How Was Your Commute Today?

[redrhodie]

Yesterday the forecast was for 75º and sunny, but to my surprise, the roads were still wet from the rain the day before. Add the fallen leaves to the mix, and it was the messiest commute ever. I looked like I'd done a 'cross race when I got to work, my back and legs (and bike!) were covered in mud. There was crud everywhere, even little sticks between my chain rings.

It never warmed to anywhere near 75, and I was worried I'd be cold since I wore a ss jersey, so I kept a good pace for the ride back to stay warm. The roads were still wet at 5pm, despite being mostly sunny all day! I managed a new record for that route, but I had a tailwind, so there you go.

[pfunk12]

This made me laugh because I also looked like I did a 'cross race yesterday. Wet roads/bikepath and lots of wet leaves. My front brake was sticking during the a.m. commute so I had to adjust it. I didn't realize that my hand was very dirty so I was wiping the sweat off my face on the way to work (it was very balmy and humid). When I got to work, I had black dirt all over my face. I didn't know it was there until I saw the horrified look on the face of one of my co-workers. I looked like an NFL linebacker - black marks under my eyes.

Yesterday the forecast was for 75º and sunny, but to my surprise, the roads were still wet from the rain the day before. Add the fallen leaves to the mix, and it was the messiest commute ever. I looked like I'd done a 'cross race when I got to work, my back and legs (and bike!) were covered in mud. There was crud everywhere, even little sticks between my chain rings.

[7rider]

I was so happy to leave early this a.m. I always strive to get out of the house early, but it never seems to happen. This morning. I actually did.
But, before I got out of the neighborhood, I realized that my flashing light on front - even tho' it does have a low-beam steady on - was not sufficient for the dark morning. So, I pulled over to switch the light from flashing to steady. Now... I love this light, but switching from flashing to steady is not an easy task and since I don't do it regularly, I have to stop and think about it...and it went something like this:
"Okay, I think it's 'Hold the button for 2-seconds to shut it off. Then press and hold for 6- seconds to switch modes.' Then...what? Another 2 seconds to turn it on to steady? How come it's not working?? Drat it! How do I get this thing to turn back on at all?"
So, with much puttering, I finally got the light on steady. But by the time I got 2 miles away, on the darkest part of the road, I realized that the battery was nearly dead. So at the top of the hill, I pulled over onto a lit side street and swapped out the batteries (rechargeable AA's).
Whoa! Light and dark difference! Night and day! Aaaaaaa (imagine a host of angels singing on high).....let there be light!!!!
But....so much for my early start. All that puttering on the side of the road ate up all that early start. Regular time at my desk (actually...late, cuz I ended up talking with folks in the fitness center).
So....love the light, but I think the Knog is going on when I get home, instead.

[HillSlugger]

I knew they were forecasting for a windy day but I REALLY wanted to ride today. Morning wasn't bad, but it was crazy windy on the way home

[7rider]

I knew they were forecasting for a windy day but I REALLY wanted to ride today. Morning wasn't bad, but it was crazy windy on the way home

Yeah...
And Murphy's Law of the Bike was in force: You shall always have a head wind!
Brutal, eh?

[Melalvai]

It is that time of year when the lighting problems come to, er, light. Well, I've been using my lights for a few weeks, but generally the one light that has to have batteries changed, my rear cateye blinkie, goes out shortly after I start using it again. It took me several days to get new batteries in it and get it back on my bike.

Day 1, I couldn't get the panel off. Finally I took the blinkie completely off my bike. I STILL couldn't get the panel off. It required a screwdriver and a man. (Maybe just the screwdriver, if I'd thought of that before he did.)

Day 2-3, we didn't have AAA batteries. Bought rechargeable (even though they won't last as long).

Day 4, charged up the rechargeables.

Day 5, first attempt to get the light mounted. Determined I needed either a 3rd hand or electrical tape to hold the rubber shim in place. Ran out of time.

Day 6, couldn't find the electrical tape where I'd last left it. DH said "probably with the electronic tools." Huh?

Day 7, DH reveals that the electronic tools are in his desk drawer. "Which drawer?" One of the left ones. Yes! The tape is there! At last I get the stupid light in place!

All this would have happened much more quickly if I didn't also have realights and a downlow glow.