Tales from today's commute....

[ianrauk]

That was a vile commute this morning. Dark, very cold, very wet and windy. But.. you just have to get on with it.
Was absolutely minging by the time I got to work. It's looking like it will be the same for the journey home later. Oh Joy.

 

[Arjimlad]

Got a head cold and was in two minds about riding in today. Cold & windy with a risk of ice.

After about 3 miles I was enjoying the ride and was quite warm so decided to do the ten mile route. Had great fun bumbling down the A38 past all the queuing cars. I was really glad I bothered as I arrived at work full of bounce !

 

[Bodhbh]

I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to it, but quite enjoyed it once I got warmed up. A few miles of road closed to thru traffic helped as well.

 

[si_c]

Bit chilly this morning. Thought about wearing the winter jacket, opted for a second pair of socks instead. Right choice, was roasting by the time I got to work, even though the temp was around -5°.

Roads were obviously gritted and salted last night, which is good, but the gutter had a fair amount of ice, and that's where the cycle lane is. In fairness today, didn't have a single bad pass, seems everyone is being more careful today. Except the guy who took out an entire pedestrian island , Police and wrecked car still at the scene, lots of backed up traffic.

 

[palinurus]

Met Office is displaying a possible low of -8 for tomorrow morning, although I've sometimes seen these sort of figures for rural areas around here I've never seen anything like that for central Watford in the forecast before. Unusual. Will report temperature recorded on the thermometer nailed to my fence before I leave tomorrow.

 

[13 rider]

Made it s full 100 yards this morning before I decided it was to icy to contemplate the quick descent coming up so aborted cycle commute and took the car probably would have been ok but to risky for me

 

[Threevok]

Took the single speed today, after yesterday's test ride

Very hard commute though, mainly because of having to traverse all the fallen trees over the cycle route - most of which I had to lift the bike over and climb through.

It's going to be fun in the dark on the return journey

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Made it s full 100 yards this morning before I decided it was to icy to contemplate the quick descent coming up so aborted cycle commute and took the car probably would have been ok but to risky for me

You did the right thing. I've just got back in and the slush is already frozen on some side roads. Chances are out your way it will be icy on the main roads by the time it is going home time.

 

[ianrauk]

It's vile out in SE London at then moment. Freezing cold and sleet. And I'll be cycling home (well to the train station) in it. Testing, very testing.

 

[Arjimlad]

It's vile out in SE London at then moment. Freezing cold and sleet. And I'll be cycling home (well to the train station) in it. Testing, very testing.

Dedication. And I guess there will be far fewer cyclists on the road ! Bon courage ;-)

 

[Ciar]

I bottled it in all honestly, wanted to see how clear the roads were in E/NE London and they were decent, so was thinking of riding tom. but now it seems that the temperature is going to drop and i know sections of the cycle lane will be lethal! having to drive which i hate

 

[AlanW]

Utter nightmare on the back lanes around Worcestershire at 7am, compacted snow and ice. Even with spiked tyres on the MTB it was near enough impossible to ride any more than just a few yards before having the front wheel wash out and nearly taking me down.

 

[chriswoody]

Slip sliding away....

Yep it's that kind of commute, really filthy and a test of bike handling skills.

 

[AlanW]

......and a test of bike handling skills.

Agreed, however its fair to add that the novelty soon wore of very quickly

 

[chriswoody]

Ah sorry I hadn't properly read your post above mine, I was more writing about my commute than replying to you.

However, I do totally agree, the novelty did soon wear off. Just made it back O.K. though.