How was your ride today (Week of Aug 20)?

Submitted by amf673 on

I was shocked and delighted that it was 18o C when I left the house this morning at 8:30.

Car traffic was light, but bike traffic was heavy; great to see.

Forums: 

Beautiful morning

Submitted by DarrenB on

After being out of town on holidays for the past two weeks, it was nice to get home finally and take the bike out for a spin this morning.  Since I don't have to be back to the office until Friday, I did a quick spin out to Cochrane and back home to Tuscany mid-morning.  Perfect weather, light traffic, and Hwy 1A is in great shape for cycling.  Might have to do that a few more times this week (especially to work off the pounds I put on while on holidays)!

Whoops...it's getting dark!

Submitted by seacloud on

Apparently I have a little trouble admitting that we're getting fewer hours of daylight. I rode to my karate workout last night and forgot that at 9:30, it would be almost totally dark. I was quite the ninja riding the pathway back home. I did have one walker mutter something about getting a light, although I felt they could have done their part by not being dressed all in dark clothes and spread 4 wide across the path...oh well. 

Since I still hadn't made time for getting the lights back out by this morning, I made sure to leave a half hour later than I could have, just so that it was sufficiently bright that I could get away without my own light source. Rest assured, I'll be getting the lights out tonight!

In other news, I've put a rack and panniers on my new-to-me-this-summer commuter. This is the first I've ever ridden with paniers instead of a pack. I think I like the experience better, although I do notice the additional windage (or perhaps it's all in my head)! I do notice the difference in bike-balance but find it a pretty comfortable way to go.

Here's hoping the nice riding weather lasts the week.

Thanks for the pannier comments (and light reminder)

Submitted by tlyyc on

I have used a small backpack all summer, but am concerned that I may not be able to transport home the cooler weather gear I'll require for the morning rides in during the next couple of months.  I see there is quite a variety of panniers to pick from in the shops.  Did you need to research a lot before deciding on your pannier purchase, or can a shop technician outfit me and my bike with ones to fit my needs?  Any key points I should keep in mind before purchasing panniers?  Thanks! (and I'll do a quick forum search here on the site for further info/comments) 

front panniers?

Submitted by mikewarren on

Have you tried front-only panniers (instead of rear-only)? I find the handling is way more stable.

As to which ones, there's no contest: get Ortlieb. They're totally waterproof, and I've got a pair that's still going strong since 2001. I like the roll-top ones, especially for the front, and they double as pretty-crappy shoulder bags (but, still better than carrying them). bikebike carries them.

If you care for not-Chinese goods, these are made in Germany unlike nearly everything MEC-branded these days...

also try Arkel panniers

Submitted by Dionysis on

I have had a set of rear ones for a couple of years now and while they are expensive, they are waterproof and easily large enough to accomodate most change of clothes. And they are Canadian, eh.  :-)

 

As to pannier vs backpack, I started with the pack but hated the resulting soaked back and tried som MEC cheapo panniers.  They ended up lasting me several years and I found the ride was much more comfortable.

This weekend, I decided to

Submitted by tron on

This weekend, I decided to take apart my commuter single speed to repaint as its almost 20 years old. Its taking longer than expected, so no bike to ride this morning. So, decided to inline. Definitely a harder workout than I'm used to in the morning

Heh, my buddy

Submitted by mercator on

He and I seem to ride at about the same time of day so we've exchanged quite a few friendly words and waves.  It's great to see him out on the path, he seems like a nice guy.

I did the pack thing for

Submitted by dealforme on

I did the pack thing for about 5 years and then switched to pannies and I'm not going back Wink

I'm using MEC cheapy pannies and have the MEC waterproof covers which does a good enough job for me.  I do sometimes think about not spending for the waterproof ones but how often that it rains that badly in Calgary ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Packed out

Submitted by RichieRich on

I also did the pack thing for over 5years.  Really hot/sweaty for most of the year, but in the colder winter the extra insulation was nice.  Sometimes when I overpacked my back would get a bit sore.  Am now doing the pannier thing and overwhelmingly it's been better.  Doesn't take long to get used to the change in balance.  Amazing how much you can pack with 2 of them.  If concerned about the wet it's easy enough to put everything inside an liner bag.


I actually have a 2nd complete unused set of Panniers, bought in France this spring, that I'll be putting up for sale since I can't justify having 2 sets.  Will set up more details if anyone is interested in buying them?  Probably ask $70 for the pair just to ensure I get rid of them.

Woman in crox on Langevin

Submitted by metropetrolitan on

Woman in crox on Langevin Bridge, was passed slowly by a cyclist, I rang my bell quietly again to indicate passing and she yelled at me that "cyclists have to walk their bike across."  I'm pretty sure the signs say "cyclists yield to pedestrians." Which IMO, means that cyclists should slow down to walk speeds to pass and ring a bell and pass only when it is safe to do so.  When I informed her of this at the crossing she told me to shut up. Ugg, needless to say my morning sucked.

There are another two options available including using the 5 Ave flyover (a bit of a climb up and over), or using the Langevin Bridge road (which is usually at capacity during rush hour).  

There is a lot of conflict on this bridge because pedestrians don't stay on the right hand side, fairly high traffic bridge, and there is little room to maneuver.

I've often wondered if it would be better to simply to put a line on the sidewalk for delineation, or have cyclists on one side of the bridge and pedestrians on the other.  The bridge also frequently has loiterers on it who congregate on the bridge.  Also, not sure if there has ever been light pedestrian bridges that are "hung" off of flyovers (i.e.: 4 Ave).  

Langevin Bridge

Submitted by 2wheeler on

There used to be a sign on the bridge for cyclists to walk across.  Maybe it was taken down as part of the Bow River Pathway renovations?  

I do the same as you and just ride across slowly.  It's the safest way.  Don't sweat it, some people just need to be right.  

I dread crossing that bridge some days

Submitted by rustabout1981 on

Once a jogger actually moved over waved me by... like he had eyes on the back of his head and could see me approaching from behind nice guy!
Some people refuse to move over... it takes absolutely no effort.
As I approach the bridge I look to see how many people are crossing the bridge (and actually judge their appearance/sobriety level, etc...). If I don't like what I see on the bridge I continue on. I have the option to cross later on at Zoo road if the traffic isn't too bad.
I am really looking forward to that new pedestrian bridge they are putting in.

I may be under equipped.

Submitted by tlyyc on

Due to a number of factors this morning, I realized I need some upgrades and need to make some minor changes in my preparation and gear.  As I need my vehicle after work tonight, I thought I’d try the Park and Bike at Home Road and travel from there to downtown.  The ride in was early, in the rain, and on a pathway that I had never used before.  That’s when I realized that my front light is not powerful enough.  Will need to upgrade that. 

Upon arrival to my office downtown, I unpacked my backpack and found that my pack is not water resistant...at all.  Time to take note of other posters comments and put my clothes in a plastic bag and/or purchase those pannier bags I had inquired about earlier this week. 

Other items to look into are better wet weather gloves, a helmet liner or cover, and to find out what reasonable options I have for pants/leggings and footwear.  I may need to review  http://bikecalgary.org/winterriding page, although I don’t really want to have to face that yet. 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed the ride and was not all that uncomfortable, however a few minor changes may make mornings in these conditions even more enjoyable.  

Lonely, I'm so lonely......

Submitted by Julie Gregg on

Besides myself I saw only 3 other riders this morning. The first one was an old lady (just like me) and I didn't see the second one until quite awhile afterward, I was thiking are the old ladies of the world the only ones tough enough to ride in this drizzle! hahaha. So glad we finally got this rain, was getting way too dry. Have a great weekend everyone.

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