[Supermau]

@dasgeh 95634 wrote:

Methinks you are too quick to let infrastructure and those that design it off the hook. Yes, we should all play nicely until the infrastructure is fixed, but we should loudly and clearly demand a fix, sooner than later.

Good point.

[Supermau]

@dplasters 95594 wrote:

You: The cyclist I passed on Cedar Ln on the bridge over I-66.

Me: I gave you a quick “You really need to get a taillight and a headlight” before turning left onto Hilltop.

Because it was 6:10am and other than the reflectives on your pedals, you were impossible to see form behind. I really hope you got where you were going safely. But seriously, please get some lights.

Hear, hear! Far too many cycling ninjas out there.

[Supermau]

I’ve been on a bit of a rant about Gravelly Point recently. This post only confirms my frustration with that area. Of course it’s not the “area’s” fault, but the numerous pathletes and ignorant people on bikes who haven’t a clue about etiquette or safety in this often overcrowded section of trail.

At the end of the day I suppose there’s little one can do but let karma catch up to riders like that. I’ve made some mistakes out there when I began commuting seriously, but I also learned from them and made the concsious decision to ride safer.

I’ve learned a great deal just by hanging around here on the forum. I give WABA a lot of credit for my new perspective on bicycle safety. We can only hope others wake up before they hurt somebody out there.

[Supermau]

Made my best time today..about one hour and five minutes for my 14.4 miles in. I didn’t take my usual second pit stop at the Jefferson so I think that made the difference. I usually stop at the top of Diagonal in Old Town for a swig then again at the Jefferson.

I officially dislike Gravelly Point. It’s official now. No question. Doesn’t matter what time of day it is. Just like last Saturday I rounded that last little bend heading into GP but this time I run into a herd of cyclist on a big group ride…Stopped and blocking.

To the herd…when you stop…GET THE #$@! OFF THE TRAIL!!!!!! You are NOT the only ones out there in the darkness of 5:30AM and you blocked the entire path! You should know better. And more of you need lights. The joggers ALL had lights!

Now I got around just fine even with everyone’s seeming obliviousness to my presence (lights blazing, bell ringing, audibles) and I’m more annoyed than pissed off, but come on. Do you stop your cars blocking both lanes of traffic too?

Rant over. Thanks, and cheers!

[Supermau]

@cyclingfool 95354 wrote:

Rain capes are great. I got this one as a gift a few years ago after hearing lots of good things about it. I really like it. Keeps me dry and is WAY cooler than any other option I’ve tried. Plus it’s made in the USA!

Thanks for the tip. I’ve been considering a Gore Path Jacket but these guys seem to have good stuff at a nice price.

[Supermau]

@Emm 95192 wrote:

Everyone in my building leaves their helmets, bags, and water bottles (???) unsecured on their bike. I leave just my saddle bag. I’d be angry if someone took the CO2 cartridge and spare tube I keep in there, but it wouldn’t end my world.

I will have to reconsider this next year when my office moves from a place with secure parking in a garage to a place with only outdoor, public racks. I’ll also need to switch the pin in my saddle so it’s no longer quick release. Bleck.

My building seems very safe, and I do see bikes with lights on them that go unmolested all day, but it just seems too easy since our parking is racks outside. My saddle bag is essentially the repair kit too, and wouldn’t be a major loss but I’d be pissed if someone lifted it anyway! Stripping takes all of a single minute so I do it.

[Supermau]

@Geoff 95164 wrote:

You can leave your light on the bike? Ever since my pump and tool bag were stolen from my bike while in the parking garage, I wouldn’t dare.

Me too. Never had anything stolen but I strip my bike of lights, saddlebag, and pump when I get to work. I never want to say, “I told you so” to myself.

[Supermau]

@cyclingfool 95120 wrote:

Absolutely gorgeous. Best time of year for riding is the next six weeks or so IMHO.

This is also when you start to get a sense for who is still going to riding to work come winter. People like me in shorts and a tee shirt, definitely. People in thin tights and light jackets maybe. Those who are already in heavier coats and fleece ear warmers on, doubtful. (BTW, how do those people not sweat to death? I got sweaty in a short sleeve tee? I’d have lost a gallon in sweat and been drenched from head to toe like a wrestler trying to make weight if I wore that much stuff…)

Interesting observation. I don’t think I’d have enjoyed shorts and tee this morning, at least not at first. I don’t know how far into the season I’ll make it since this is really my first attempt at year-round riding but I’m up for the challenge. Seems easier to have to remove layers rather than add them during a ride.

[Supermau]

It was just cool enough at 5am on Saturday to don my new long cycling tights. I’ve never owned a pair before but I’m glad I do now. They were super comfortable and kept me warm without overheating.

During the summer it was light outside by the time I reached the MVT, now it’s dark all the way to DC. As I rounded that little bend heading into Gravelly Point there were two “pathletes” stopped just on the other side, one of whom was halfway in my lane. We uttered a collective, “Woah” as I narrowly avoided collision. Close call. I hope that guy pulls off to the right next time.

Moments later as I pass the Portapotty’s pondering what just happened I see a youngish, maybe twenty-something girl walking towards me in the opposite lane. As I wiz by she’s trying to wave me down, and she says, “Hey!”. She’s got a phone in her ear too.

In broad daylight I likely would have stopped but something felt suspicious. She didn’t appear injured or in any great distress, and she was on the phone. I guess I’ll never know what the deal was. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I kept on rolling.

It’s pretty empty on the MVT early Saturday mornings but I keep passing the same group of female joggers who always thank me for my warning bell. I like that.

I used to really enjoy the MVT when I first started this commute last spring but I’m glad I found the Commonwealth route. It’s so much more relaxed and I’m on my own most of the time. I’ve cut out miles of unnecessary trail use.

Going home is quite the show in dangerous maneuvers on that trail. It’s starting to suck. I guess all I can do is keep myself safe and enjoy the show.

[Supermau]

I sprung for some multi-lens Tifosi glasses last May. Dark, amber, and clear. I use them all and it’s a snap, quite literally, to swap them out. The clear are great for my dark morning commute, the woods, and rain. A solid $30 investment.

[Supermau]

I should have mentioned my average morning commute takes me about 1 hour 15 minutes – 14.5 miles. I usually take a couple short pits tops along the way to slam my iron man powerade (beet juice). Going home takes longer since I’m not on a schedule and I take it easier.

[Supermau]

My commute is just under 30 miles round trip. It’s a bit long to me but I’ve been doing it for a few months now and I enjoy the ride. It’s the only chance I get to really ride long. I only do this once a week, since that’s the nature of my employment. I don’t know if I’d be up to that ride every day. I’d either be totally wiped out every day or up for Ride Divide next year!

[Supermau]

Good and wet. I stopped under Eisenhower on the Holmes Run Trail to eat my last PBJ and watch the rain get heavier. Very relaxing…until I hit Clermont. Oh granny gears get me home! Good day.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]6612[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]6613[/ATTACH]

[Supermau]

I saw one at Toys R Us last week too. It looked okay for a $250 bike. I don’t know if it IS okay, but it looked okay.

[Supermau]

I’ve spent a lot of money at Performance in Springfield, though I bought my new bike at Spokes. The thing I like about a place like Performance is that they carry tons of accessories and they are reasonably priced. Spokes by contrast seems to have less of a selection and wants more money for what they do carry. I’m only speaking about accessories, anything but the bike itself.

When I want a thing today I’ll buy it at the LBS vs saving a few bucks online, assuming of course that I can find the thing in question locally.

I know Performance is a big chain but they’ve been pretty good to me, and the mechanics have always been very helpful with my noob questions. I took a half hour to ruin my wife’s front derailer in July, and it took those guys three minutes to make it right, free of charge. I can appreciate that.

‘

[Author]

Posts