How Was Your Commute Today?

[tulip]

Ha! Divingbiker took a crock pot or two of chili to work one time. And she has a far commute. But that was with an Extracycle. I think you are forgiven for driving with 30-lbs of potatoes.

What kind of work do you do that requires that you bring 30-lbs of potatoes and a food processor?

[redrhodie]

Tonight's commute was snowy! Well, it was really light, and I rode between the flakes. Hardly even got wet.

Note to self, exposed skin on legs when it's snowing hurts. Wear long socks or leg warmers, even if you think it's not that cold out. Next time you do that, I'll dock ya! (anyone get the movie reference? hint, you know-for kids ).

[7rider]

I think I set a record today.
For my slowest ride all season.
Today, I intended to do a "brick" - ride to/from work. Come home, throw on the sneakers and head out for a 2 mile run around the neighborhood. Perhaps my last chance to run before Friday's 5K and Sunday's 8K.
But as I started riding in this morning, my legs were telling me that they had other plans in mind. Like, the left hamstring was singing a lot...and the right quad - which I pulled at the gym last Wednesday - was singing in harmony. Coming home, I stayed in the small ring to try to spin-spin-spin-to-win, but the legs just had no power. No pepper. No umph. And that quad kept singing along - quite out of key I might add.
Used the TENS on the leg this evening. Might do it one more time before I hit the sack. I may try my brick again tomorrow. We'll see what my legs say about the matter.

[Catrin]

Good for you for listening to your legs! I learned about that the hard way last year... and I do hope that you are feeling better tomorrow.

[jordanpattern]

I'm going to have done it twice by the time today is done with me!

I rode to work and promptly realized that I'd forgotten my laptop power cord at home. I worked for an hour and then hopped back on my bike to go get it. Now I'm back and almost ready to head home for the day. Luckily, it's gorgeous outside, and I've been missing my bike in all this rain!

[7rider]

I've become quite comfortable with my tottering, slow rides home in the afternoon. I see what flowers are blooming and where. I listen for new birds back from their winter away and calling out to welcome spring and a mate.
With the return of afternoon light, I'm rarely in a rush to get home.
Today, waiting at a light, a young woman pulled up beside me. She was on an old yellow 3-speed of undetemined lineage. Asking where I worked (we were right outside my office) she immediately recognized me as the keeper of our agency's bike team mailing list and administrator of our commuter incentive program.
She was positively bubbling with enthusiasm at meeting me because we share some of the same ride home, and I had asked her about the details where our paths diverged. Now was her chance to show me the route! She talked non-stop and her legs spun the pedals on that old bike like an egg beater. She flew up the hill, glancing over her shoulder as this old geezer behind her stood on the pedals and huffed and puffed to get up the hill with her. A conversation was not going to happen until the joyous respite at a red light!
We flew through her neighborhood - again, her talking nonstop - and I was thankful my Garmin was locked onto satellites so I could see just where we went later!
It was pleasant to meet her - you'd never have such an opportunity in a car - but I was also glad when we parted ways so I could resume my comfortable slow, tottering ride home!

[tangentgirl]

7rider, that's really cool!

Nice ride in this morning. The weather finally feels like spring. That makes me happy. There ya go.

[pfunk12]

7 - Your post cracked me up. I can totally hear you telling your story.

My morning commute was a memorable one. It's Cherry Blossom time in D.C. so I have the luxury of riding by the Tidal Basin to and from work every day and seeing the amazing sight. It's obvious that the cold temps these past few days have kept the tourists away. And the forecast for rain today probably kept people inside. I remember last year cycling by at 6:45 a.m and there were literally hundreds of people waiting to take that perfect picture when the sun was rising. This morning there may have been about 15 people waiting where I ride by. When I was riding along the Potomac River this morning, the scene was breathtaking. The sun was rising and the sky was pink and orange. When I approached the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, I actually got off the bike to take it all in. Okay, I NEVER stop during my commute so this was HUGE. I felt so lucky to be able to witness something so beautiful. But then I had to go to work so the peace and calm ended.

[blackhillsbiker]

Finally back on my bike. I've had fatigue issues, depression issues, parent health issues, and teenaged daughter angst/acting out issues. All of which have given me excuses not to ride. Kind of dumb, since riding helps me keep things in perspective. Anyhow, I had the LBS take off the winter tires on my commuter. I splurged on Continental Touring Plus tires (much nicer than the Conti Country Ride tires she came with). They smooth out the ride wonderfully. And the sun shone today. Some friends are getting together to ride after work tomorrow. I'm actually excited.

Starting to feel better about life,
Deb

[radacrider]

Portland, OR continues to be primarily wet and today was no exception. At least the temps are warmer - upper 40's, low 50's, so basically, it is just wet. Had a great day today, I decided to use a single gear combo, 38 x 17, that was a ego booster and a nice way to see how much strength I've gained by bike commuting daily (12-15 miles depending on whether I am joined by my son riding to and from school).

Still, looking forward to hopefully some consecutive dry days.

[out_spokin']

@blackhillsbiker - Glad to hear things are looking up! I was wondering how you were doing after the winter challenge thread died down....

This morning's commute featured one of those "only if you're not driving a car" moments. For a long time (year?) I've usually passed a guy walking his dog on the MUT section of my ride. We always say or nod hello, he usually stops for a moment to be sure his dog stays close (much appreciated!) Today I didn't see him, but when I got to the major intersection/crossing, there he was, waving a sign for today's city elections. We had a short (full stoplight cycle) pleasant chat about his candidate and the stuff he thinks is important for the city. Then I was off to catch the bus...amazing what's possible when you're not sealed in a glass/metal/plastic pod!

[pfunk12]

I'm pretty sure I saw Dorothy and Toto during my commute this morning.

Glad to hear you are back on the bike, blackhillsbiker.

[divingbiker]

I'm pretty sure I saw Dorothy and Toto during my commute this morning.

But wasn't that tailwind last night wonderful? I actually felt the wind pushing me along.

[pfunk12]

I had a ferocious headwind along the Potomac and in Georgetown but yes, when I get a tailwind like that, I just want to yell, "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

But wasn't that tailwind last night wonderful? I actually felt the wind pushing me along.

[jordanpattern]

Man it was windy today in SF! I was waiting at a light, and I literally almost got blown off my bike! Plus, I had the wind blowing in my face as I tried to climb the hill leading up to my office, so I arrived even more gross and huffy puffy than usual. I anticipate fun times on the ride home, though!