How Was Your Commute Today?

[MyRubyE]

I'm really enjoying my bike commutes and change my bikes on occasion to mix it up a bit. I have two English roadsters (Raleigh and Pashley: 3 and 5 speeds, both have racks). On Friday I rode my road bike with a messenger style bag. My goal is to commute 3 - 4 days per week, but I hope to commute on a daily basis, once the April/May showers stop.

[redrhodie]

A funny thing happened on my way home from work tonight. The tour of California was starting at 5 pm, and I worked until 4:20; 15 mile bike ride, plus a 20 minute car ride, I knew I couldn't make it home by 5, but I was motivated to try! So motivated I passed and dropped a guy on a road bike. As I was loading my bike in my car, he rode by, and yelled, "thanks for the humbling experience." I laughed and said sorry. I wonder if he noticed I was on a steel bike with a rack, or just that I was female. Anyway, it was good he had a sense of humor about it. I rode really hard. I actually felt like puking a couple of times.

The irony, the race was canceled due to weather. What's up with that? I haven't seen the west coast forecast yet. Everything okay out there?

[Crankin]

It was snowing in Lake Tahoe and there was ice on the road.

[redrhodie]

It was snowing in Lake Tahoe and there was ice on the road.

Oh, thanks!


Edit: Wait...snow? In California? In May? Is that normal?

[Kerry1976]

Today I took BlueBell (my Trek Pure lowstep) on her first foray to the office.

I learned a few things.
--Not sure about the front basket. Made the steering a little wonky. We'll see how I feel on that tonight or tomorrow.
--I cannot hike her up and down stairs at my apartment, especially with a full basket. So, she will stay locked up outside (still pondering a BF Model T Tikit).
--I only live a mile from work in a university community, and with the students having graduated and gone home, this was the perfect day to start commuting.
--As it heats up (this morning was upper 30s-lower 40s and that will be a distant memory soon) I'll have to have better plans in terms of sweat management. Even today I was sweating.
--Sweaty hands mean I need to wear my gloves, even for such a short trip!
--Helmet head wasn't much of an issue as I don't blow dry my hair anyway and the trip was so short.
--I got to work fast and it was fun!
--If I keep riding her, def need to get fenders. (this is where I need to decide if going for BF Tikit or not)

[Melalvai]

--Not sure about the front basket. Made the steering a little wonky. We'll see how I feel on that tonight or tomorrow.

I haven't ever biked with weight on the front tire, but I've heard it just takes some getting used to.

[Kerry1976]

I haven't ever biked with weight on the front tire, but I've heard it just takes some getting used to.

I was surprised at the difference it made! My particular basket holds very little weight/volume, so a back rack and panniers are important. (of course, that is when I ask - do I spend the money here or on rack/fenders/panniers for a new BF Tikit? - UGH!)

I should add to things I've learned - wearing sandals when temps are in the 30s and 40s makes for cold toes when going to work! BRRR!