How Was Your Commute Today?

[Serendipity]

He wasn't chasing you...he was trying to ask for directions!!
His wife was behind him saying "See? We're lost. And it's all your fault because you're too proud and STUBBORN to ask for directions!!!"

7rider, that is just too funny!

[pfunk12]

It was a very chilly morning commute. I actually wore arm warmers for 1/2 the commute - in June in Washington, D.C. Unheard of! I (randomly) met my morning commuting buddy, Chip. He is retiring from the Coast Guard in less than 2 weeks. I will miss seeing him on the trail.

My afternoon commute was different. I had to go to a meeting at 2 p.m. so last week I e-mailed the organizer and asked him if I could ride my bike to the meeting and park it in the conference room. He's a runner so he "gets it". His response - "Cool. We can accommodate the bike and we can accommodate the rider." So instead of getting on the metro, I got on my bike. It took me less than 8 minutes to get to the building (in downtown D.C.) where the meeting was being held. I walked into the building and when I went to lean the bike against the wall, the security guard said, "Excuse me. What are you doing?" Well, apparently you're not supposed to bring bikes in the building. I guess I'm used to where I work where the security guards chat with me every day about my cycling. The guard told me that I would have to leave my bike outside but I don't even own a lock because my Madone is always by my side. I told him that the meeting organizer said that I could bring the bike so he called him and Kerry came down to the lobby. He looked at me (in my kit) and looked at the bike and said, "You were serious?" I cracked up. We went upstairs and I put the bike in his office and changed into professional clothes in the restroom. After the meeting, I did a quick change and one of the participants (they were all very cool university professors) said, "Did you just change in a phone booth?!"

I had to do my city commute instead of my daily trail commute. I was extremely alert and wired but I made it home safely.

[7rider]

It I did a quick change and one of the participants (they were all very cool university professors) said, "Did you just change in a phone booth?!"

Super star. Super hero. Meh. All the same!

One of the regular guys on our bike shop group rides left for California recently to take part in a bike ride across America....52 (?) days, from San Francisco to Portsmouth NH. We're of course all very jealous. But....before he left, he recently posted a picture of a bird he had a hard time identifying on the shop's Yahoo listserv. It was a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron - somewhat unusual for the area, but not at all rare or unexpected. Well, since he left...I've seen a YCNH on each of my commutes (which has been twice). Once yesterday in a park, it was patrolling around a park bench, looking for breakfast. Today, one was in Sligo Creek as I crossed over the wooden bridge. It's funny. That bird has been a totem for me for various friends at different stages of my life. Well, different birds fill that role. It always changes. Lately...it's the yellow-crowned night heron.

[tulip]

I rode my bike to two meetings today, and it worked out fine. The last meeting ended after sunset, and I found out then that my blinkie is on the blitz. I have reflectors on my shoes, panniers, and messenger bag (I had alot of stuff to bring to the meeting), but I really need to get a new blinkie.

[blackhillsbiker]

It was so gorgeous this afternoon that I came home, changed and took out the mountain bike. Finally not so humid! The creek is still over its banks in a lot of places and all of the tunnels are still closed because they're underwater. It's been a very wet spring. I only have one more day before leg surgery and forced bike hiatus so I'm trying to enjoy every minute.

Deb

[e.e.cummings]

Actually not sure if this guy was commuting or training (training by the look of his outfit - he had all the gear, the nice bike, etc.), but on my commute this morning, I came upon scene where the cyclist had fallen, blood was running down his face, his forehead, cheeks were cut - it was not pretty. People were already there, on the phone, calling for help. He was sitting up, but he was obviously in pain. I felt so bad for him. I don't know exactly how it happened, but I only saw one bike down, don't know if it involved another cyclist. However it happened, it was a sobering sight, I hope he's okay. I spent the rest of my commute thinking about him.

[JennK13]

Commute was awesome today! Gorgeous morning, and I left early enough to extend my ride up through the state park and past the lake. Must have already been in the 60's at 6am. I'm worried it's going to be hot going home, though!

[redrhodie]

That bird has been a totem for me for various friends at different stages of my life. Well, different birds fill that role. It always changes. Lately...it's the yellow-crowned night heron.

I didn't look at your link yet, but a few days after my mother passed away, I was walking my friend's dogs in the woods, and I saw an owl. I'd never seen one around here before, and it felt somehow special, like it had some deep meaning connected to her.

My commute today was pretty awesome. This morning the wind was with me, so it was fast and fun. Tonight, I almost took a ride to my car because it was raining, but then remembered I love riding in the rain (it's the bike cleaning I dread ). Anyway, the rain was light and I felt most excellent being out in it. Now to clean the bike...(I wish there was a smiley with a perfectly straight line for a mouth. That's how I feel about it.)

[e.e.cummings]

Good ride back home, but was tired after doing yoga class (I took a special with an nearby yoga centre - $20, and I can try a week's worth of classes). I tried a 6pm class. I didn't know it was one and half hours, and I didn't realize that it was going to be so intensive! Good though. Made my commute home pretty low key though.

Is it just me or are roller bladers increasing in number? And their kick out sometimes goes out into the other lane that it become a hazard for the oncoming cyclist in the opposite side of the path. Anyone ever have a run-in with a roller blader because of that? Sometimes I am thinking it is only a matter of time. A lot of roller bladers on the path tonight.

Supposed to rain tomorrow - 90% POP. I don't mind. It mean that I will virtually have the path to myself. Have rain gear, will travel.

Almost forgot to add: encountered guy riding bike, hands off handlebars, talking on his cell, smoking a cigarette.

[blackhillsbiker]

Had my farewell commute tonight until I'm cleared to ride again after surgery. This morning was cool. I saw lots of birds along the creek. This evening was really nice. The path wasn't too crowded since I worked late and it was after 8 before I started home.

I agree about the roller bladers. I really hate it when they're wearing ipods. We have lots of them here, too. And skateboarders. My least favorite, though, is unleashed dogs who have just been swimming in the creek. They come bounding up, and when I stop because I don't want to hit them, or get jumped on, they shake and share their creek water. The owner usually laughs and tells me how friendly they are.

Deb

[7rider]

This morning, in the locker room of our fitness center, there were just 4 women getting showered and ready for a day in the office.
ALL four had arrived by bicycle (and were using the Fitness Center basically for showering only - well, except me who lifted for a bit before hitting the locker room).
And who says women don't bike commute??

[redrhodie]

Had my farewell commute tonight until I'm cleared to ride again after surgery. This morning was cool. I saw lots of birds along the creek. This evening was really nice. The path wasn't too crowded since I worked late and it was after 8 before I started home.

Deb

Good luck, Deb!