvey - the bunny statue). So, my Metro chauffer was off on the bike early, and that left me with riding in or (gasp!) taking the truck. Of course, the bike won out. :cool:
It had rained this a.m., but stopped before I left, so the roads were wet, a few puddles, but no active rain. I admit...I am a fair weather commuter, and I was more concerned about flatting then anything (well, dirty wet spray on my new Arkel pannier was worrisome too! :o).
But by the time I hit town, my chain was starting to chirp like the morning birds. It will be singing a mighty song on the ride back tonight - in 25 mph winds, with gusts to 45, oh joy. Looks like I will have some maintenance duties to take care of tonight.

I'm a wimp... I heard 50 mile an hour gusts, walked out of the house & felt the wind... and took the car.

I did the wet commute this morning. It was drizzle when I left home but a moderate rain when I got here. I wouldn't have done my previous 13 mile commute in these conditions, but from my new home it's only 1.5 miles to work, so why not? Actually I've been taking the bike path for a somewhat longer 3.3 mile commute, and it's quite nice to spend some time in the morning cycling through the woods. For the first time ever, I parked by bike outside the office - it was just too wet and dirty to bring inside. [My bike was parked outside the office in Zurich for 3 months, but never outside THIS office.] I too, will have some maintenance duties tonight.

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Originally Posted by bluegirl

bikelaneless BMW-jerkwad hell.

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Ain't this the truth??!!? Every time when someone is roaring out of an alley, or making a right turn in front of me, or generally behaving like a jackass, 9 times out of 10 they're driving a BMW.

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Originally Posted by 7rider

It will be singing a mighty song on the ride back tonight - in 25 mph winds, with gusts to 45, oh joy.

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I'm with Catriona--went running this morning instead of having to face the prospect of riding home in the wind.

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Originally Posted by 7rider

It will be singing a mighty song on the ride back tonight - in 25 mph winds, with gusts to 45, oh joy.

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I also decided to bike in today even though I saw the blustery forecast. It will be extremely tough the first 5 miles since I will be riding next to the Potomac River where the winds will be gusting. Should make for some nice strength training. :D

I struggled on the commute this morning. Even with a decent light, it was very, very, very dark. More so than usual. I felt like I was constantly trying to get my eyes adjusted to the darkness.

It has been cold and windy here. 20F yesterday morning... brrr! I'm not sure I'm ready for winter yet :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by ginny

It has been cold and windy here. 20F yesterday morning... brrr! I'm not sure I'm ready for winter yet :rolleyes:

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HOLY DUDE!:eek: And it was only 49F this morning and I was quite cold. I'm a wimp! ;)

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Originally Posted by 7rider

It will be singing a mighty song on the ride back tonight - in 25 mph winds, with gusts to 45, oh joy.

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You rode in that?!? Dang, you are way tougher than me! (You too, pfunk!) I was in Dagsboro for work yesterday, and just driving in that nonsense was no fun! Needless to say, I left the bike at home... :o

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Originally Posted by Becky

You rode in that?!? Dang, you are way tougher than me! (You too, pfunk!) I was in Dagsboro for work yesterday, and just driving in that nonsense was no fun! Needless to say, I left the bike at home... :o

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Yeah, loved the headwind. NOT.
Going home last night, a guy on a Scattante came up to a light with me, and passed me going up the MUT, through the parking lot, and out into the neighborhood below ours. He stayed just ahead of me, and something looked vaguely familiar about him. He took the first left, I took the second -- a more meandering route than the road he took, through some houses that ultimately gets back out onto the main road. I realized he was a neighbor whom I had seen go by but never spoke to when I saw him zip by on that main street, ahead of me. He had a good 50 yards on me by then, and I pushed to try to bridge up to him. But...'twas not to be. He dropped me going up that last hill.
He gave me an incentive to push, but I'll blame my lack of success on the headwind. Yeah. :rolleyes:

I did a measly commute to the commuter rail today, as I had an appointment to see my advisor in Cambridge. Rain was forecast, but I decided to go on my bike anyway, since it definitely would be raining by this afternoon and I would not be getting a road ride in.
I wore an Ibex t-shirt with a wicking type hoodie, my Prana/terry knickers, and stuck my rain jacket/helmet cover in my pannier. It was not raining on the way in this morning, but when I left, I realized I would be cold, since it was 49 and breezy. My core was good, along with my feet, but my hands and neck were freezing going down the hill. I stashed my cycling shoes in pannier and changed into walking shoes after I locked up my bike (I absolutely cannot ride without being clipped in anymore!) at the bike shop and got on the train, which had the AC on :mad:. I had about a 1.5 mile walk to the new department office, which is pretty close to Harvard Square, so I allowed enough time to get a cafe mocha at LA Burdick's. My pannier has a handle to carry it, but it was really uncomfortable, slung over my shoulder, with my helmet clanging around. Oh well.
The train was warmer on the way back, and of course, as soon as I unlocked my bike, it started raining. Just a drizzle, but first, I had to stop to adjust the pannier, which was hitting my foot, and then I had to stop to put my jacket and helmet cover on. I worked up a sweat climbing the hill to my house, with the jacket on, but at least I wasn't wet.
8.75 miles and 3 miles of walking.

I also had rain today, but still commuted my 30 mile r/t route. It was fun, but it seems every time the road is wet, I flat, and tonight it was wet. :rolleyes:

This morning, a friend called me and asked if she had just seen me riding by with a camera on my helmet. I had to explain it was not a camera, but a light. I guess it won't hurt that drivers think it's a camera....as if I'm filming them for future court proceedings. :) I did notice that the ones who cut me off tonight seemed to speed away a little faster than normal, rather than slowing down and veering into the bike lane like they usually do.

Oh, and the other weird thing was all the construction on the roads. I had a long mile stretch of riding on the brutal scraped pavement they do before resurfacing. It was easy to imagine what the pave' in Paris-Roubaix feels like. Boy, did flat top feel nice after that! I can't wait for new pavement!

It was 9:15am in front of Presbyterian-Millstein Building. A yellow cab stopped behind a bus which could not get around a Fedex truck because there was another truck parked in the opposite lane. I decided to ride in the official BIKE PATH between the stopped yellow cab and a line of parked cars. The behavior of the yellow cab did not imply that there might be someone getting out.

Of course, as I was riding by, the guy in the cab suddenly opened a door. I managed to tilt my handlebars to avoid most of the door and unclip one of my feet as I flew off the course. The front wheel of my bike got stucked in the gap between the parked car's wheel and its bumper. I flew on the car's parked hood and then somehow bounced back towards the yellow cab. Because I was still partially clipped in and because I was (luckilly) not riding that fast, the bouncing back was more of a slow-mo weird clumsy fall.

The guy quietly stood there and stared at my performance. No sound, no movement on his part.

"Man, you have to be careful - it is dangerous to open door like that" I told him angrily when I picked myself of the pavement. He continued to quietly stand there. He kept eerily staring at me as if I was Sarah Palin wearing a pink bunnie outfit.

I took one more look at him and I could tell that he is one of the doctors working in the hospital, so I added: "And you are a doctor? Do you know you can kill people like that?" He did not even blink. He continued staring at me while I was putting the chain back on the chainring. He was still not moving while I was riding away. He just stud there and stared !

Seriously, what is wrong with the people? Not even a 'sorry' ?!

Anyway, I am fine, the bike is fine and I learned my lesson.

But maybe I should write a missed connection ad to Craigslist:
"You doored me this morning while I was riding my bike. You got out of the cab and did not say a word. You were cute but speechless - you owe me an appology. I'll take that with a cup of coffee!"

oh yes! Do the Craig's list thing... tee hee... Very odd that he didn't say a word...

My commute was cold this morning, but still better than a car :o

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Originally Posted by ginny

oh yes! Do the Craig's list thing... tee hee... Very odd that he didn't say a word...

My commute was cold this morning, but still better than a car :o

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hehe - I should post it - he was seriously cute even though kind of stunned (or stoned ? :) ) looking ...

Sorry about your cold - it is coming here too ...

I ran into a pedestrian yesterday morning. I was turning left into the bike path just as she stepped off the sidewalk and into it, without looking up either at me approaching from the front or the cyclist approaching from behind... So we politely and very slowly ran into her from both sides :D

She cursed so loudly I could hear it right through my earbuds, I smiled at her and called "when you cross the bike path you really need to look up, you know" at her angry back. Then I biked on and went kayaking before work in the sunrise. :)

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Originally Posted by lph

I ran into a pedestrian yesterday morning.

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Oh, that could have been very much worse. Glad you're both okay!

Oh, but it was terrible. She bent my folding mirror right into the handlebars! ;)

Today was my first commute to the new office; it is about 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) one-way or 40 kilometres (25 miles) round trip. Most of the route is on a rural road with a speed limit of 80 km/h, with some rolling hills of about 3 to 6% gradients. Overall, it took me 1 hour, 6 minutes each way. Got caught in the rain without any rain clothes, which wasn’t very pleasant.

Mad Kate, that is the perfect commute distance in my opinion. When I commuted by bike, my commute was 14 miles each way and I could never get it under 1 hour 20 minutes, which was sometimes juuuuuust a little too long and I'd have to hurry hurry once i got to work.

So sorry you got caught in the rain, though.

I noticed this morning that the speed thing that they just installed in my neighborhood clocked my speed - I rolled past it at 13 mph.

I'm now going to have to ride past that thing over and over and see how fast I can get it to clock me at.

Madkate - I try to keep rain clothes at the office and then some in my panniers just in case.