How Was Your Commute Today?

[blackhillsbiker]

I didn't commute this morning because of very high winds. They calmed down by this evening, so I rode my bike to knit night. Had to break out my lights for the ride home. The first dark ride since last winter. It was a nice evening.

Deb

[lph]

Nothing special on my latest commutes, just the usual tiny city riding situations. The usual hordes of dedicated commuters have settled down a little and stopped trying to kill themselves now that the Big Bike Race is over.

Everybody wants to pass me now that I have a rack on my mtb commuter. It's still the same bike with the same engine though. I had one morning where I started counting people I pass and people who passed me - bad idea, I got way too het up

A roadie who seemed quite bemused that I came up to say hi and thanks after having drafted on him for a while. Many more road bikes out, actually, and old ones too, looks like people have been digging them out from attics and garages and finding out that they're better than mtbs for summer commuting.

One woman on a real upright city cruiser, with handlebars so astonishingly high that when she stood up to pedal up a hill she almost fell over. To each their own, but that didn't look very comfortable to me.

Went through the centre of town yesterday, following one jerk with a fear of putting his foot down, who consistently weaved through crossing pedestrians and ran 3 red lights in a row, right through traffic. I was feeling righteous and muttered loudly about it, the polite young woman behind me agreed. This guy just ignored the whole concept and zigzagged through like a squirrel.

Our bike parking at work is overflowing. We're about 300 employees, we have 70 or so spaces, and there were over 90 bikes there the other day! And two of my closest co-workers, sturdy guys both, have started biking regularly. One of them has lost 17 kg since spring, the other has just started. I feel happy for and a bit proud of them

[redrhodie]

I had good commutes this week, even with record breaking heat. One thing to remember when it's over 90º out, bring a water bottle. I knew I was forgetting something. Luckily, it's only 10 miles to the lbs.

Guess I punctured last night, because my front tire is now flat. Glad I didn't have to change it on the road, because I was in a hurry to make an appointment. I hope the ones who throw the bottles onto the roads get it back at them somehow.

Off today. Rode my other bike this morning, out early before Hurricane Earl.

[blackhillsbiker]

We had a nice cold front go through. This morning was the coldest it has been since early spring. It was cool this evening. Great riding weather.

Deb

[malkin]

Maybe it's just the work irritation leaking out, but I blurted out "Stupid!" at a rider who crossed the street against a red light into oncoming left turn traffic (that had a left arrow) I was one of the left turners who had to wait for her to get out of the way.

Later another cyclist blew through a 4-way stop rattling me and the auto traffic. I called him another name, one that questioned the circumstances of his birth. One of the drivers heard me and smiled and waved.

I need to formulate a simple statement that will convey the idea that "Ignoring traffic conventions endangers us all" but only contains 2 or 3 syllables.

[bunny_ninja]

HAHAHHAHAH! LOVE it! LOVE it!
I fully support your work with the English language.

Maybe it's just the work irritation leaking out, but I blurted out "Stupid!" at a rider who crossed the street against a red light into oncoming left turn traffic (that had a left arrow) I was one of the left turners who had to wait for her to get out of the way.

Later another cyclist blew through a 4-way stop rattling me and the auto traffic. I called him another name, one that questioned the circumstances of his birth. One of the drivers heard me and smiled and waved.

I need to formulate a simple statement that will convey the idea that "Ignoring traffic conventions endangers us all" but only contains 2 or 3 syllables.

[redrhodie]

I need to formulate a simple statement that will convey the idea that "Ignoring traffic conventions endangers us all" but only contains 2 or 3 syllables.

I don't think there's one thing you can say that will work universally, but you can say "use your turn signal" or "pay attention" or "3 ft please".

Not quite as satisfying, perhaps, as calling someone a ^%$#@, but maybe better in the long run.

[bunny_ninja]

btw - my universal, that I do say, not that loudly is

'Dou**eb*g'

It fits everything, but the problem is that it doesn't convey the error. If you can find short terms, especially without cussing, that convey the error -- I would be ever so grateful

[tzvia]

I need to formulate a simple statement that will convey the idea that "Ignoring traffic conventions endangers us all" but only contains 2 or 3 syllables.

I use "Yep, bottom of the gene pool." No, it does not contain 2 or 3 syllables or have anything to do with bike safety, but it's how I feel about jerks, in cars or on bikes. So I just yell that out.

I had my first cool weather commute in several months. Even though we have had our mildest summer in ages, it was still in the 90s for most rides home (and a few times, at 100f or above). Today it was a glorious 70f to 72f with overcast skys. A bit muggy, but not hot so was quite nice. Temps are expected to rise though, back into the 90s in time for the weekend.

[blackhillsbiker]

My bike was in the shop today for a different rack and fenders. He also swapped out my derailleur. I like the upgrades, but now the chain rubs. I tried to adjust it. No dice. I guess she goes back again tomorrow. I'll have to commute on the MTB for another day.

Deb

[WindingRoad]

I really kinda wish my commute was longer now but it is nice being able to get to school in 18 minutes. It's a hilly route so that counts for something right? Some douche bag on a BIKE no less buzzed by me this evening! No call out of any kind just all the sudden I hear another crank straining besides my own right next to me. That's just plain rude! Some dude on a road bike, go figure. Maybe he just couldn't pass up the opportunity to show up a girl riding a 40 Lb commuter bike climbing a hill on his nice light road bike, wow impressive. Sometimes I just wanna slap people ya' know!