42-Damn You Wintery Gusts!! And...My First Honk!!!

Success!! Day 42

Weather: 30 deg F. cold, a crazy headwind

Time I left my house: Late (surprise) 8:25 am

Time I arrived at work: 9:01 am

Distance: 8.08 miles

Avg. Speed: 15.1

Max Speed: 22.4

Time: 32.14 min.

Pre-game: There’s got to be a better way. With all the prep work once my wife leaves, I should be out the door after I feed the little guy. I got him to the sitter’s by 8:14 am, but didn’t get out until 8:27. Go figure. Of course I was late. I don’t think I’ve been on time all winter. It’s also all the layering.

Bad ride today. Well, bad in a sense that the headwind was like the bully pushing my head down with his straight arm as I was swinging away at him. The cold wasn’t a factor, (I was suited up with the blizzard jacket, a neck gaitor I use snowboarding, my Specialized winter BG gloves with Thinsulate flex, my tights and EMS breatheable waterproof/windproof skullcap), but the dang wind! It didn’t help that I haven’t been on a bike in a week and a few days, so I’m apparently slower. Hopefully, it’ll get better. I’ve really got to find a way to get out on time. I’m really trying. And my parents have screwed us again (although, not on purpose) so I don’t have that Friday liberty of leaving at 8:00am.

However, I did get my first honk, which was pretty humorous. It was a lady in an SUV. I was running out of shoulder, I looked back and signaled to take the lane. I took it and heard the big honk. I stopped at the light at the intersection and waited for her. She was turning and I motioned that she had nothing in front of her, so go ahead and turn. She lurched up and rolled down her window,”What, you can take the whole lane now?!!” And drove off. I wanted to yell,”Well, yes, actually!” but it didn’t matter. I had my neck gaitor on and really was over it. Awesome. Unfortunately, motorists are ignorant or forgot we cyclists can take the lane just like they can. Especially those SUV soccer moms on their way to school/work.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 34 deg. F cool, crazy headwind

Distance: 8.43 miles

Avg. Speed: 14.0

Max Speed: 21.8

Time: 36.18

It’s been cold and windy which is such a challenge to make any sort of good time home. At some points during the ride I was only on the second ring (the middle ring, not the granny gear, although I was tempted) so it was pretty rough. It’s the first time in a long time whether I was making a good choice to ride today, all things considered. But like anyone doing this, it’s now a challenge. And it’s personal.

There was a coworker who was going to her car as I was putting on my gloves outside before I set out home. She said her son tried it for two days and gave up. (I give him credit, his ride is much longer- Valley Stream to Syosset is a hike compared to my 8 mile jaunt). And she mentioned she thinks we’re crazy. She did like that I was well-lit because I was wearing my PB rear blinky.

Winter is just hard…. Blizzard alert this weekend. We’ll see what happens.

41-Back On The Saddle... So to Speak

Success!! Day 41

Weather: 46 deg F. cool, a little headwind

Time I left my house: Late (surprise) 8:27 am

Time I arrived at work: 9:02 am

Distance: 8.08 miles

Avg. Speed: 15.7

Max Speed: 23.3

Time: 30.59 min.

Pre-game: I really tried this time. Although bundling up would prove to lose a couple minutes. I should wear all my winter gear (tights and jacket) to the sitters when I drop off the little guy, even though I look like an alien in all that wear.

OK ride today, it’s been a while (two weeks) since my dual flat in the dark and rain… so I was a little cautious and apprehensive. I just wanted to get to work. BF suggested to get some Schwalbes or Armadillos which cost a pretty penny, but are worth the investment. My legs weren’t up to par and the speed/time shows it. I was so late it was embarrassing. Changing out of my winter gear is timelier and I got to my desk at 9:11 am... I can’t believe how warm I got with the Addidas Blizzard jacket. I need to tune up my gearing, a low gear, it’s been jumping so I’ll have to take a look at that this weekend. It’s supposed to be a quiet/snowy weekend.

Hopefully, it’ll get better.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 50 deg. F cool, a little headwind

Distance: 8.43 miles

Avg. Speed: 13.9

Max Speed: 23.3

Time: 36.31

Well, the cookies I had ordered from a coworker arrived. It’s a Crayola cookie dough and cookie design kit that my kid would love to make. I couldn’t NOT bring this home this weekend… especially if Saturday called for snow (which it rained… ALL DAY I might add…) So during lunch I got some bungy cords and found an old box to rig the dough and the bucket of cookie design kit into. I have to say, the Schwinn held up pretty nicely; being a touring bike, I knew it wouldn’t have any problems. I kept it on the middle ring for most of the ride, and obviously, no TT records here folks. I also was extra cautious at night what with the double flat the other week so I shouldered the bike for the shady parts. But… success!!! Needless to say, we made the ugliest cookies known to man… but the kid had fun!

40- NEW PB with the Schwinn- 27 Minutes Flat! And then... HUBRIS!! Two Flats. In the Dark. In the Rain.

Success!! Day 40

Weather: 48 deg F. cool, a little headwind

Time I left my house: Late (surprise) 8:23 am

Time I arrived at work: 8:52 am

Distance: 8.08 miles

Avg. Speed: 18

Max Speed: 25

Time: 27.00 min.

Pre-game: I scrambled out early enough, but the sitter was chatting up a storm, which means I got out later than expected. All is forgiven…look at the new time!

Nice ride today- It wasn’t too cold. After a day with my Roubaix last week (35 miler in the Bayville area, which was awesome) I took a little rest but my legs are better for it. I topped my avg. and my time today as a PB. Which was good because I was running a bit late. I noticed my waterbottle has been leaking, don’t know if that warrants another bottle… Gatorade got all over my Roubaix last week. Not sure why that happens.

Hopefully I can ride again this weekend as it pays back in huge dividends. Of course my night ride home will be shite but who cares.

UPDATE: The ride home. FAIL

Weather: 53 deg. F cool, RAIN, a little headwind

Distance: 8.49 miles

Avg. Speed: 8

Max Speed: 25

Time: 1.01

So, it actually rained today, and everyone was concerned (as usual) of my ride home. I assured them of my dayglo rain jacket (which I took off later… wasn’t raining) and my lights. It was going pretty nice when two miles left, I start feeling a little ‘bouncy’ with each pedal stroke. I pull over and notice my rear wheel flat. Crap. Then I hear a hissing noise. My front wheel as well… flat. I had only one extra tube and a patch kit, although I couldn’t bring myself to patch in the dark and rain, only being two miles from home. So… on my 2 mile walk home, I decided this:

1. Always bring two tubes

2. Get new tires. Ultragatorskins or Armadillos or Marathons Plus

3. Start driving again when it rains. (joke… well not really, I was so p___ssed last night.

I placed my issues on bf… so it will be interesting to see what pops up. I know it’s a necessary evil that comes with bike commuting, but two flats at the same time?? In the dark?? C’mon!!

39-Addidas Adistar Blizzard Jacket

Success!! Day 39

Weather: 39 deg F. cold, a lot of headwind and crosswinds

Time I left my house: Early 8:09 am

Time I arrived at work: 8:48 am

Distance: 8.07 miles

Avg. Speed: 16.4

Max Speed: 22.7

Time: 29.39 min.

Pre-game: Ah Fridays. It was chilly, so I wore my Performance tights and my Addidas Adistar Blizzard jacket. Got out later than my usual Fridays, since I had to bundle up, but it was still waay earlier than my mid-week scramble.

Nice ride today- I have to say the Adistar Blizzard Jacket rocks- it was a little nippy out there with a wind chill of about 34 deg. F., but I was sweating to the oldies in that thing. By the time I got to work, I had to unzip and cool off. It definitely kept the wind at bay and I didn’t feel cold at all. It’s got a ‘racer’ fit, so it’s snug in the right places (not letting any air anywhere) and ventilated on the underarms and back. I got it from Performance during one of their sales, so I got if for under $100. Well worth every penny. I believe it’s also waterproof. The only thing is that I’m not used to looking like a character from Tron or V. It’s got some shoulder pads and a weird reflective design on the back (which is good for the nighttime). I wonder how long I could go this winter. I imagine I’ll try to set my MTB up as a winter commuter, with my snowboard gear (helmet, goggles, jacket, etc.). But if the roads are icy or aren’t plowed with enough space, I’m not sure it’s wise to go out. I do have a trainer and a DVD set for winter spinning to keep my legs and my cardio up to par, but it’s not the same.

The only thing I have to see is where to dry my tights and jacket… I have a cubicle and not an office so my own private closet is out of the question, so I’ll have to hunt the communal closet space around the third floor.

UPDATE: The ride home. AT NIGHT!!

Weather: 47 deg.F cooler, a bit of headwind

Distance: 8.49 miles

Avg. Speed: 14.1

Max Speed: 22

Time: 36.11

Nothing much to report other than I’m coming back to this after some time- now that I look at the numbers, I was as slow as molasses. I guess the nighttime ride was a bit blustery and cold, and I can’t really see the computer at night, so I just concentrate on pedaling, though I can’t tell how fast. Anyway, it was shite. The jacket still rocks.

38-I Am the Night Rider! 200 Miles on the Schwinn!

Success!! Day 38

Weather: 42 deg F. much cooler, a little headwind and crosswinds

Time I left my house: Really Late! 8:25 am

Time I arrived at work: 9:00 am

Distance: 8.07 miles

Avg. Speed: 17.0

Max Speed: 24.1

Time: 28.39 min.

Pre-game: Scrambling to get out- thought I had a good time going, but when I left I looked at my watch and saw that it was 8:25! I blame the cold weather and bundling up. I also had to get my reflective Amphipod vest in my panniers so people can see me tonight. First night ride!!

Not a bad ride today, although I was hurting from yesterday’s workout in the gym- I made the mistake of doing squats with some heavy working sets (I’m trying to add some muscle to my girlish figure) and some other compound exercises. I did have some success before with my mass gaining workouts in the past, where I went up 20 lbs. (albeit, I put on some fat as well, which is usually the case) to 185. It will be interesting to see how this works with my cycling regimen as the workout notes that cardio should be a minimum as to not burn as many calories. Alright for you non-gymrat types…. Seque to: So my legs weren’t up to par today, although I still made it under 30 minutes with 17 avg.

UPDATE: The ride home. AT NIGHT!!

Weather: 47 deg.F cooler, a bit of headwind

Distance: 8.47 miles

Avg. Speed: 15.2

Max Speed: 24.1

Time: 33.23

It took a little more time to get my Amphipod reflective vest on and turning on the lights, but when I got going, it was pretty cool. I kept the PB Phase 1 Headlight on blink most of the way and the Superflash was on the whole ride. The headlight on blink was almost like a laser-gun- I felt like an X-wing fighter shooting down some Imperial Tie-Fighters (for all you Star Wars fans out there…) and as I got faster, it really was some show. I’m curious to know what cars see with me coming down in the side/rear view mirrors. This is the kind of strobe light that’s prone to give people seizures. That said, I don’t think folks had a problem seeing me. The cool thing about the headlight was the opportunity for the light to shine on the side- two little slits for the light- so people can also see me from the side. The only thing were the shady spots when there was no light and I had the blink on… it was sufficient enough, but I felt I needed more. I had to wait for either another car’s headlights or for some more streetlights to come on. The thing I like about night riding are seeing all the cars lights in the distance on other parkways and roadways … usually from the perspective from the top of an overpass. But when it was silent, no cars around, just me and the blinking light and the road in the dark, sort of surreal feeling. I wonder what it’s like to go riding on a trail at night, which would probably more of the same. Such a cool feeling.

Kudos to Planet Bike for their lights!!

37-One of the Best Reasons For Bike Commuting: Traffic on the LIE

Success!! Day 37

Weather: 46 deg F. much cooler, a little headwind and crosswinds

Time I left my house: Early! 8:09 am

Time I arrived at work: 8:37 am

Distance: 8.07 miles

Avg. Speed: 16.8

Max Speed: 24.6

Time: 28.52 min.

Pre-game: Fridays Rule! Took my time again today. Left at a decent time and had time to lag too.

Pretty nice ride today. Sunny without too much wind. I bought a fleece Columbia vest from Sports Authority, which helped out my core temps when I rode. That and my armwarmers did the trick.

On the way, there was a lot of traffic on the service road. For those of you reading (or for me, reading this as I’m sure there are no readers) who live outside of Long Island, NY, whenever there’s an accident or the Long Island Expressway (LIE) is backed up, the service road serves as a detour. However, that becomes a parking lot eventually so other options are limited once there’s a backup on the LIE. So, it was with extreme pleasure that I whizzed by all those cars for a few miles as they inched up to the light. It was so nice looking at everyone just sitting in there cars. The freedom of Bike Commuting at its finest.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 54 deg.F cooler, a bit of headwind

Distance: 8.45 miles

Avg. Speed: 14.8

Max Speed: 22.5

Time: 34.16

Nice Friday ride home… was hurting since it’s the second consecutive day in a row that I’m biking, so I’m a bit slow. Changed the lenses in my sunglasses to clear since it was windy and kind of dark. Had the Superflash on again as a precaution. I felt like I was going 2 miles an hour at some points and when I looked at my time, it definitely showed. Very curious to see how night riding’s going to be next week!

36-Riding With a Blinky and Showing an SUV Mom The Way

Success!! Day 36

Weather: 47 deg F. much cooler, a lot of headwind and crosswinds

Time I left my house: L-a-t-e! 8:24 am

Time I arrived at work: 8:54 am

Distance: 8.08 miles

Avg. Speed: 17.5

Max Speed: 24.4

Time: 27.46 min.

Pre-game: Had to scramble out the door again- little one wasn’t eating as fast as usual, so I got out longer than expected.

Not a bad ride today. I’m convinced my new detour is cutting a few minutes on my time and helping my avg. speed. Used the new Planet Bike Superflash rear blinky- since there was overcast and fog. A little sense of security there.

I’m considering a windproof vest, since I wore two coolmax type t-shirts that did really nothing to insulate my core. And it was pretty chilly. Twenty minutes in I was OK, but the first couple of miles were chilly willy.

Funny incident at a red light today: I was barreling downhill on the service road to a red light, there was a SUV mom who was certain she was going to hit me as she was coming from my left on the intersection, but I guess she was surprised I could stop on a dime much easier than any car going down that hill. Besides, she was off towards the on-coming traffic lane, so I pointed to where she should go, and she shot me with a look of both shock and annoyance. And what’s funny is that she had a bike rack to the rear hitch.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 57 deg.F cooler, a bit of headwind

Distance: 8.45 miles

Avg. Speed: 15.8

Max Speed: 23.9

Time: 32.12

Nice ride home. Turned on the Superflash once I was at a light as I left a little later from the office and the twilight was going on. It got dark quickly out and I went from shades to no shades halfway home. I’m curious to know how the Planet Bike Superflash looks from the car’s perspective. Just looking at it from my bike is annoying enough, which is a good thing. Next week Daylight savings returns which means riding in the dark. I’ll have to get my reflective vest on soon.