How Was Your Commute Today?

[pfunk12]

Wow, you're brave, pfunk! 14th St. around the Target/Best Buy is crazy!

A more sane option is 13th, if that works for where you're headed.

The ride in today was nice, but colder than I thought it would be. But it was nice being back on the bike after quite a few days off.

DB - You're right. That section of 14th street was crazy on Tuesday afternoon. Even in a car, it would have been insane! There is a lot of construction going on so there was a lane that was closed. I have to admit though, the drivers were nice to me. I may take your suggestion and try 13th street.

[Tri Girl]

Today was the first commute since the snow last week. Woo hoo!!! It was raining to and from work- but who cares when you have rain gear and full fenders. It was so great listening to the rain falling and hearing it rushing in the drains under the streets. What a great day to be riding!
Now I'm off to clean my bike- who thinks it wasn't quite as much fun as I did.

[pfunk12]

Today was the first commute since the snow last week. Woo hoo!!! It was raining to and from work- but who cares when you have rain gear and full fenders. It was so great listening to the rain falling and hearing it rushing in the drains under the streets. What a great day to be riding!
Now I'm off to clean my bike- who thinks it wasn't quite as much fun as I did.

Good for you, Tri Girl! Always great when you think positively!

Oh, DB...you didn't tell me about that one hill on 13th street. And that was how my face looked most of the commute home . I took 14th all the way up until a few blocks before the crazy section with the Target and construction. I took a right to get to 13th. Pushed my way up the hill and only stayed on 13th for a short time until I went back to 14th. It's a trade off. There's not as much insanity on 13th but there's also no bike lane and it's only a 2 lane road. But wow...14th street is sensory overload. And once I got to Walter Reed Hospital, I had to ride on 16th street for a short time before I could cut through the neighborhoods to head home. Very aggressive drivers on 16th. I could have reached out and touched at least 5 cars that came very, very close to me. And based on the weather forecast, that may be my last commute until spring.

[pfunk12]

Here are the photos I took this morning on my way to work. As I said earlier, a little disappointing. They don't show how beautiful it actually was but still...I'm not complaining!

[divingbiker]

Good for you, Tri Girl! Always great when you think positively!

Oh, DB...you didn't tell me about that one hill on 13th street. And that was how my face looked most of the commute home . I took 14th all the way up until a few blocks before the crazy section with the Target and construction. I took a right to get to 13th. Pushed my way up the hill and only stayed on 13th for a short time until I went back to 14th. It's a trade off. There's not as much insanity on 13th but there's also no bike lane and it's only a 2 lane road. But wow...14th street is sensory overload. And once I got to Walter Reed Hospital, I had to ride on 16th street for a short time before I could cut through the neighborhoods to head home. Very aggressive drivers on 16th. I could have reached out and touched at least 5 cars that came very, very close to me. And based on the weather forecast, that may be my last commute until spring.

You didn't go up the hill right after Florida Ave did you? That's a tough one!

I usually am on 11th at that point and cut back over to 13th at Kansas.

[pfunk12]

You didn't go up the hill right after Florida Ave did you? That's a tough one!

I usually am on 11th at that point and cut back over to 13th at Kansas.

That's the one!! I swear I was looking straight up in the sky!

[Tri Girl]

Those pictures are BEAUTIFUL, pfunk!!!

[Melalvai]

Yesterday I biked through the snow storm to Avis Rental. I decided to nominate them for the PedNet Business of the Month. Because of them, I don't have to own a 2nd car, and I can still make the 180 mile round trip business trips once a month. It costs me $40 plus gas, which is a lot cheaper than I could own a car.

The ride was good because although it was snowing heavily, it was warm and the roads were just wet. Well, wet and slushy. (When I got out on the highway with the car, it was a little different. The right lane was fine, but I didn't like the left lane, so I just didn't pass anyone.)

The only bad part was when a bus passed me and pelted me with gobs of slush. It hit my goretex -thwack-thwack-thwack. I had just pulled my balaclava up to my goggles on the descent because the snow stung my face. The balaclava helped but it was soaking after that.

The manager at Avis also informed me that they'd give me a ride if I needed! He was a little scared about me biking in the storm. He's been really nice about letting me keep my bike in the back room. I also like Avis because they don't require credit cards. And I've never had to wait.

[bikerHen]

I've been kind of bummed my last two evening commutes. It's not dark any more! I use my lights more for being seen now, not to see. I look forward to daylight savings as much as anyone but I'm going to miss my rides in the dark. I know, I'm weird, but there you go! All part of my plan to be a crazy bike lady. bikerHen

[Melalvai]

I've been kind of bummed my last two evening commutes. It's not dark any more! I use my lights more for being seen now, not to see.

I know what you mean. I am so proud of my lights, especially my downlow glow. The downlow glow is just invisible in twilight. Sometimes I go out for an evening ride just to use the lights.

[Catrin]

I know what you mean. I am so proud of my lights, especially my downlow glow. The downlow glow is just invisible in twilight. Sometimes I go out for an evening ride just to use the lights.

This is what you are talking about, yes?

http://rockthebike.com/lights/downlowglow

We have a NITE ride in June and I will need some extra lights for my bike

[Melalvai]

This is what you are talking about, yes?

http://rockthebike.com/lights/downlowglow

Yes! My one is orange. Only it is actually two. I got the dual tube system.

[Fredwina]

well, at least in 5 years.
Things went pretty well,
Arizona tea bottle won't stay in a bottle cage
The only other was when the train I wanted to board showed up, I thought I had left my computer at the bike station. It was in my purse. I changed on the train rather waiting till I got to work
see how the evening goes

[Biciclista]

why Fredwina, i didn't know you weren't cycle-commuting!

This morning it was almost light out. how exciting!

[Fredwina]

They just opened a new bike station(http://bikestation.org/claremontca/index.asp )
I didn't want to leave my bike out, and this is secured parking.
I got my sticker:

and rack:

The bikestation:

inside:

They have a selection of Park tools, water fountian, and storage lockers
and there's a bike shop across the street:

I'm debating taking the streets or bike path home . it probaly wont be until after dark