My Morning Commute

[mstone]

@consularrider 179370 wrote:

Well, correct me if I’m wrong, but “they” are the ones who make the rules, no?

Screw the rules, I just worry about what makes sense and is safe.

[DrP]

It was a two Geese Gauntlet day. Only one had a stubborn, hissing goose, but both required lots of geese to move.

[Crickey7]

Third sighting this week of someone in full tri mode, tucked down in the aerobar position, at 8 a.m. on the CCT.

Just, no.

[lordofthemark]

@mstone 179360 wrote:

That’s the correct thing to do if you’re a pedestrian on a road, it’s only horribly wrong if you’re on a bike or a pedestrian on a trail.

Yesterday PM, I rode around the Pentagon to Long Bridge Drive. I was feeling slow coming back from M Street, so I rode the sidewalk (please no sidewalk shaming for that) on the east side of Boundary Channel, then rode onto the Boundary Channel left lane where the sidewalk ends to pass under the highway, my usual route when I don’t get onto Boundary Channel back by the footbridge from LBJ grove. There was a rider on a CaBi bike who was also on the sidewalk, but he proceeded south against traffic, in the shoulder, which kind of disappears. He looked pretty uncomfortable and I shouted “you are better off on this side”. I hope he figured out the better way to ride.

[DrP]

Tuesday’s morning commute had either two separate bike-hating-car-drivers or the same guy twice, and this is possible. Traveling over Connector Rd. from Boundary Channel Dr to N Rotary Rd at the Pentagon and some guy behind me started honking. No where for me to go with the non-lane blocked with construction signs and the road rutted such that I do not like to possibly get caught. “Oh well, tough on him and he won’t get anywhere fast since they stop you at the bottom.” I had peaked around and saw a small silver car. I continued on my way to Fern and while under I-395, I hear several very loud honks – the tunnel-like region made them sound loud and I nearly jumped. As I get to the red light at Army-Navy, he squeezed between me and the curb, in a small silver car, stopped to yell at me that I wasn’t a car, to which I replied, “I am where I am legally supposed to be.” (And maybe a few other choice words, which did include that maybe he should learn some laws first). He continued on his right turn. Somehow I doubt he checked any laws.

[Crickey7]

As I was waiting at the light at the top of the ramp from Water Street, another rider pulled up, then toppled over because he couldn’t unclip in time. Being the kind, gentle soul that I am, I pointed to my helmet camera, assured him it was running and promised to post the footage.

I lied. Even though it’s great fun to watch the clip, his shorts are visible and sufficiently unique that it would be cruel to forever memorialize his boneheaded moment.

[semperiden]

Got a flat on the Mount Vernon Ave overpass on Four Mile Run. Somebody broke a bottle in there. Another fellow cyclist said that he cleaned it while I was changing the flat. Hope it is not a regular occurrence.

[n18]

@semperiden 180109 wrote:

Got a flat on the Mount Vernon Ave overpass on Four Mile Run. Somebody broke a bottle in there. Another fellow cyclist said that he cleaned it while I was changing the flat. Hope it is not a regular occurrence.

What tire were you using?

[semperiden]

GatorSkin 700×23. I probably need new ones though…

[ian74]

@Crickey7 179790 wrote:

As I was waiting at the light at the top of the ramp from Water Street, another rider pulled up, then toppled over because he couldn’t unclip in time. Being the kind, gentle soul that I am, I pointed to my helmet camera, assured him it was running and promised to post the footage.

I lied. Even though it’s great fun to watch the clip, his shorts are visible and sufficiently unique that it would be cruel to forever memorialize his boneheaded moment.

Ummm. I think the statute of limitation for embarrassment is like 7 days, so you should be good to post this now.

[Steve O]

You: In your white BMW convertible, hurrying to park for your morning round of golf at ANCC
Me: Pedaling my way through the country club shortcut from CCCC
You: Bottoming out on the speed hump, because the mental effort of passing a cyclist on a completely empty road AND being aware of road conditions was a bit challenging for you.
Me:

[TwoWheelsDC]

Second day of e-bike commuting. My intention isn’t to totally replace my conventional bikes, but rather to e-bike on days where I’m too lazy to ride. Typically, those are days I ride my motorcycle, but now with the work on the GWMP and the heat, I’d rather avoid my motorcycle until summer is over.

Anyway, today I rode in my work clothes…12.5 miles with one big hill (1 mile, 3% average grade) and some rollers at the end, and I wasn’t sweaty when I got in. Total riding time is similar to my un-boosted commute, but it’s nice to just relax and enjoy the cool (relatively) breeze.

[Dewey]

Beautiful morning, warm, sunny, lots of people and pets out for exercise. On the MUP section of the Rt 50 trail under Ft Myer Heights was perhaps not the best place for the dog walker to stand in one lane and let their two pooches wander across the other lane entirely blocking the path with their leashes after I rang my bell twice from 200 & 100 yards back, I don’t love the smell of burning rubber in the morning.

[consularrider]

@Dewey 180540 wrote:

Beautiful morning, warm, sunny, lots of people and pets out for exercise. On the MUP section of the Rt 50 trail under Ft Myer Heights was perhaps not the best place for the dog walker to stand in one lane and let their two pooches wander across the other lane entirely blocking the path with their leashes after I rang my bell twice from 200 & 100 yards back, I don’t love the smell of burning rubber in the morning.

That would be just another morning in Germany. Das sigh.

[elizsnyder]

I am pleased to announce that I had no close calls this morning. I did not have to spew my venom at any deserving vehicular offenders. However, I do respectfully request that cyclists use their bells or call out when passing. I am not continually staring into the mirror I have hanging below my left side handle bar. Instead of surprising me and almost grazing those tiny blonde hairs on my forearm, how about a notification and a foot personal space when you pass? yes, I would appreciate that. I am 40lbs bike with another 25lb-30lbs (that’s 65-70lbs of moving weight not including me…take note) of white panniers and trunk bag full of computers, clothes and lunch. If I hit you, sideswipe or otherwise, you will cry when your carbon fiber fluffernutter cracks upon impact. boo hoo. do not say you were not warned flyboys.

[Author]

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