Fall and Winter Commuter Challenge!

[kfergos]

Did all my planned rides this week, although Thursday night was the classic "it was a dark and stormy night" scenario and I almost got hit twice by turning cars that didn't see me from the side.

Mon - 2/2
Tues - 2/2
Wed - 2/2
Thurs - 2/2
Fri - 2/2

Saturday morning I could've ridden to the grocery store. But I needed 5 lbs of flour, 5 lbs of sugar, 2 lbs of brown sugar, eggs, croissants, and some miscellaneous stuff including a box of cereal. I have a Tumbuk2 messenger bag that, looking at it, just didn't seem to fit the bill. Ladies with panniers: Would those have worked well for my trip?

[SouthernBelle]

Yes. You need a nice set of grocery panniers.

I commuted 3 days this past week which meets my goal for an average week.

[pardes]

The past two weeks have been rainy and messy but I was dry and toasty warm for commuting each day. The ride home is dark but I have good lights on the bike and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful the Riverfront is with all the lights dancing on the river and on the slick roads. I'm so happy to say that no matter what the weather or temperature, all my commutes have been lovely in multiple ways.

And....drum roll please, I bought a winter bike this weekend that will make things even more enjoyable and safe.

[Grog]

I made it 3/4 this week. On Monday I worked from home and on Thursday.... I drove. (I NEVER do that.) It was pouring rain almost every time.

I get bonus points because on Friday when I went to the gym where my locker is located to change into my rain gear (it was pouring again)..... the da*m place was LOCKED!!!!! Ridiculous! At 5:30 p.m. on a week day. I was SO MAD. Thankfully I had my lights and rain jacket, but no rain pants. I was soaked by the time I was home, and quite cold. I'll have to do a bit of work this week to go to the bottom of that issue. What would have happened if I didn't have my lights???? Or if I had left my panniers in my locker as I sometimes do?????

Thanks for letting me vent.

[ikkin]

i would just like to note that i am 1/1 so far this week.

[Geonz]

1/1 here too

Nippy this a.m. and I forgot my work clothes and I haven't found the gumption to get away and peel off the thermals, so I'm cooking. Hopefully it'll just cook out any stray germs.

[indigoiis]

Today it's Veteran's day and the buses are running a shortened schedule, so my friend and I rode in from a park-n-ride about 16 miles away.

After two weeks off the bike, I feel healed! I am totally back!

I didn't realized how much I missed it until I got back on.

I am riding the Giant Cadex instead of the Specialized Dolce. I just like the Giant better - it's been established. I need to sell the Dolce and put some money into the Cadex. The Cadex is perfect with the only exception being my tailbone issue. Actually, it doesn't feel sore after 16 miles but I know that after 25-30 it will.

I also need to retape the bars and move the hoods up, and this bike will be perfect.

The frame is small but amazingly, it works for me. I'm 5'6 and it can't be more than a 51 (it's not marked.)

No hip / side / groin pain, either. WHOO HOO!

Clothes: My friend wore way too much. Silk underwear, wicking turtleneck, fleece vest, armwarmers, windbreaker.

I had read in Bicycling that the best layers for 28-42 were a thin base, fleece cover, windbreaker. I wore that and I was still sweaty. But not exhausted-sweaty.

I am so glad to be back riding. I mean, I don't know how much I'll actually be able to do it with the dark issues (I need better lights) but it's worth it.