Follow Up on Commute

[Crankin]

I rode to work today; second time of the season. I was able to find an alternate route that that cut about about 3.5 miles off of the route and more importantly, eliminated the 1.5 mile climb that was not particularly pleasant at 6 AM. By the time I arrived at the point where I cross the highway at a light, I had only ridden 5 miles or so from my house. The rest is very familiar roads that I ride on all of the time. My boss passed me in her car and I felt particularly good to not be wasting gas in mine!
I got here in a good mood and looking forward to ride home when it will be 80 degrees. Only in New England of course... it was 47 when I left at 5:45 AM and I was wearing tights, a fleece jersey, and a wind jacket. Sleeveless this afternoon, for the first time this year!
14.01 miles
58 minutes
No, I did not push myself and that was fine

[SheFly]

Yay for you! Sounds like you have this commute thing worked out. Going to be VERY nice tonight four our women's ride - you need to pick a different day for your commutes!

SheFly

[Kimmyt]

Sounds very nice! It was cold here this morning, too, about mid-40s. I wore shorts and a light longsleeve jersey with full-fingered gloves. The first 10 minutes was pretty much miserable but I tried to make up for it by riding faster. Once my legs warmed up and the sun peeked over the trees, it was very nice! I, too, love when I pass someone I work with and I'm on my bike and they're in my car. I have such a feeling of accomplishment (and, yes, sorry to say it, but superiority).

K.

[Crankin]

I thought about not commuting today because of the women's rides, but Tues./Thurs. does work out better, because I can bring my things in on Monday and be able to bring a lot papers, etc. home on Friday. I will try Wed./Fri. next week. I'm still a bit nervous about that paceline... I know I should push myself out of my comfort level.
SheFly, I am going to come by the TT tomorrow, if you think you will be there. I have some errands to do on my commuter bike after work or I might do an easy ride with my husband who has some sort of calf injury. Let me know if you'll be there/what time.

KimmyT, I don't know how you could ride in shorts and just a jersey with temps in the 40s. I have to have my knees covered up to about 60. I probably could have worn a lighter jersey under my jacket, but I was still cool for the first 3-4 miles, which is all downhill. I am not into being miserable.

Robyn

[mimitabby]

brrr! no kidding. Must have legs covered until it is close to 60 degrees!
glad you managed to cut a hill out. How do you do that when you live on a hill? (I live on a hill )

[7rider]

Great news on the commute.
It was 38 (!) here in Maryland when I left this a.m.
I wore my DH's knee warmers (mine are in the dirty laundry pile) and my winter jacket and long fingered gloves.
I probably could have gone for the tights, but I didn't want to carry them home It's bad enough I'll have to cart the jacket home. I figured wearing only warmers would give me an incentive to pedal lots to keep warm!

[SheFly]

I thought about not commuting today because of the women's rides, but Tues./Thurs. does work out better, because I can bring my things in on Monday and be able to bring a lot papers, etc. home on Friday. I will try Wed./Fri. next week. I'm still a bit nervous about that paceline... I know I should push myself out of my comfort level.
SheFly, I am going to come by the TT tomorrow, if you think you will be there. I have some errands to do on my commuter bike after work or I might do an easy ride with my husband who has some sort of calf injury. Let me know if you'll be there/what time.

PLEASE don't worry about working in a paceline as being a pre-req for our rides - we will help coach you through this! Last week we had a number of folks who had never been in a paceline, or were nervous about it.

I will definitely be at the TT tomorrow - forecast is for perfect conditions! I should be there around 5:30, will warm up and start , and will be back at the start/finish between 6:30 and 6:45. Do be sure to introduce yourself - full TT dork gear for me, pink saddle and bar tape.

Looking forward to meeting you!

SheFly