How Was Your Commute Today?

[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

[colorisnt]

I had a GREAT ride in today. Best hill climbing ever. As a newbie I am always learning. I went on a ride with some more accomplished riders in town and one named Bob explained that I was having a TON of issues getting up hill because I wasn't even getting to my smaller gear. I had a great lesson and am finally getting good at these hills. Got there in under 20 minutes. Not bad for 5 miles with hills.

Coming back, I had issues with cars. Stupid undergrads who just want to get home! Learn to drive! Killing a cyclist DEFINITELY won't get you there faster.

I had a guy pull out right in front of me. I swerved and was able to avoid him, but he just FLEW out of a congested parking lot without looking. We were stopped in a LONG line of traffic, so I walked up and waved at him. He rolled down the window and I politely explained that you need to look both ways before pulling out and that he could have killed or seriously injured me.

He said he figured he would be able to get out then and only then and he didn't think about a cyclist being there.

So, I count that as good. Not getting angry probably scared someone and will make them look next time (I hope).

Going home was fast but hot. Oye. I did a good job of navigating and picking the best route. So much better now that I can hill climb. and I will stop if necessary to take some water and slow my breathing down because my asthma can be a real issue if I don't control it, but I am doing much, much better.

[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

[indigoiis]

I'm finally back on my bike today! It's been eleven weeks. I broke my ankle mountain biking on June 21st, and today was my first commute in from the park and ride to the city - 15 miles. My kid came with us so we kept the pace low-key. It was awesome! I get to ride home, too!

[Crankin]

Nice job, Indi! You get to ride at the best time of year.

[redrhodie]

I'm finally back on my bike today! It's been eleven weeks. I broke my ankle mountain biking on June 21st, and today was my first commute in from the park and ride to the city - 15 miles. My kid came with us so we kept the pace low-key. It was awesome! I get to ride home, too!

Yay! That's great news. What a beautiful day to ride, too.

My commutes were so nice. Summer traffic has definitely died down. I wore knickers and long sleeves. Fall is in the air!

[getting there]

Wow! Eleven weeks. Congrats on being back on your bike! I have been feeling sorry for myself because the Dr. told me 2 weeks with no biking (I crashed during my commute Thurs). Two weeks will seem like a breeze! I will just have to bike vicariously through this thread! I may be sprained & bruised, but I'm not broken!

[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!

[redrhodie]

One of those days today. I got up early, planning to do my 20 mile commute route. Got in the car to drive to the park and ride, and my brake light is on. I decide to pass the park and ride and drive right to the mechanic, which is only 5 miles from work. I ended up doing a 12 mile loop in the morning, but only the 5 miles to the shop after work, so my total for the day was less than half what I wanted to ride.

and it turns out the car needs $700 worth of brake work. Ugh. I hate cars.