After yesterday's ride in the sun, it was a little disconcerting to be faced with the cold, well, brisk temps this morning. Further disconcerting was the large Arborcare truck out front front of our neighbour's house trimming their elm tree with a CHAINSAW at 7 a.m. JHTC, was that ever annoying. It's a good thing I wasn't trying to sleep in.
The wheelset I built for the Wabi is so choice. It's laterally stiff and vertically compliant. I found myself trying to go faster, turn harder, etc. No, I'm not racing to get to work or anything, it's just nice to be riding on quality equipment.
___________________ Who causes accidents? Fancy Pants
Back from holidays. It was really quiet this morning, I did get an earlier start though so that might be why. For the first time I woke up and only pressed snooze once (my usual is 3-4 times!). Found it much easier to get up this morning. I must say it is nice to be back on my own bike again.
While in Maui (rented bikes for the week), on a morning ride, was passed by a couple of guys. As they came beside us they asked where we were from. I shouted out "Calgary" as they kept going. They shouted back "Had to be, 'cause Americans don't ride!" and they continued on their way. Had to laugh!
The roads were very quiet this morning. It is spring break for a lot of kids, and a 4 day work for most of us. I suspect many people are taking some time off. Should make for a nice week of cycling.
The prediction is for warm with strong SW winds this afternoon. Looking forward to that as the way home is NE!
spring break, that would be why it was quiet today, I forgot about that.....nice ride this morning, robins serenaded me most of the way in to downtown, the trees along the river were full of them.
No problems this morning coming in from the south. Decided to use the single speed and had fun. Will be a different story on the way home as I battle the head wind but hey, plus 16 and not in a car - can;t complain really. The weather looks steady for the week not as hot but normal. When is the spring snow dump coming? I guess when somebody takes the snow brush out of the car!
Had a great ride in today. Although I've been frustrated lately by cyclists who regularly change from roadways to sidewalks, essentially run red lights by making a quick right turn followed by a U-turn (both this morning along Dalhousie Drive), and ride on the wrong side of the street (last week on 40th Ave NW).
People complain about cyclists doing these things, I don't understand why some fuel the fire. There are obviously situations where being on a bike is unique and we can do things cars can't, but when we're on the road we need to obey basic traffic laws.
I was walking to the office along 1 St. SW, and what do I see but a guy on a bike zipping up the sidewalk against traffic. He went up a block, went diagonally through traffic to the right side of the road, filtered up to the front of two cars and then jumped the light and rode in the street. Did I mention that up until the one red light, there was no traffic where he should have been. Just bizarre...
___________________ Who causes accidents? Fancy Pants
A little chillier weather than I thought forced me to hike up my socks to my knees in an attempt to block some wind coming down Edworthy hill but thankfully no snow or ice to test my metal on!
Pathway was clear but with more sunlight in the morning some people are trying to save batteries by turning them on/off when they see oncoming traffic (or going lights nude altogether). Not super helpful
Got to the top of Bowmont Park just as the sun was rising... what a sunrise!
Wind was not as bad as I was expecting on Monday afternoon as I rode west. Of course, it helps having a new road bike rather than pumping away on the old MTB! And nice having a tailwind this morning - almost did not have to shower!
I was heading downtown on the pathway on the north side of the Bow this morning and just as I was approaching the Crowchild underpass, some idiot goes streaking by me. Surprised me because this jerk must have been doing at least 35 kph. He passed with no signal and what I found strange was that he was sitting up-right (at that speed, I thought he would be hunched over a bit). Then I noticed his feet were not moving! He obviously had an e-bike and was using the motor despite the fact there was a strong tailwind!
There was another thread on e-bikes elsewhere in this forum but as far as I am concerned, if you are going to drive that fast, get off the pathway!
you ride the same route as I do, I mentioned previously in a thread that there is a guy in the neighborhood that uses that same pathway and rides an ebike with absolutley no regard for anyone else.....have to wonder if you saw the same guy I refer to. This dude rides fast and weaves in and out passing people on bikes, walking, kids with puppies...you name it. You used the word "jerk"....that was nice of you!
Rolling up to 14 St., I saw a bike go by, then another, and another. Five bikes in all, in a span of 30 seconds! Then I chased them! Tee-hee! It's great to see so many people out on their bikes riding to work. The roads are dry and the gravel is pushed off to the sides. Now, we just need to get more women riding to work - out of all the people I saw on bikes, my wife was the only female. That's got to change!
___________________ Who causes accidents? Fancy Pants
It makes me feel good knowing that I can bike to work just like any other guy out there and even better that I'm not just a fair weather rider. Sure it is my first year commuting but I committed to this year round and I have stuck to it from +30 to -30.
You know, there's one in every crowd. The vast majority of us attempt to ride with civility and are careful out there so that:
1) We don't cause any accidents.
2) We do portray a positive view of cyclists.
3) We scare the snot out of unsuspecting MUP users.
But, there are always a few who ignore this. Likely the same ones who are weaving in and out of traffic etc.
I personally like the idea of allowing eBikes on the pathways but NOT so they can go by at 35KPH with no regard for others. Now everyone thinks "eBikes = fast and irresponsible". Not a good message at all. Time to put the left arm out to signal a left turn just as gets close to you so that he gets swacked in the chest with a fist.
I ride in any weather and wind. Have been commuting to work for years. There are a lot more male riders, so I agree more women need to get out there.
I ride in at 5 :15 am and the people I do see, I try to say goodmorning, but boy are some rude! must have had a flat on the car and was force outside for some exercise!!
Come on ladies, show our strength.
Cindy
I wimped out yesterday (my excuse was that I was going to the gym which I did). But managed to get up this morning. So, I get up in the dark, layer on multiple clothes, go down to the garage and open the door and as I'm getting the bike out I can feel this wind.
I'm in SW, the wind is, as far as I can tell from my ride, coming from the WNW. Part of my route has me cycling West along the Bow - wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. Maybe my legs were tired from yesterday but it took longer to get in and I felt like I put more into it. Ah well, another 850 calories burned off according to the Garmin. Do that 4 times and it may count for a pound.
Hoping the same wind keeps up for the trip home and doesn't turn to the S too much.
I discovered the wind was a little too cold for my gloves this morning, but I had a good ride otherwise. It took about half an hour to go the 7km and I shortened my route a little from the last time.
I still haven't worked up the courage to wait with the frustrated looking drivers at the lights at 25th Ave and Macleod which I know would shorten my commute time. The fact that so many of them floor the gas at the pedestrian crossings (on the 25th avenue bridge crossing the Elbow river) in spite of the flashing yellow doesn't help their case. It looks like a lot of people ride the sidewalks on 25th, but after everything I've read I don't agree with riding sidewalks that aren't marked as multi-use.
Today I rode around the Talisman centre and waited at the lights at Olympic Way only to realize the lights there are pressure-triggered and I wasn't heavy enough to set them off. This time a truck pulled up behind me and set it off but I'll have to find a better way next time.
View Commute #2 in a larger map
Don't worry, I wasn't driving on buildings. My phone was in my pants pocket so GPS wasn't terribly accurate.
Edit: Oh yeah, cycling with a 10-15 pound backpack is way harder than without as I did 23km easy on the weekend with friends.
1) I generally have pretty warm hands so even this morning a thin glove worked well for me. I'll be cool starting out but after 10 minutes or so my hands warm up.
2) I don't generally ride sidewalks UNLESS they become an optimum choice. This would happen if I deem it safer for a secton of road to be on the sidewalk or if doing so would substantively make my route better (decrease distance, increase relaxing etc.). But, haveing said that I cycled down Macleod from the Casinos to downtown two weekends ago so I'm not worried about being on the road. YMMV.
3) Lots of side roads have embedded loop sensors which require a certain amount of magnetic material on top of them before the trigger (like a car). "Sometimes" you can trigger these with your bike, but many times you can't. Your options are then to either walk over to the post and press the walk button or proceed cautiously against the red light when there is no traffic around. This last suggestion comes from Idaho where they have enacted legislation for cyclists where a bicycle rider can treat a stop sign as a yield sign and a red light as a stop sign. While not the law in AB, I do, at times, adopt this.
4) I really hate wearing a back pack. It makes my alrady sweaty back even worse. I do wear one sometimes but not often. I have a rear rack on my commuting bike and a single Pannier (from MEC). On my road bike (no racks), I'll wear a fanny pack which at least keeps the extra sweat down to one area.
5) You will have found it taking longer to cycle in today due to the wind. Cycling on a small gradient (like 1%) it becomes really noticible and will easily change that to be like a 2% or 3% grade.
2) I've mostly just been getting irked at cyclists around me doing crazy shit. Maybe I'm just noticing it more now that I'm cycling, but I can really see how some of them could be a menace to both drivers and pedestrians.
3) Looks like (if it's safe and empty, as this intersection is likely to be first thing in the morning) the sensor can be triggered by laying the bike down momentarily over the sensor ( http://bicycleuniverse.info/transpo/triggering-signals.html ). I might give it a go.
4) I may have to consider getting my home system prepped with everything needed to work from home instead of hauling my laptop every day. It's really the laptop that necessitates the backpack. I'm considering some manner of rack/pannier for tools/windbreaker/etc, but I don't think I'd trust a laptop to one.
5) True! There's a lot of height fluctuation on this ride and the hills seemed ridiculously steep today.
Have been lugging laptops around In a pannier on a daily basis for many years now, my current MacBook for almost four years with zero issues. However, I stongly recommend a pannier that has some internal structure suitable for carrying laptops and that is waterproof, like the ortlieb office bag. I used to use one of the more conventional bag-type panniers and I used a fairly sturdy laptop case in conjunction with these, since the laptop was only supported at the corners.
Well my truck left me yesterday morning, so I'm down to bike only for now. The only problem I'm going to have is with getting the groceries. Perhaps a new cargo bike?
If you don't want to buy a whole new bikes, you could consider a BoB trailer; I've hauled up to 30kg of groceries in one. Learn to park it at a 90-degree angle to the bike prior to piling in the big weight, and you'll be fine.
I used to carry 9 bags on my JTS. 3 heaviest in my pack, and 3 on each side of the handle bars. If the weight was evened out steering wasn't too bad. Then I picked up a nomad trailer and life became much easier.
oops just noticed this is the how was your ride thread, so to keep things on track. The ride was awesome. Nice cruise to work making the lights green that are usually the longest wait when red, and a good workout with close to a direct headwind for about 1/2 the trip home. One slight mishap on the way home, a tractor/trailer decided to move back over when he was only about 3/4 past, luckily he did signal so I had time to hit the brakes. Thought about giving him an ear full when he turned into the truck stop,but in the end I just kept going. Must be getting old.
we have 3 different styles/models...JoeBike, Yuba, Madsen, and a 4th - the Xtracycle. If you have an old MTB in working order, you can add the Xtracycle on to it and - PRESTO! - cargobike.
Would be good if you had some trendy seat cushion covers for the back on the ExtraCycle ... even slip-ons. I looked the supplier up on their WebSite .... and their stuff shows no artistic flair. I'm having mine re-upholstered in Leather @ the moment. I know you guys/gals have got good taste in artwork down there .... so I'll continue dropping by.
Also thanks for the "One Less Car" wrap-around. I asked BikeCalgary about the spoke stickers but the rap-around is exactly what I needed .... stops the Battery pack on my Raleigh e-Bike from stripping the paint-work off, is quality and IS a statement.
I'll drop down .... I have a "just a few things" that fit exactly into that category. You know how it is .... after riding these bikes for a while you need things changed so they function correctly .... not pre-canned ... and you're bound to have something there that catches my eye.
...but I didn't ride slow. My wife had to catch a flight at 6:30, so I was awake more than an hour early. I left the house late, but made up time on the ride. Since I wasn't waiting for my wife to catch up at lights, I made it through 2 more intersections than usual, which dramatically altered my place in traffic. Regardless, until I got downtown I felt really sluggish, but the clock said otherwise...
___________________ Who causes accidents? Fancy Pants
After being away last week, I encountered a new detour on Monday's ride home. I was on auto pilot and missed the detour signage (assuming they were posted on my route to the path) because I came to a near stop at a chain link fence installed across the south side path between 6th & 7th Street SW (and it extends right to the river so closes the ped. path along the river too). I had to hop the curb through a parking lot and around to continue on my way. Out of curiosity I checked the City of Calgary site for pathway detours and nothing was listed on Tuesday morning so sent a request for info to 311. Got a call back this morning and he said the detour will be in place till November 15th for the new Peace bridge construction, completely forgot about this new bridge. It is now on the City's website. I didn't see any mention of it in past threads so maybe it doesn't affect many (or maybe it was in the news last week when I was gone explaining the construction and detours)... It really is a very minor detour so not a big deal.
I "ran into" the same detour last week, also oblivious to the signs telling me in advance that it was coming...I now just go on the other side of the river.
...from the wind on the way home last night. I was thinking to myself, the first 5 minutes out, that pedaling seemed effortless...realized the one thing missing was the relentless wind. For once it wasn't in my face. Rather enjoyed the ride home.
As for this morning, easy going but slightly cooler than it has been recently.
Good feeling knowing I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Thursday mornings are usually the toughest for me, fatigue has set in from the week and just the thought that I have one more day to go makes it that much more exhausting.
Today was one of the few days each year that I don't ride to work. Both the Bankers Hall and Bankers Court bike parking are closed for maintenance today, tomorrow and Saturday, and I just didn't feel like leaving my bike out in the open. Somebody might breathe on it or something. Anyway, we walked in. Good conversation too, including
- how soon we want to pay off the house
- why somebody would walk their dog in pants with holes in the ass [we could see her bum]
- the changes to 17 Ave. S.W. [many businesses out of business]
- the changes to 11 Ave. S.W. [I'm still stunned that Coconut Joe's is now a day care]
- wondering aloud about future development along 10 Ave. S.W., once the train yard moves outside the city
- etc.
Another beautiful morning, excellent sunrise and the always pleasant robin's song. Persevered with the short pants in spite of the cooler temp, they'll be fine for the home ride.
A client sent over 350 cinnamon buns from Sunterra, each bun is the size of a dinner plate!! Thank goodness I was only obligated to eat one bun. I hope my little bike doesn't collapse under me when I get on it to ride home.
There was a huge column of smoke originating around the PetroCan at Highway 22 around 4 PM. Most likely a grass fire as the smoke was grey. I want to make a donation to your ride.
Now its off BC for camping. Leaving about midnight, should get to the turn off at the logging road about day break. Then its 20Km up to the washout, where we park, and another 3-4 Km on bikes up to where we camp. Should be just about ready for breakfast when things are set up. When its time to leave, I often ride down and jump in the Jeep at the highway. Nothing like a 24Km down hill ride in the mountains.
Well, went to the Gym this morning to work out and then for my Cardio I went on a 2 Hr. + ride. From my home in SW, out to 22X, West to the hill before Cochrane and South for another 5Km or so as I wanted to get in a minimum 50Km ride.
The wind was rather interesting, felt like a bit of a tail wind when I headed either West or East but interspersed with a head wind at times. Mostly it was a Southerly wind which let me spin up nice in top gear.
I had a thin jersey, arm warmers and a warm vest on top but that really wasn't quite enough, my arms were chilly. Legs weren't "too" bad and feet lasted OK although they were chilled.
After yesterday's ride in
Submitted by pinkrobe on
After yesterday's ride in the sun, it was a little disconcerting to be faced with the cold, well, brisk temps this morning. Further disconcerting was the large Arborcare truck out front front of our neighbour's house trimming their elm tree with a CHAINSAW at 7 a.m. JHTC, was that ever annoying. It's a good thing I wasn't trying to sleep in.
The wheelset I built for the Wabi is so choice. It's laterally stiff and vertically compliant. I found myself trying to go faster, turn harder, etc. No, I'm not racing to get to work or anything, it's just nice to be riding on quality equipment.
___________________
Who causes accidents?
Fancy Pants
Quiet out there
Submitted by sherryrunswest on
Back from holidays. It was really quiet this morning, I did get an earlier start though so that might be why. For the first time I woke up and only pressed snooze once (my usual is 3-4 times!). Found it much easier to get up this morning. I must say it is nice to be back on my own bike again.
While in Maui (rented bikes for the week), on a morning ride, was passed by a couple of guys. As they came beside us they asked where we were from. I shouted out "Calgary" as they kept going. They shouted back "Had to be, 'cause Americans don't ride!" and they continued on their way. Had to laugh!
Very Quiet
Submitted by amf673 on
The roads were very quiet this morning. It is spring break for a lot of kids, and a 4 day work for most of us. I suspect many people are taking some time off. Should make for a nice week of cycling.
The prediction is for warm with strong SW winds this afternoon. Looking forward to that as the way home is NE!
oh yes
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
spring break, that would be why it was quiet today, I forgot about that.....nice ride this morning, robins serenaded me most of the way in to downtown, the trees along the river were full of them.
Not looking forward
Submitted by umgray on
No problems this morning coming in from the south. Decided to use the single speed and had fun. Will be a different story on the way home as I battle the head wind but hey, plus 16 and not in a car - can;t complain really. The weather looks steady for the week not as hot but normal. When is the spring snow dump coming? I guess when somebody takes the snow brush out of the car!
Had a great ride in today.
Submitted by sj_mckenna on
Had a great ride in today. Although I've been frustrated lately by cyclists who regularly change from roadways to sidewalks, essentially run red lights by making a quick right turn followed by a U-turn (both this morning along Dalhousie Drive), and ride on the wrong side of the street (last week on 40th Ave NW).
People complain about cyclists doing these things, I don't understand why some fuel the fire. There are obviously situations where being on a bike is unique and we can do things cars can't, but when we're on the road we need to obey basic traffic laws.
Sidewalk salmon
Submitted by pinkrobe on
I was walking to the office along 1 St. SW, and what do I see but a guy on a bike zipping up the sidewalk against traffic. He went up a block, went diagonally through traffic to the right side of the road, filtered up to the front of two cars and then jumped the light and rode in the street. Did I mention that up until the one red light, there was no traffic where he should have been. Just bizarre...
___________________
Who causes accidents?
Fancy Pants
bikes gone wild
Submitted by 2wheeler on
I think people should realize that unless they have a licence, they're not couriers. Leave that kind of riding to the pros.
Nippy morning
Submitted by meandmybikes on
A little chillier weather than I thought forced me to hike up my socks to my knees in an attempt to block some wind coming down Edworthy hill but thankfully no snow or ice to test my metal on!
Pathway was clear but with more sunlight in the morning some people are trying to save batteries by turning them on/off when they see oncoming traffic (or going lights nude altogether). Not super helpful
Got to the top of Bowmont Park just as the sun was rising... what a sunrise!
first encounter with an e-bike
Submitted by Dionysis on
Wind was not as bad as I was expecting on Monday afternoon as I rode west. Of course, it helps having a new road bike rather than pumping away on the old MTB! And nice having a tailwind this morning - almost did not have to shower!
I was heading downtown on the pathway on the north side of the Bow this morning and just as I was approaching the Crowchild underpass, some idiot goes streaking by me. Surprised me because this jerk must have been doing at least 35 kph. He passed with no signal and what I found strange was that he was sitting up-right (at that speed, I thought he would be hunched over a bit). Then I noticed his feet were not moving! He obviously had an e-bike and was using the motor despite the fact there was a strong tailwind!
There was another thread on e-bikes elsewhere in this forum but as far as I am concerned, if you are going to drive that fast, get off the pathway!
emp
Submitted by critninja on
maybe you should install a mirror and an EMP (electro magnetic pulse) so the next time one of those e-bikes passes you you can blast him! :)
seriously though, will be interesting to watch how the city deals with this imminent threat to pathway safety.
www.bikebike.ca
interesting
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
you ride the same route as I do, I mentioned previously in a thread that there is a guy in the neighborhood that uses that same pathway and rides an ebike with absolutley no regard for anyone else.....have to wonder if you saw the same guy I refer to. This dude rides fast and weaves in and out passing people on bikes, walking, kids with puppies...you name it. You used the word "jerk"....that was nice of you!
The longest line
Submitted by pinkrobe on
Rolling up to 14 St., I saw a bike go by, then another, and another. Five bikes in all, in a span of 30 seconds! Then I chased them! Tee-hee! It's great to see so many people out on their bikes riding to work. The roads are dry and the gravel is pushed off to the sides. Now, we just need to get more women riding to work - out of all the people I saw on bikes, my wife was the only female. That's got to change!
___________________
Who causes accidents?
Fancy Pants
Agreed, we are a minority
Submitted by sherryrunswest on
It makes me feel good knowing that I can bike to work just like any other guy out there and even better that I'm not just a fair weather rider. Sure it is my first year commuting but I committed to this year round and I have stuck to it from +30 to -30.
woot woot!!
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
I have recruited another lady rider from my office!! Yipee, she even got access to the bike room (long waiting list) so no excuses now.
There's one in every
Submitted by BCDon on
You know, there's one in every crowd. The vast majority of us attempt to ride with civility and are careful out there so that:
1) We don't cause any accidents.
2) We do portray a positive view of cyclists.
3) We scare the snot out of unsuspecting MUP users.
But, there are always a few who ignore this. Likely the same ones who are weaving in and out of traffic etc.
I personally like the idea of allowing eBikes on the pathways but NOT so they can go by at 35KPH with no regard for others. Now everyone thinks "eBikes = fast and irresponsible". Not a good message at all. Time to put the left arm out to signal a left turn just as gets close to you so that he gets swacked in the chest with a fist.
Women bikers
Submitted by Cindy on
I ride in any weather and wind. Have been commuting to work for years. There are a lot more male riders, so I agree more women need to get out there.
I ride in at 5 :15 am and the people I do see, I try to say goodmorning, but boy are some rude! must have had a flat on the car and was force outside for some exercise!!
Come on ladies, show our strength.
Cindy
Cool hard ride in.
Submitted by BCDon on
I wimped out yesterday (my excuse was that I was going to the gym which I did). But managed to get up this morning. So, I get up in the dark, layer on multiple clothes, go down to the garage and open the door and as I'm getting the bike out I can feel this wind.
I'm in SW, the wind is, as far as I can tell from my ride, coming from the WNW. Part of my route has me cycling West along the Bow - wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. Maybe my legs were tired from yesterday but it took longer to get in and I felt like I put more into it. Ah well, another 850 calories burned off according to the Garmin. Do that 4 times and it may count for a pound.
Hoping the same wind keeps up for the trip home and doesn't turn to the S too much.
Commute attempt #2!
Submitted by litui on
View Commute #2 in a larger map Don't worry, I wasn't driving on buildings. My phone was in my pants pocket so GPS wasn't terribly accurate. Edit: Oh yeah, cycling with a 10-15 pound backpack is way harder than without as I did 23km easy on the weekend with friends.
Congratulations
Submitted by BCDon on
Litui, good job on #2.
A couple of things I've found:
1) I generally have pretty warm hands so even this morning a thin glove worked well for me. I'll be cool starting out but after 10 minutes or so my hands warm up.
2) I don't generally ride sidewalks UNLESS they become an optimum choice. This would happen if I deem it safer for a secton of road to be on the sidewalk or if doing so would substantively make my route better (decrease distance, increase relaxing etc.). But, haveing said that I cycled down Macleod from the Casinos to downtown two weekends ago so I'm not worried about being on the road. YMMV.
3) Lots of side roads have embedded loop sensors which require a certain amount of magnetic material on top of them before the trigger (like a car). "Sometimes" you can trigger these with your bike, but many times you can't. Your options are then to either walk over to the post and press the walk button or proceed cautiously against the red light when there is no traffic around. This last suggestion comes from Idaho where they have enacted legislation for cyclists where a bicycle rider can treat a stop sign as a yield sign and a red light as a stop sign. While not the law in AB, I do, at times, adopt this.
4) I really hate wearing a back pack. It makes my alrady sweaty back even worse. I do wear one sometimes but not often. I have a rear rack on my commuting bike and a single Pannier (from MEC). On my road bike (no racks), I'll wear a fanny pack which at least keeps the extra sweat down to one area.
5) You will have found it taking longer to cycle in today due to the wind. Cycling on a small gradient (like 1%) it becomes really noticible and will easily change that to be like a 2% or 3% grade.
In any case, keep up the good work.
Points
Submitted by litui on
1) Not here, unfortunately. My hands are coooold.
2) I've mostly just been getting irked at cyclists around me doing crazy shit. Maybe I'm just noticing it more now that I'm cycling, but I can really see how some of them could be a menace to both drivers and pedestrians.
3) Looks like (if it's safe and empty, as this intersection is likely to be first thing in the morning) the sensor can be triggered by laying the bike down momentarily over the sensor ( http://bicycleuniverse.info/transpo/triggering-signals.html ). I might give it a go.
4) I may have to consider getting my home system prepped with everything needed to work from home instead of hauling my laptop every day. It's really the laptop that necessitates the backpack. I'm considering some manner of rack/pannier for tools/windbreaker/etc, but I don't think I'd trust a laptop to one.
5) True! There's a lot of height fluctuation on this ride and the hills seemed ridiculously steep today.
Thanks! I'll do my best.
backpack
Submitted by 2wheeler on
laptop = courier bag!
Pannier
Submitted by vonbergm on
Have been lugging laptops around In a pannier on a daily basis for many years now, my current MacBook for almost four years with zero issues. However, I stongly recommend a pannier that has some internal structure suitable for carrying laptops and that is waterproof, like the ortlieb office bag. I used to use one of the more conventional bag-type panniers and I used a fairly sturdy laptop case in conjunction with these, since the laptop was only supported at the corners.
I have a Mec back pack that...
Submitted by NW_Tri_and_Bike on
Does the trick nicely...
http://ridecalgary.blogspot.com/
full on biking
Submitted by 2wheeler on
Well my truck left me yesterday morning, so I'm down to bike only for now. The only problem I'm going to have is with getting the groceries. Perhaps a new cargo bike?
the makings of a country song
Submitted by umgray on
You have the makings of a great twang country song!
gettings the grocs
Submitted by ride on
If you don't want to buy a whole new bikes, you could consider a BoB trailer; I've hauled up to 30kg of groceries in one. Learn to park it at a 90-degree angle to the bike prior to piling in the big weight, and you'll be fine.
Bobs are great. While not as
Submitted by ggdub on
Bobs are great. While not as stable as two-wheeled trailer, they're far more maneuverable, which is great for riding in traffic.
Groceries
Submitted by Spinner on
I used to carry 9 bags on my JTS. 3 heaviest in my pack, and 3 on each side of the handle bars. If the weight was evened out steering wasn't too bad. Then I picked up a nomad trailer and life became much easier.
oops just noticed this is the how was your ride thread, so to keep things on track. The ride was awesome. Nice cruise to work making the lights green that are usually the longest wait when red, and a good workout with close to a direct headwind for about 1/2 the trip home. One slight mishap on the way home, a tractor/trailer decided to move back over when he was only about 3/4 past, luckily he did signal so I had time to hit the brakes. Thought about giving him an ear full when he turned into the truck stop,but in the end I just kept going. Must be getting old.
Grocery Getter
Submitted by Cword on
The home built alternative
Touch of grey
Submitted by pinkrobe on
That setup seriously needs some duct tape...
___________________
Who causes accidents?
Fancy Pants
On his forehead? ;-)))
Submitted by majchers on
On his forehead?
;-)))
I like his flaps (sandals?)
Submitted by majchers on
I like his flaps (sandals?) best!
come try one out!
Submitted by critninja on
we have 3 different styles/models...JoeBike, Yuba, Madsen, and a 4th - the Xtracycle. If you have an old MTB in working order, you can add the Xtracycle on to it and - PRESTO! - cargobike.
Trailers too!
www.bikebike.ca
ExtraBike - Accessories
Submitted by Vince Roberts on
Would be good if you had some trendy seat cushion covers for the back on the ExtraCycle ... even slip-ons. I looked the supplier up on their WebSite .... and their stuff shows no artistic flair. I'm having mine re-upholstered in Leather @ the moment. I know you guys/gals have got good taste in artwork down there .... so I'll continue dropping by.
Also thanks for the "One Less Car" wrap-around. I asked BikeCalgary about the spoke stickers but the rap-around is exactly what I needed .... stops the Battery pack on my Raleigh e-Bike from stripping the paint-work off, is quality and IS a statement.
we have a seamstress we're working with...
Submitted by critninja on
...and she is making u-lock holsters, belts, pogies, and top tube pads - and could probably do something cool for the XtraCycle if need be.
just let us know!
www.bikebike.ca
Sounds very good.
Submitted by Vince Roberts on
I'll drop down .... I have a "just a few things" that fit exactly into that category. You know how it is .... after riding these bikes for a while you need things changed so they function correctly .... not pre-canned ... and you're bound to have something there that catches my eye.
Are you guys open Friday or over the weekend ?
yup
Submitted by critninja on
www.bikebike.ca
Beautiful morning, beautiful
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
Beautiful morning, beautiful sunrise, everything went beautifully!! Have a great day all.
Felt slow...
Submitted by pinkrobe on
...but I didn't ride slow. My wife had to catch a flight at 6:30, so I was awake more than an hour early. I left the house late, but made up time on the ride. Since I wasn't waiting for my wife to catch up at lights, I made it through 2 more intersections than usual, which dramatically altered my place in traffic. Regardless, until I got downtown I felt really sluggish, but the clock said otherwise...
___________________
Who causes accidents?
Fancy Pants
Sunglasses both ways
Submitted by mercator on
Today was the first day this year that I needed my sunglasses in the morning.
I think a woo-hoo is in order.
Peace bridge construction
Submitted by sherryrunswest on
After being away last week, I encountered a new detour on Monday's ride home. I was on auto pilot and missed the detour signage (assuming they were posted on my route to the path) because I came to a near stop at a chain link fence installed across the south side path between 6th & 7th Street SW (and it extends right to the river so closes the ped. path along the river too). I had to hop the curb through a parking lot and around to continue on my way. Out of curiosity I checked the City of Calgary site for pathway detours and nothing was listed on Tuesday morning so sent a request for info to 311. Got a call back this morning and he said the detour will be in place till November 15th for the new Peace bridge construction, completely forgot about this new bridge. It is now on the City's website. I didn't see any mention of it in past threads so maybe it doesn't affect many (or maybe it was in the news last week when I was gone explaining the construction and detours)... It really is a very minor detour so not a big deal.
I "ran into" the same detour
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
I "ran into" the same detour last week, also oblivious to the signs telling me in advance that it was coming...I now just go on the other side of the river.
Amazing ride today. Quite
Submitted by majchers on
Amazing ride today. Quite fast too. Both ways. And the wind was not that cooperating...
What a nice break...
Submitted by sherryrunswest on
...from the wind on the way home last night. I was thinking to myself, the first 5 minutes out, that pedaling seemed effortless...realized the one thing missing was the relentless wind. For once it wasn't in my face. Rather enjoyed the ride home.
As for this morning, easy going but slightly cooler than it has been recently.
Good feeling knowing I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Thursday mornings are usually the toughest for me, fatigue has set in from the week and just the thought that I have one more day to go makes it that much more exhausting.
Enjoy the long weekend all.
No biking today
Submitted by pinkrobe on
Today was one of the few days each year that I don't ride to work. Both the Bankers Hall and Bankers Court bike parking are closed for maintenance today, tomorrow and Saturday, and I just didn't feel like leaving my bike out in the open. Somebody might breathe on it or something. Anyway, we walked in. Good conversation too, including
- how soon we want to pay off the house
- why somebody would walk their dog in pants with holes in the ass [we could see her bum]
- the changes to 17 Ave. S.W. [many businesses out of business]
- the changes to 11 Ave. S.W. [I'm still stunned that Coconut Joe's is now a day care]
- wondering aloud about future development along 10 Ave. S.W., once the train yard moves outside the city
- etc.
Good times!
___________________
Who causes accidents?
Fancy Pants
Another beautiful morning,
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
Another beautiful morning, excellent sunrise and the always pleasant robin's song. Persevered with the short pants in spite of the cooler temp, they'll be fine for the home ride.
Happy Easter to all.
Oh My Dear Lord!
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
A client sent over 350 cinnamon buns from Sunterra, each bun is the size of a dinner plate!! Thank goodness I was only obligated to eat one bun. I hope my little bike doesn't collapse under me when I get on it to ride home.
It burns when I breathe
Submitted by scottmeyers on
There was a lot of smoke in the air this afternoon. Downtown and Nosecreek path to about 64th...
Please support my ride to Conquer Cancer
There was a huge column of
Submitted by xcrider on
There was a huge column of smoke originating around the PetroCan at Highway 22 around 4 PM. Most likely a grass fire as the smoke was grey. I want to make a donation to your ride.
AHHH The long weekend
Submitted by Spinner on
Now its off BC for camping. Leaving about midnight, should get to the turn off at the logging road about day break. Then its 20Km up to the washout, where we park, and another 3-4 Km on bikes up to where we camp. Should be just about ready for breakfast when things are set up. When its time to leave, I often ride down and jump in the Jeep at the highway. Nothing like a 24Km down hill ride in the mountains.
Road Bike Ride but cool
Submitted by BCDon on
Well, went to the Gym this morning to work out and then for my Cardio I went on a 2 Hr. + ride. From my home in SW, out to 22X, West to the hill before Cochrane and South for another 5Km or so as I wanted to get in a minimum 50Km ride.
The wind was rather interesting, felt like a bit of a tail wind when I headed either West or East but interspersed with a head wind at times. Mostly it was a Southerly wind which let me spin up nice in top gear.
I had a thin jersey, arm warmers and a warm vest on top but that really wasn't quite enough, my arms were chilly. Legs weren't "too" bad and feet lasted OK although they were chilled.
Took a nice long HOT shower when I got home.
same
Submitted by NW_Tri_and_Bike on
type of ride but I'm nursing a cold/sore throat and kept the HR to a max of 140 and spent most of the ride @ 110-120 bpm...
http://ridecalgary.blogspot.com/
you need
Submitted by NW_Tri_and_Bike on
The inexpensive toe covers @ MEC ... cheap and effective they are made by Decente.
http://ridecalgary.blogspot.com/