Tales from today's commute....

[Alex321]

The disadvantage of irregular commuting is it seems to be an absolute faff as I've no routine anymore. I think I'm going to work out a 'work kit' and leave some stuff in a locker (even if its only used once a month or less) as it just seems to take ages packing and unpacking at either end.

I commute twice a week (Wed & Fri), and I keep a box in the office with a pair of shoes, keyboard, mouse, charging cables, shampoo and shower gel, so I don't need to carry those things back and forth (I have another keyboard & mouse at home for WFH days), I only have to pack work clothes, the laptop itself, a towel, lunch, and wallet.

 

[markharry66]

I commute twice a week (Wed & Fri), and I keep a box in the office with a pair of shoes, keyboard, mouse, charging cables, shampoo and shower gel, so I don't need to carry those things back and forth (I have another keyboard & mouse at home for WFH days), I only have to pack work clothes, the laptop itself, a towel, lunch, and wallet.

in my case the king turns up to the opening of my wallet.

 

[cyberknight]

forgot to mention i was overtaken yesterday by one of those "e" bikes you see a lot of the food delivery folk on , slight uphill drag with a bit of tailwind was i was doing 17 mph and he comes past barely pedalling .

 

[Gwylan]

We'll, I got a puncture on my belt driven ebike.
This down a quiet country lane a few kliks out into the wilds.
Requires major surgery, muscles in your poo and the patience of Job.

A kind person, recognised me and took the wheel to the local bike shop. And returned shortly afterwards.
Sincere thanks, to the person, the lads at the LBS. Altogether restored my faith in human nature.

Recommendations for decent, non frangible tyre levers are also being sought.

 

[fossyant]

My brother-in-law has started cycle commuting on a 'type approved' ebike that is legal for the throttle and no pedalling. Still limited, but each bike is 'tested' to VOSA standards and has a certificate.

Bear in mind my sister, his wife, think's I'm mad, but it's OK for him to ride into Manchester as a complete novice ? Anyway he covers part of my route so I'm hoping I'll fly past him at some point - he only does a day or two a week on it as he's sick of public transport - it's taking him over an hour for 6 miles on PT, where he can e-bike in 35 minutes.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Recommendations for decent, non frangible tyre levers are also being sought.

I've just taken delivery of these steel with polymer coverage from SJS. Only used them once, but seem excellent.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tools/soma-fabrications-steel-core-tyre-lever-per-pair/

I also keep one of these for refitting recalcitrant ones

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tools/var-tyre-levers/

 

[DCLane]

Two longer commutes today, totalling almost 50 miles.

Almost home and a loud car comes past from behind, with older teenagers wearing football gear hanging out of the windows shouting.

Car > You've dropped your keys / you're tyres flat

Me > Smiled, rode past to the ASL with them just behind

Car > You've dropped your keys

Me > Nope. You'll have to try harder.

Car > Nice legs and bum

Me > That's what my wife says too

Car > Nice football boots [I had black / red Spesh BG Comp SPD shoes]

Me > I've got metal studs too [shows SPD cleats]

Car > That's not fair

Me > Enjoy the football boys. And I'm still ahead of you

Car > Cheer from behind as the lights change

I go left, they go right and probably both smile as a potentially difficult exchange went well.

 

[Gwylan]

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tools/soma-6-steel-core-tyre-lever-per-pair/

I broke 2 of these this morning. I'm surprised too.

 

[fossyant]

Pedros if you have difficult tyres, or Decathlon's tyre levers.

Slight fettle of the rear brake once home as re-adjusting the mudguard fowled the canti hanger for the rear break. On removing the panniers, I noticed one of the screws holding the lower clips had come off. Into the spares for a replacement

 

[markharry66]

day five out of five commuting first time have done it in years, enjoyed this week no car, no petrol costs and feeling better for the exercise.
Cold morning again, complementary head wind as always and legs ache a bit held back hammering the pedals as have return journey tonight still managed to equal quickest time in not sure how that works. Staying of the bike this week as its shopping weekend Great.

 

[ianrauk]

Turned cold again. 7° on leaving the house at 7am. So windcheater worn. Though looks like it will be warming up quite quick.
On the big boys bike today as cycling the 27 miles home. Looking like another great day for it.

 

[HLaB]

Stiff headwind yet again but the roads were pretty quiet again too (Friday's always are). The only incident on route didn't involve me. As I was cycling along the pedestrianised Bridge Street (cycles are allowed before 8am), a homeless man was arguing with someone in a flat. He walked straight across the square always pointing up at the window and shouting obscenities. He didnt even noticed the other couple of cyclists who had to swerve around him.

 

[markharry66]

Turned cold again. 7° on leaving the house at 7am. So windcheater worn. Though looks like it will be warming up quite quick.
On the big boys bike today as cycling the 27 miles home. Looking like another great day for it.
View attachment 773196

just hope the Thames is not chucking out its stinky aroma for you once you get to Gravesend as I know it does sometimes during the summer, gas masks at the ready lol

 

[fossyant]

WFH today, so no pictures of the stairs ! Will give the bike a swish later as it's very dusty from the commute. Need to do the CX bike from it's holiday in Wales too. Hope to be out for a leisure ride tomorrow.

 

[ianrauk]

just hope the Thames is not chucking out its stinky aroma for you once you get to Gravesend as I know it does sometimes during the summer, gas masks at the ready lol

I do the A2 Cycle path rather then being closer to the Thames.