What, noone has any stories to share?
Some sections of the Bow River Pathway are washed out and closed, check detour maps here:
http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Pathways/Pathway-closures.aspx
And reports of bike thefts are on the rise. Remember to lock your bike properly, with a proper lock, to an immovable object, even when it's inside your garage or backyard!
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Ogden RD gate locked S to Calf Robe Bridge
Submitted by chaingunsofdoom on
Gate was open yesterday morning, but locked at night and still locked this morning.
Almost ran over an unleashed dog this morning when it literally jumped out of the bushes at me. Owner had headset on. Then it tried to come and lick me and I almost hit it again. No leash or 12 foot leash. Not sure which is worse...
Spoiled by a bar
Submitted by bclark on
For the past few years I've been commuting on a slightly small (for me) early-mid 90's vintage mountain bike. Granted, it's been significantly "modernized" with the addition of disc brakes (so I can switch between 26" and 700c wheels) and rerouted (to the top-tube for grit clearance) cables. Still, it's got that 90's geometry, i.e. stretched out, low in the front, etc.
Earlier this year, I switched to a wide riser bar from a narrow flat bar. This gave me more stability and a more upright position, resulting in more comfort (less neck strain) and making it easier to look around for traffic, pedestrians, etc. Of course, being more upright meant I had to fight a bit more against the near ubiquitous western headwinds. The not immediately apparent trade-off was that, having a wider bar on my commuter, changed the feel of any other bikes (i.e. my road bike), making them feel slightly less comfortable.
So, yesterday, I switched back to the orginal flat bar. As soon as I was into my commute I was wishing I hadn't done the switch. I felt uncomfortable and looking at almost anything except my front tire seemed to be a hassle. As soon as I got home last night, I switched back to the wide riser bar. I guess I've reached that point where comfort and the ability to look around are a priority on my commute!
Comfort over speed
Submitted by RichieRich on
Also as an ex-racer, now aging of course and subject to other life incidents (whiplash), I've also added high rise bars to my commuter, and on all my bikes (commuter, road, mtb) I've flipped the stem so instead of being in the -6 or -10-degree position it's in the plus (or upward) direction. Amazing how much more comfortable I am now, despite taking a bit more wind. That said on ALL my bikes my seat is still 1-2" higher than my bars.
Quarry Trail altercation...
Submitted by bike-run on
Yesterday I commuted on foot, and in the afternoon I ran from downtown out to the Quarry trail, and was coming back down, just east of the railroad crossing - I was on my right side going east, passing a couple of bikes on their right side going west, when another biker going fast cut between us, very close to me (I was right near the edge already), so I swung up my arm to shield my body and head, and caught him solidly with my elbow on his arm/shoulder, then he stopped and "went off" - shouting obscenities and came back threateningly towards me, asking "did you hit me, did you punch me?" and shouted all sorts of obscene names. I stood my ground and explained that he passed too close to me and ran into my arm. He kept calling me names and ranting loudly, then eventually remounted and went on his way, but threatened to "make me pay" and take revenge for "what I did", never accepting that he caused the collision by passing when there was no room.
Has anyone had altercations like this, on the verge of violence? How would you handle it?
I have no idea if he's crazy enough to attack me with no warning if he happens to see me again on the pathway - how would you handle it if he confronts me?
Yes
Submitted by DarrenB on
I have had altercations like this, with motorists and dog walkers. I guess people are people.
Hard to deal with people like this. As a cyclist, I actually started using a helmet-mounted video camera to record and difuse altercations, although I am happy to say I have not really needed it at all lately. Aside from that, pulling out your cell phone and suggesting that you call the Calgary Police Service to straighten out the disagreement is about all you can do. Sorry to hear that this happened to you.
Unreasonable
Submitted by RichieRich on
That dude evidently has serious issues. Very unfortunate that you had this incident, and no doubt very upsetting to you. You have every right to be upset and concerned and I appreciated you sharing your adventure. This certainly does highlight a number of issues to me - which range from "entitlement", to unsafe riding, to beligerant aggressive behavior. The odds of this person picking you out specifically is very minimal, however they make take out their frustrations on others (not your fault, or within your control).
YES I have had altercations - the worst was actually with me being the cyclist and an oncoming runner purposely crossed into my riding lane, dropped their shoulder, and barrelled into my torso, then proceeded to b*tch me out about something or other. There were enough witnesses to support my story. Effectivie communication at the time was impossible. After shaking for hours I raged internally for days.
I've seen other cyclists also make exceptionally poor choices, as well as be exposed to the results of their poor choices. In general I have a very difficult time bringing myself to approach these people because their actions indicate they don't care, and I certainly don't need to go looking for a fight. I have certainly said things to people but the key to making your point is NOT to: shout, get in their face, physically or verbally threaten. In my ~10+ years of commuting experience the calmer approach works most frequently and is less likely to degenerate into neanderthol behavior. But then again, rational people expect rational behavior and this clearly isn't the case.
More than enough courses and websites that teach about effective communication, bullying, etc... Rarely you'll encounter some dink such as you've described and perhaps it best to just walk away for your own physical well-being.
Too much adrenaline?
Submitted by jondub on
When you are riding hard you have a significant amount of adrenaline pumping aorund your body. If you suddenly stop, this seems to make people act completely out of character. My guess is that once he had calmed down he probably felt very bad. The best thing to do in these situations is to stay calm. My motto is that 'You get the best view from the moral highground' and that is where you were.
There are many pathway users with major control issues....
Submitted by rustabout1981 on
I commute by running somedays too. Although there are many curtious people using the pathways unfortunately only the negative incidents stick out. A disproportionate amount of sociopaths are on the pathway (be it walking, running, biking...). I would say percentage wise there are more people lacking common sense on the pathway than people in vehicles on the road. Although a collision with a vehicle is more likely to have severe consequences.
I was almost clipped once. That was on a sidewalk not a pathway... and opposing traffic. The cyclist was coming down a hill from behind me with no warning - and way too fast - and like you I was as far over as I could be already.
I can't say I would be calm and collective if an incident occurred. I think I would try and toss their front tire into the Bow River (if it's quick release).
It's very troubling that people are getting away with this behavior. You shouldn't be the one worried about your next encounter. hope I am in the right place at the right time to assist someone when they are in your situation. But I know the odds of witnessing the actual incident and being there to intervene are very unlikely.
Most my route is actually off the pathways now. I will switch back to pathways in Fall and Winter.
WTF is wrong with people?!
Submitted by critninja on
WTF is wrong with people?!
I wouldnt be surprised if the guy realized he was acting like an asshat a few minutes later. I wouldnt worry if I were you, chances are he was so wound up he might not even remember what you look like.
Chin up!
Relatively smooth ride along
Submitted by Chealion on
Relatively smooth ride along the 10th Ave bike lane today - only two parked cars. Had a line jumper at nearly every intersection though (car moves into bike lane/right turn area at light to race ahead). Saw at least 8 police officers on bikes at various locations as well - bike lane end sign even respected between 12th and 13th Street.
Didn't have the legs today,
Submitted by Tyrone on
Didn't have the legs today, took a "European" approach to my commute this morning. I got passed a LOT.
Record number of people on the path today
Submitted by shirose on
I don't recall so many people on the path as there was this morning in a long time! I come from the southeast and from Fort Calgary to Eau Claire and onwards to work, there was always a cyclist or pedestrian in sight. Was it ride a buddy to work day that i was unaware of?
Got passed a little close by a "racer" on the MUP, with another racer and cyclist right behind him, coming towards us.
I, too, took it slow this morning, as i think i pulled a muscle, and am trying to take it easy for a while. Yep, got passed a LOT. But then again, i am used to that, as i am pretty slow anyway.
WAs a nice morning out; warm but not quite as humid as it has been other mornings this week.
Can't wait for the water to recede permanently, so that the underpass at the lower Centre Street bridge can be re-opened. That is an accident waiting to happen.
on the right :)
Submitted by critninja on
Personally, I like getting passed on the pathway.
Usually means I am going slow enough to smell the flowers, take in the sights, and stay sweat free.
Sleeveless X 10
Submitted by gyrospanner on
Warning - major weather comment ahead -
IT HAS BEEN F'N GREAT RIDING FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS!!!!!!! If You didn't Notice!!!!
In the last two weeks, I have ridden sleaveless every morning, unlike last year when I only rode sleeveless in the morning about a total of 3 days!!! No Crap!!!!
Here's to more great weather...
Cheers
Gyro
Worst Weather this Year
Submitted by dailybiker on
I strongly disagree on the weather comments. The past 2 weeks have been the MOST uncomfortable of the year (and yes I am including January). As an example, I was loading a bike on the roof rack last night, and had to stop to wipe the sweat out of my eyes. I had been stopped for a period of time, so the sweat was caused solely by the very minor effort of lifting the bike onto the roof rack and fastening the clamps. This was after our MTB ride to Prairie View and Jewel Pass. At the view point, I could not have been wetter if I had been standing in a shower. Not sure why people like this nasty hot and humid weather.
Perspective is funny
Submitted by RichieRich on
I too was beefing about the heat and relatively high humidity for Calgary whilst out in West Bragg Creek riding some new mountain biking trails. I was riding with some newer riding buddies who've now moved here from Illinois where their "typical" ride is about +35C and 80% humidity, they practically considered this past week "cold" which reminded me how fortunate we are.
Interesting perspective
Submitted by snowandscience on
I think this brings up a really good point of how awesome it is to ride a bike in Calgary in the summer. Growing up in S. Ontario, mid-summer commutes were probably harder rides than the winters in Calgary. The heat is brutal, and you have to be prepared with tons of water for even short commuter rides. I happen to love this kind of heat for getting out and enjoying some time on my MTB, but for commuting it was brutal! Anytime someone says we don't have the climate to be a world class cycling city, remember we don't have to deal with 35 degrees plus humidity on any kind of regular basis (these hot days are "normal" summer in ON/QC). Calgary is an amazing city to ride for anyone from April to October (in warmer places, this isn't the case) and during the winter it's not even that bad most of the time (it's dry and the city does a reasonable job of snow clearing). It's good to remember how fortunate we have it in the summers in AB - long days, warm, but not hot, and relatively rain-free. Climate for cycling in Calgary is about as ideal as any place on Earth.
Windy day today for Stoney trail hill climb...
Submitted by albertabeef on
I was doing repeats of Stoney Tr. hill - I start at Beddington/Symon's Valley, go west/upward, turn around at Sarcee and go back down... then repeat... and the wind was steady at 45 or so, and gusts must have been 60km/h... Made for VERY difficult hill training... Though the wind DID keep me a little cooler... And the downhills at 90km/h are fun...
Overall nice ride for my least-favorite workout...
Stoney Hills...
Submitted by RichieRich on
I used to do my hills from the opposite site; ie from Nosehill Drive side of Stoney up to Country Hills... back when the road was safer instead of all those on/off access roads to Scenic Acres, Crowchild overpasses, etc etc...
Just out of curiosity, approx how far is that route of yours? what does it add to go to Country Hills? How do you find the business of the road traffic either direction... and turning around? That Sarcee Trail/Stoney intersection is a pain in a vehicle never mind bike.
Saw lots of roadies out Bragg Creek way today. A really great hilly ride is from Bragg Creek out to end of Hwy 66 and back. Some big @$$ hill climbs in there. Probably not great on a weekend (unless early) but great for an afterwork 2-3 hour loop.
First I ride in from Airdrie
Submitted by albertabeef on
First I ride in from Airdrie to do the workout ... then the hill itself is 4km of climbing. The route I take when doing hill repeats on this one is 10km altogether, up Stoney westbound to Sarcee, then take the East sidewalk on Sarcee trail back to the turn from Sarcee onto Stoney eastbound... then get off at Beddington/Symons Valley and repeat.
Road traffic on the westbound leg of the route is much more difficult to navigate than eastbound, in my opinion. Lots of exits and entrances to watch for traffic on. Coming back down it's easier as the speed you can reach (at least as a clydesdale) means you are almost keeping up with traffic (90km/h downhill is not uncommon for me) and you're not impeding them as much when traversing lanes, etc. Either direction though you still have to look and move carefully.
... and yeah, I love Hwy 66 riding ... too far for me to ride to from Airdrie though, and I try to avoid spending gas where possible. Sometimes I drive to Calgary and ride from Springbank area to Elbow Falls or Forget-me-Not Ponds though, it's a great ride.
Airdrie area
Submitted by RichieRich on
I might have to try Stoney... early in the morning on a weekend.
Back in the racing days I used to really enjoy riding Big Hill Springs road westbound from Airdrie. It's gotten busier but as long as you're out early enough it's got some great hills - it's arguably the counterpart to south Calgary's "road to Nepal" route. Also the Madden loop is a wonderful ride.
madden +1
Submitted by mikewarren on
Great area to ride! The golf course has cold beers and a nice place to sit...