How Was Your Commute Today?

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Originally Posted by kfergos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by 7rider

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

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

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Originally Posted by kmehrzad

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

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

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

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

Deb

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

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by Melalvai

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

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by MDHillSlug

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

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ooooh... excellent !! :)

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Originally Posted by kmehrzad

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by Cait

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

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

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

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