Tales from today's commute....

[biking_fox]

Long route home !

Ditto! 35 miles and 2200ft of climbing. Cunning plan of using the main roads for a quick route out of the city didn't work - too many traffic lights, jams, going the wrong way, and poor cycle lanes. But it was lovely once I got up onto the Peaks proper.

Much cooler this morning with wet roads from last night's thunder. Brutal forecast again for the afternoon 29C

 

[fossyant]

Ditto! 35 miles and 2200ft of climbing. Cunning plan of using the main roads for a quick route out of the city didn't work - too many traffic lights, jams, going the wrong way, and poor cycle lanes. But it was lovely once I got up onto the Peaks proper.

Much cooler this morning with wet roads from last night's thunder. Brutal forecast again for the afternoon 29C

I think I'll take the usual route tonight, and keep off the boil, as I hammered it this morning.

 

[Arjimlad]

A little faster again this morning, broke the 17mph barrier which was very pleasing. I'm sure the lack of traffic makes a difference.

Still got 2 close passes to report though, one by an oncoming Ford Ranger driver with a big trailer overtaking another rider on a narrow country lane, and another driver of a grey Lexus who just CBA to steer a little bit further to his right to pass me.

 

[cyberknight]

Thunder and lightning - fortunately, just missed us, slightly further to the South. I had a big 'flash' (ahem) as I left, but it remained dry. Just wet roads near work.

Another quick ride, matching yesterday. Less wind but also less traffic, including on the shared paths. We at least have a lane to use at the roadworks at Sainsbury's in Fallowfield - last two days has been using the opposite side.

We had a massive storm overnight, thunder and lightning,rain,wind that was still going strong at the time I was due to set off so I opted for the car and I was glad I did as the back lanes were also covered in small branches etc especially on a steep descent.
By 8 am the sun was out and a nice day

 

[katiewlx]

View attachment 809475

Im sure you can do smaller than that plus shouldnt that be "World's"...and Im not going near "essnetials"

A for effort, but C- for execution, when all you had to do to make the same point, was quote a gif of Steve Buscemi from Reservoir Dogs.

 

[katiewlx]

I rode for many years as a single pannierist. Yep, at first it did feel odd, but like most things, it's something that you soon get used to.
Now I have to use a rucksack as I ride a folder, and really dislike it.

you get used to it to an extent, but it does induce some weird handling characteristics on some bikes, like my old commuter bike I never had a problem with it, it was just literally lean more one way everything is fine, whereas my current commuter bike, which may just be Im using a different rack and the bikes a slightly different size, so the CoG is all together different. But there are absolutely moments where I feel very unbalanced on it, and Im sure that partly contributed to my crash earlier in the year as when it stepped out I had no chance of holding it.

 

[HLaB]

Nearly Marie Celeste out there this morning. I could have done without the cold head wind. I had dressed for the last few days and today was only 15-16 deg (feel like 14-15) and my hands were starting to numb up by the end.

 

[ianrauk]

Yesterday evenings commute was brutal with the temperatures. It was like riding into an oven. I just took it easy and rolled along. Still arrived at the station dripping.
Anyhoo..today is another scorcher, just a few degrees lower.
Back on the big boys bike, the Van Nick, for the 27 mile ride home this afternoon. Fab stuff. It sure beats getting the train.

 

[sevenfourate]

Yesterday evenings commute was brutal with the temperatures. It was like riding into an oven. I just took it easy and rolled along. Still arrived at the station dripping.
Anyhoo..today is another scorcher, just a few degrees lower.
Back on the big boys bike, the Van Nick, for the 27 mile ride home this afternoon. Fab stuff. It sure beats getting the train.
View attachment 809652

View attachment 809653

Tuesday was the worst day here in suffolk. I had a meeting at 3.30pm in Gt Yarmouth (Actually Norfolk). when i left and jumped in the van it was showing 33 degree's C outside. I got back to the Office and then commuted home. Was "ok'ish" when moving apart from at times breathing in air that literally warmed your throat and lungs. Quite rancid ! Also important to keep moving / anticipate traffic lights / pedestrian crossings etc......because stopping meant instant showers of sweat from the head. I also have little or no hair to stop the flow Better than i expected - but i've enjoyed it more !

Safe Travels.......

 

[biking_fox]

Manchester didn't get as warm as expected yesterday, still some cloud cover so not too bad. Notably more sensible today with wonderfully empty roads.

 

[fossyant]

Didn't enjoy the ride home - still getting over a month long lurgy, and the dust and fumes off the traffic really irritated my lungs. Spent the first 20 minutes coughing a lot.

 

[ianrauk]

I also have little or no hair to stop the flow

*cough*

 

[fossyant]

Oh, and some cyclist's don't help themselves. Had to use the main road in Fallowfield as my 'cut through' is currently blocked off due to junction improvements. So we're at temporary lights, I'm behind a bus. The road is narrow with cones and barriers. I get at least 6 'people on bikes' push past me and either try and go inside or around the bus as it moves off. Bus get's past, but they are all over the road wobbling about. I pass the lot giving them a wide birth, and come to a slow at the next junction as I'm turning left. The bus was also turning left. I could sense a few of the 'riders' wanting to undertake me as I'm going left following a left turning bus. Stick my hand out and close them off. I'm surprised there aren't more deaths.

 

[HLaB]

I wasn't planning to as I have enough riding planned for over the weekend but it had turned out quite nice. So I got off the train a stop early and guessed at an ok route over the Huntingdon Bypass. I think I guessed at a not bad route, not any longer than the direct route, a bit more interesting and a better roundabout to cross over the bypass. Because I hadn't planned it I never had a water bottle I never planned on a long one but the pretty flat route (just 581ft in 18miles) I could do in an hour and rehydrate at home.