How Was Your Commute Today?

**lph** · 12-17-2009, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Ambikes

it felt like I was pedaling a dump truck.

Love that expression

You'll try it again, I just know it.

It was - 10 C this morning and windy, and even a bit colder and windier coming home. I had dressed well, though (took me 20 minutes, but hey, I was warm!) and I felt this sweet sense of kinship with the other bundled up bike riders out there, crunching along in concert on our studded tires

There's not much snow but everything slows down a bit in the cold, so you sort of have time to look around and catch peoples eyes.

**blackhillsbiker** · 12-17-2009, 08:17 PM

It warmed up here. My morning commute was pretty slushy. I was looking forward to the evening since things dried out pretty well today but like a dork, I forgot to charge my headlight. I don't like to ride home in the dark without a light so DH had to give me a ride home. I think I need a spare battery pack!

Deb

**7rider** · 12-18-2009, 04:09 AM

It was 22 F (-5C) this a.m. when I left. Lots of layers and except for the fact that a Buff in front of my mouth makes me crazy (I feel like I can't breathe), I was fine. It took 6 miles of a 7.5 mile commute for my finger tips to unthaw, but I expected that.

I also threw my light's battery charger in my pannier. I figure, it's dark enough that I really should enjoy the light of HIGH beam from my light, and if the battery indicator light should go on (signalling low charge), I could always charge it at work during the day. Fortunately, it didn't come on, and it will have plenty of charge for the ride home tonight.

**lph** · 12-18-2009, 04:23 AM

Try cutting a hole (carefully, small at first) to breathe through! You'll look insane, but it really does work. Not so good if you only have on Buff maybe, but great if you can spare one.

**azfiddle** · 12-18-2009, 07:05 AM

First ever commute and I'm feeling proud of myself.

It's pretty mild here- I think it was about 43 when I left, but dark out at 6:30. I've tried riding in to the school where I teach on a weekend, but not on a work day. It took a little longer this morning - maybe it's harder to get going in the cooler temperature. The distance is about 10 1/2 miles and it took me about 50 minutes.

It's not practical for most days, but Fridays work better because the dress code is jeans and a school t-shirt, and it's easier than trying to bring a dressier outfit.

**Tri Girl** · 12-19-2009, 06:50 AM

good job, azfiddle!!! I'm always slower in the morning when it's cold. My winter commute takes about 20-25 minutes, but a warm commute only takes about 10-15 minutes. Do you feel like a rock star after your first commute?

**pfunk12** · 12-19-2009, 07:03 AM

Congrats, azfiddle! Very cool about the first commute.

**moderncyclista** · 12-19-2009, 04:21 PM

Muscles are tightening in colder weather. So commutes in cold weather, usually take longer. Your muscles for the first few miles are warming up and feel stiff.

Congrats on your first commute!

**blackhillsbiker** · 12-21-2009, 04:30 PM

"Freezing Fog" all day. Riding in the fog is a surreal experience. I'm glad I didn't have to share a road with motorized vehicles. I'm also glad for studded tires. It was icy but my bike didn't seem to notice.

Deb

**Geonz** · 12-21-2009, 04:51 PM

Given the conditions you have to ride in I'm glad you don't have to compete with the cars.

we had traces of freezing fog in the a.m. and half an inch of snow overnight -- roads were *mostly* dry. I took an extra mile to stop by Panera for scones and had one of those "beginning of the season" mishaps. Oh, yea, that parking space had no *snow* - the car had left - but the freezing fog had left a sheen. So, when I aimed for it and put my foot down... splat!
Seems I've learned to fall nicely, though, so I *might* have lost a little skin from the elbow but naught else. By the time I was commuting back, the roads were mostly *dry.* We're due for "wintry mix" tonight but not in any intensity, and then it'll be rain and rain and then rain and wind -- but I don't have to work Christmas Eve.
Lots better than last year, when I had one or two honestly epic commutes.

Oh, and the sweeties at the LBS showed me how to get my hub-generator light on & off on my Gazelle, so I didn't hav eto have that feeble four dollar flashlight. However, it's a great backup.

**blackhillsbiker** · 12-21-2009, 05:42 PM

My last fall on my MTB was because my foot slipped when I stopped to survey a pile of snowy rocks in my way. Studded shoes might be the way to go!

The bike path goes past a parking lot where a guy was sitting in his running car smoking a cigarette. He hit his horn and yelled "Bikes are for summer, you dumb *ss!" He continued to hit the horn as I rode away. I wonder if he thought I would stop to talk to him or something. Bikes may be for summer, but apparently being a loud, smartmouthed idiot knows no season.

Oh, well. Better him than ninja skateboarders.

Deb

**azfiddle** · 12-21-2009, 05:53 PM

I did feel proud of myself!
It only took 37 minutes to get home, with a slight headwind. Guess what? It's downhill coming home

PS- Modern Cyclista- I went to graduate school with Jim Malusa! I see him occasionally around Tucson

**Melalvai** · 12-21-2009, 06:46 PM

It was already dark last night when I headed out to get groceries so I dug out the downlow glow, and the blinkie for the trailer. And the battery for the downlow glow. Once I'd found all that, and gotten the trailer hooked up, it was good and truly dark. Very nice ride.

Today's 2 rides to campus and back were nice too. It's been hovering just around freezing. That is just cold enough to keep me from sweating much but not so cold I'm uncomfortable. This is great weather to bike in.

On the ride home, I had all my lights with me, having found them last night, so I didn't have to worry about it being already dark.

Recently I've had 2 honks that I couldn't decide if they were being friendly or not? Every time that I've been able to ascertain the intention of those quasi-honks, it was unfriendly, so I suspect not, but it puzzles me. What is with this half-hearted harassment? Are they feeling intimidated by the new bicycle harassment ordinance?

**blackhillsbiker** · 12-22-2009, 04:15 PM

I like fog! The trees are covered in hoarfrost. It is amazingly beautiful!

Deb

**7rider** · 12-22-2009, 05:27 PM

It's the new math:

20 inches of snow on Saturday + (plus)
A County plowing standard of make residential streets "passable" not "clear" +
Daily freeze/thaw cycles creating lots of ice +
Holiday with the family out of state
--------------------------- (equals)
Bike commuting not in the cards for me for a while.

Maybe next year.

I'll be thinkin' of y'all.
Ride safely.

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