Things I've learnt from commuting

[ChrisF]

already almost 30mm rain in Bellville, and it only started in the afternoon ....

[Andrew_Smith]

already almost 30mm rain in Bellville, and it only started in the afternoon ....

 

I said to my boss yesterday that the 30mm they predicted last week came yesterday haha.

[MarthinusKemp]

I commuted in CT yesterday, stoked because when I got home I didnt need to go for my swimming training session

[Beattbox]

To never trust the weather report.

Yesterday it said "0.1mm at around 15:00". No problem I thought, it'll be done before I leave for home at 16:30 and in any case I can handle 0.1mm!

Well actually it was about 30mm (that's what it felt like) starting at 16:40. It's been a long time since I've been that wet on my bike. Still had fun tho 

[DJR]

To never trust the weather report.

Yesterday it said "0.1mm at around 15:00". No problem I thought, it'll be done before I leave for home at 16:30 and in any case I can handle 0.1mm!

Well actually it was about 30mm (that's what it felt like) starting at 16:40. It's been a long time since I've been that wet on my bike. Still had fun tho 

:DYou know that you cannot win all the time. You dodged the weather on Sunday for a great ride, so it was bound to catch you sooner or later. Ride safely B.

[Bateleur1]

The more I commute the less I am worried about the weather.  Let me not get too big headed as winter is approaching us here

[ChrisF]

due to one work project impeding on my commute routine, and a house renovation project I have not been commuting nearly as much as I want to  ... and been a bit soft for the cold winter mornings .... what have I learnt ?

 

 

WOW, you lose muscle tone and fitness QUICKLY !

 

 

so looking forward to get back into the commute routine !

[Bateleur1]

Learnt this morning that you must never underestimate foggy weather and the effect the dampness can have on your brakes.  We had quite a bit of fog this morning, which is very nice to cycle through forested areas but then came the point where I had to use my brakes.  Almost caused a problem going around a corner.

[ChrisF]

What a nice way to unwind after multiple meetings ....

 

and what a nice recovery ride after a hectic dual ride on Sunday ....

[Christie]

Ive made a route overview of my daily commute. I ride home and back almost every workday of the year - it is a short 4km one that would probably take mote time to drive than cycle in rush hour.

 

This bike lane goes past a block from my house:

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082648_zpspd2fvrgf.jpg

 

I then turn into a double lane road, that has a wide shoulder and sidewalk.

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082601_zpssoxtrcao.jpg

 

Some nice scenery on the way: wetlands next to the river.

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082550_zpsseteqttq.jpg

 

Past a golf course:

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082450_zpsgtzbydo8.jpg

 

The street to the office also has a bike lane

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082516_zpsu5eskng1.jpg

 

Thats it

 

Almost forgot:

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_081951_zpsv1acxeal.jpg

 

Trusty steed parked in the basement. I lock it to the aircon frame just to be sure it is still there. I prefer the hartail over my road bike, as it is less prone to puncture and gives the option to climb kerbs.

Edited September 11, 2018 by Christie

[Bateleur1]

Ive made a route overview of my daily commute. I ride home and back almost every workday of the year - it is a short 4km one that would probably take mote time to drive than cycle in rush hour.

 

This bike lane goes past a block from my house:

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082648_zpspd2fvrgf.jpg

 

I then turn into a double lane road, that has a wide shoulder and sidewalk.

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082601_zpssoxtrcao.jpg

 

Some nice scenery on the way: wetlands next to the river.

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082550_zpsseteqttq.jpg

 

Past a golf course:

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082450_zpsgtzbydo8.jpg

 

The street to the office also has a bike lane

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_082516_zpsu5eskng1.jpg

 

Thats it

 

Almost forgot:

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/Mobile%20Uploads/20180911_081951_zpsv1acxeal.jpg

 

Trusty steed parked in the basement. I lock it to the aircon frame just to be sure it is still there. I prefer the hartail over my road bike, as it is less prone to puncture and gives the option to climb kerbs.

 

4km.  I take it you cycle in your work clothes as I am sure you won't even warm up in time

[Christie]

Yes - only wear cycling kit if it rains. Otherwise I ride in shorts and a T-shirt and have more formal office wear in my back pack. Shower not neccesary for such a short ride .

[J∆kk∆ls]

Whenever it rains on a commute this quote comes to mind.

 

“There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. But doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you will still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to everything.” 
 

Tsunetomo Yamamoto, Hagakure

[ChrisF]

Christie my commute is about 4,5km, in the morning.  In the afternoon I like to take a slightly longer route.

 

That said I have two nice little climbs along the route .... when I ride them I sweat.  If, like this morning, I walk those two hills I get to work nice and fresh, without any sweat.

 

Sadly I dont have the luxury of cycling lanes ....  Where possible I share the pavement with the odd pedestrian - thanks to my hours I encounter maybe 1 or 2 per day - they get preferance and I slow to a crawl and pull way over for them.

 

There simply is no better feeling than getting to work after a 20 minute cycle.

 

 

Tomorrow morning I go from home straight to a project site in the opposite direction, with the car .... this project has really messed with my commute the last few months ....    

[Christie]

Back home I can follow the same route in reverse, or add a km or so via beach road.

 

I cross the river:

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/20180911_191331_zpsecymqotk.jpg

 

And can then ride along the promenade - this is not a good option if the South Easter is blowing (it picks up sand over the beach)

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/20180911_172629_zpsgglkepwi.jpg

Then it is back along home along via the bike lane in the first pic I posted.

[PygaSchmyga]

Hijack on: PLEASE can someone direct me to the thread where I can give away stuff that other Hubbers may need?