I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on February 13, 2013 at 7:02am

Not to be confused with the bad sight lines at Kinzie & Canal where the parking lot on the corner has constructed the masonry wall which occludes NB traffic on Canal.

Cameron 7.5 mi said:

My guess would be a right hook. The way the parking comes right up to the intersection there means very low visibility for both motorists and cyclists. Poor visibility coupled with the relatively high speed cyclists get on the downhill there pretty much guarantees right hook conflicts. It's a very dangerously designed intersection.

spencewine said:

I rode this morning. I rode by an accident involving a bicycle and a car at Kinzie & Jefferson today. The bicyclist looked okay, he was holding his arm, not sure exactly what happened, but my guess is a car cut off the bicyclist as I always see cars creeping into the bike lane. Fire engine and cops arrived just as I was approaching the intersection. A couple bicyclist were sitting with him. If you're on chainlink, let us know you're okay.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 13, 2013 at 7:58am

That was quite a monsoon on the 29th. X-c skiing? Color me envious.

David Barish said:

I had not been on the bike since the monsoon ride on the 29th. The ice spots on the streets are pretty much gone. I have been spinning and actually got to xc ski on Saturday so it was an enjoyable return and not a chorus of dissent from various minority muscle groups.

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on February 14, 2013 at 3:07am

Weather was nice. Had headwind all the way in which made for a better workout, not that I was really wanting one . . .

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on February 14, 2013 at 3:10am

Yes, nice, but a bit breezy, ride in today. Unfortunately, it appears the wind will change directions this afternoon and be in my face going home as well...

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Permalink Reply by WillG on February 14, 2013 at 5:11am

It has never occurred to me that this actually happens. When I ride home against the wind after thinking that I had ridden in against the wind, I chalk it up to imagining the morning wind in an effort to excuse my poor effort.

I feel slightly vindicated, thanks.

Skip Montanaro 12mi said:

Yes, nice, but a bit breezy, ride in today. Unfortunately, it appears the wind will change directions this afternoon and be in my face going home as well...

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Permalink Reply by S on February 14, 2013 at 6:08am

It happens, and it doesn't help that the wind only helps you if it coming from within 45 degrees to either side of your rear tire. Anything else and the wind feels like it's against you and requires more effort. So it doesn't take much, if any, of a wind shift to make it seem like you're going against the wind both ways even on an out and back ride.

Will G - 10mi said:

It has never occurred to me that this actually happens. When I ride home against the wind after thinking that I had ridden in against the wind, I chalk it up to imagining the morning wind in an effort to excuse my poor effort.

I feel slightly vindicated, thanks.

Skip Montanaro 12mi said:

Yes, nice, but a bit breezy, ride in today. Unfortunately, it appears the wind will change directions this afternoon and be in my face going home as well...

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on February 14, 2013 at 6:12am

Yup, I always heard/read the same thing. I have always visualized it as the wind needs to be coming from between the 4 and 8 on a clock face. Everything else is perceived as a headwind.

S said:

It happens, and it doesn't help that the wind only helps you if it coming from within 45 degrees to either side of your rear tire. Anything else and the wind feels like it's against you and requires more effort. So it doesn't take much, if any, of a wind shift to make it seem like you're going against the wind both ways even on an out and back ride.

Will G - 10mi said:

It has never occurred to me that this actually happens. When I ride home against the wind after thinking that I had ridden in against the wind, I chalk it up to imagining the morning wind in an effort to excuse my poor effort.

I feel slightly vindicated, thanks.

Skip Montanaro 12mi said:

Yes, nice, but a bit breezy, ride in today. Unfortunately, it appears the wind will change directions this afternoon and be in my face going home as well...

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Permalink Reply by Tricolor on February 14, 2013 at 6:17am

The wind reminds me of the Bill Cosby skit about kids of the older generation having to walk to school. Uphill. Both ways. I used to think it was funny before I started commuting along the lake.

My front tire was losing air as I got in this morning. The tube already has a patch so I think I'll try replacing it before I head home.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on February 14, 2013 at 8:41am

I was thinking the same thing. ;-)

Tricolor said:

The wind reminds me of the Bill Cosby skit about kids of the older generation having to walk to school. Uphill. Both ways. I used to think it was funny before I started commuting along the lake.

My front tire was losing air as I got in this morning. The tube already has a patch so I think I'll try replacing it before I head home.