How Was Your Commute Today?

[redrhodie]

Had off X-Mas eve through New Years weekend, and due to family member medical emergency, spent the 10 days assisting after his release from ICU. Now that things are improving (such as they can), I was able to get back on the bike to commute to work and back today. What a great way to release some tension.

Tried out a new lighting setup- I bought a Dinotte 300R tail light (wow, self contained and BRIGHT!) and put my old Stella 150 on the helmet to augment my Magicshine headlight on the bar. So now I have two bright tail lights, both rechargeable, and two rechargeable headlights + a glowlight that wraps around the frame.

It was cold (for Los Angeles county, that is). In the 40s when I left the house. It had rained most of last week and it is rather damp feeling outside, and a bit windy so gave me a chill. Even though I wore a ski mask, my face was red when I got to work. I don't know how you women ride when it is in the 20s and there is snow on the ground, or in the rain. I don't get paid enough at work to endure riding through that to get there!

Be safe out there - it's probably mighty dark one way or the other, be sure you can be seen! Have a safe commuting New Year!

I moved my Minewt light from my helmet to my bars today, so I guess light redecorating is in the air (I'm also planning on getting a new commuter helmet that has lights built in when it comes out in the Spring). As for riding in the cold, I'm convinced it's my Slavic heritage. Hardy peasant stock! I just don't get cold until it's below 20.

Today's commute was fantastic. I was up, on the road and at work an hour early.

[tzvia]

My cycle computer said it was 39F all the way to work this morning. At least, it was more of a dry cold than yesterday, and I did not wear the ski mask. Face was red when I got to work, so I made myself a hot red tea that I just held on to for a bit before drinking.

I hope tomorrow is warmer.

[blackhillsbiker]

Still quite cold! 1° this morning, 4° this evening. Still no new light.

I did see one lone runner on my way home tonight. I was glad to see other bike tire tracks in the new snow this morning. Makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone.

Deb

[redrhodie]

Still quite cold! 1° this morning, 4° this evening. Still no new light.

I did see one lone runner on my way home tonight. I was glad to see other bike tire tracks in the new snow this morning. Makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone.

Deb

Burrrrr!

It was in the low 20s here with a single digit wind chill factor. The woman I work for was surprised I rode. I wonder how surprised, though, since she didn't plow the driveway, and I never would have been able to drive down it in my car. I had to stay on roads, which is a hillier route than the bike path, which was also not plowed. The last 4 miles or so was into a brisk headwind, similar conditions to last week, when I got so sore riding to work. I guess I'm adapting to the new bike, because I didn't get sore at all this time.

On this new bike, I've totally overcome my apprehension of riding in the dark (and on ice). It's been so freeing! I highly recommend the Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tires. They've made so many days that would have been driving days cycling days. They also have reflective sidewalls, which makes me feel that much more visible at night. Two thumbs up!

[pfunk12]

It was so quiet this morning. The calm before the storm? I know I'm taking my chances riding the bike in since we're supposed to possibly get 2-4 inches of snow - starting this afternoon. But the ride in was so peaceful and quiet so it's worth it. I am scheduled to leave at 2:30 so maybe I'll beat the first flake.

[Melalvai]

I commuted by foot today and yesterday! Yesterday would have been ok by bike, but with all the storm warnings I didn't want to chance it on coming home. Today was a fun walk.

I like the quote from this article: "Life is too short to bicycle only nine months of the year, and it’s definitely too short to spend time scraping ice off a windshield."

[radacrider]

So far this week, we have had cold but clear weather. So, I am continuing to bike to work. Today, the prediction is for possible snow/freezing rain/rain and gusty east winds (these are the cold ones for us). Will have to see how I feel heading east toward home this afternoon into those 20mph headwinds.

So far, have bike commuted 100% for the year