How Was Your Commute Today?

[Melalvai]

Yeah, that wind was something else! It was a challenge getting to work, but coming home, I FLEW. 20 mph on Jefferson St! That speed on that street might not be a big deal to some, but it's hard to get much speed out of my heavy commuter bike, especially with its studded tires.

I keep wondering if it's safe to take off the studded tires yet. I'm sure if I remove them we'll get an ice storm!

[redrhodie]

Yeah, that wind was something else! It was a challenge getting to work, but coming home, I FLEW. 20 mph on Jefferson St! That speed on that street might not be a big deal to some, but it's hard to get much speed out of my heavy commuter bike, especially with its studded tires.

I keep wondering if it's safe to take off the studded tires yet. I'm sure if I remove them we'll get an ice storm!

I took mine off last week, and it snowed yesterday, of course. I was probably premature.

[Melalvai]

We had a blizzard today and I went around all day feeling smug that I had not gotten around to taking my studded tires off. But when I went home, the snow had melted. I think I'll get them taken off next week.

[Tri Girl]

HOLY MOLY- on my commute on Wednesday, I saw another bike commuter riding to work. It's been ummm.... gonna say about a YEAR since I saw another bike commuter on my way to work.
We have so few people here that bike for work (which is sad, but not surprising since we are one of the fattest states in the nation).
Anyhow- I was so excited I wanted to wave and yell hello. But I refrained.

[7rider]

Anyhow- I was so excited I wanted to wave and yell hello. But I refrained.

Why? I often wave or ding my bell or give the "head bob" to other commuters. We're a small fraternity.

Some, I know by sight. I've assigned them names, as most I don't know (but a few, I've chatted with enough at stop lights to actually get a name). There is
"Guy with the really bright lights."
"Old Guy on the Older Schwinn Who Always Dusts Me." (saw him this morning in his bright shiny blue tights - true to form...he dusted me.).
"Mountain Bike Dude"
"Lady on the Cool Electra Bike". (she's the only other woman I've seen).
A few others I haven't seen in a few years. I suspect their job situations have changed.....

[Tri Girl]

Why? I often wave or ding my bell or give the "head bob" to other commuters. We're a small fraternity.

I should have- although I imagine with my excitement I might have wound up looking like a loon (arms flailing, ringing my bell). Plus, he was a half a block away on a street perpendicular to mine. I did see another one yesterday as I was leaving my driveway. He rolled right past and we exhanged niceties. Is it bad that I love that gas is going up? Last time it went sky high there were more bikers for transportation than I'd ever seen before.

I love that you name the commuters you see. If I start seeing them with any frequency I might just do the same.

My ride to work today was into a strong southerly headwind- blowing at 30 mph, gusting into the 40 mph range. It was rough, but it was kinda fun because it's trash day so I had the added obstacle of slaloming around trash cans in the road (I actually enjoyed that part). It took me twice as long as usual, but I'm looking forward to the SAWEET tailwind I should have going home. I'm hoping to not have to pedal at all on the way home. Wind- you better not change directions. You hear me???

[Deborajen]

TriGirl, do you think maybe he saw you commuting and that inspired him to give it a try? How cool would that be?

I had to look at this thread to get inspired. My commute is a whole 4.5 miles, and I put gas in my car only once in every 3 weeks, but still - why waste the money? (and the gas?)

Hmmm -