How Was Your Commute Today?

[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 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 ) avoided it. The SUV hit it smack - dead on. Grrrrr....You did that on purpose, you turd!! I yelled after it. 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.

[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. ).

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