Last month my kids bikes 136 miles. I'll be curious to see if we keep that up as the weather gets cold. We managed an 8 mile ride when it was 35F and 45 mph winds, so I think we're good until it gets snowy and sloppy :)
Happy riding everybody!
Jordan,
Just a thought, took me a while to figure it out (yea sometimes I am that slow) might be a good idea to limit the amount of numbers past the decimal. Sorry it's my OCD kicking in. It took me some time to realize that it was because of the conversion from kilometers to miles or vice versa.
Thanks, Jordanread! I love looking at my historical miles. Here's to beating the past two Novembers!
Hahah! Awesome, Jordanread! What did you say to them to get them so excited? You can't beat that.
I'm curious, how many of you use a bike GPS, cell phone app, or bike computer to keep track of your miles vs just getting the mileage from Google Maps?
I use a bike computer, given with the bike gifted from my dad.
I use a Run Keeper app and it works without having internet on the go. I have the $10/month Republic plan.
Jordan thanks for your reply and consideration on the numbers change. I appreciate all that you do in putting together this chart for us. I hope I didn't come off as a complainypants. Was more a suggestion than anything else.
I use a Run Keeper app and it works without having internet on the go. I have the $10/month Republic plan.
Am I alone in not having a computer or smartphone on my bike? I just Google-map distances when i'm going places I don't already know the distances between. For others--do you find your "real" logged miles to be more or less than Google maps estimates?You aren't alone. This was brought up in another cycling challenge thread. I haven't ever done it since I've had a smart phone since I've started riding regularly. I've always thought it was interesting to realize that riding on a different side of the street can translate to a full .3 mile difference, even though it's the same route. But do what you feel good with. I like data, so I always track. Also, I totally suck in the morning, even though the effort seems the same. I find it fun.
Am I alone in not having a computer or smartphone on my bike? I just Google-map distances when i'm going places I don't already know the distances between. For others--do you find your "real" logged miles to be more or less than Google maps estimates?
Is the 'Average USD saved' field supposed to be per participant, or just like the general amount of money saved? If the former (which seems like the probable answer, based on what I see in the cells that calculate those values right now...), could I suggest some improvements to the spreadsheet, at least for the monthly stats?
Currently, the 'Average USD Saved' is $101.95 for November.
I've got the second-highest number of miles biked so far this month, and there's no way that ~55 miles biked has saved me anywhere close to $101.95. More like $20, if that (I haven't sold my car/canceled my car insurance yet, heh -- so my savings are only in gas/wear & tear).
So, could we change cell B4 to =COUNTIF(B12:B, ">0.0")? This will count only people who have actually logged miles this month -- 22, as of the time of this writing.
Then, let's change cell B8 to =(B9*F5)/B4? This will calculate average USD saved for only those who have participated, based on the average number of miles each participant has logged.
Those changes bring the average miles/participant down to 34.5 miles per participant, saving each participant an average of $4.63 based on the SUV MPG of 22, as of the time of this writing. Less exciting than $101/person, but seems much more accurate.
Seems like something similar could/should be done for the 'All Time' stats as well.
Am I alone in not having a computer or smartphone on my bike? I just Google-map distances when i'm going places I don't already know the distances between. For others--do you find your "real" logged miles to be more or less than Google maps estimates?
Am I alone in not having a computer or smartphone on my bike? I just Google-map distances when i'm going places I don't already know the distances between. For others--do you find your "real" logged miles to be more or less than Google maps estimates?
No, you're not alone. Since data is the most expensive part of most phone plans in Canada, I don't have data on my phone. That makes it completely useless for anything requiring GPS. Furthermore, the battery on my bike computer died a while ago and I can't be bothered to spend $4 to replace it. Especially since I ride the same route everyday.
4 inches of fresh snow, I did manage to get out yesterday for a test. This riding in the snow thing is going to take some practice! It was slow going, so slow that I didn't want to bike over an hour to work and took the train today instead. Even with delays it was only 45 minutes.
Gotta start looking for a park & ride route where I can practice parts of my commute in the snow, or do I just try and do it all at once one day? Maybe bike in and bus home, then bus in and bike home the next day?
4 inches of fresh snow, I did manage to get out yesterday for a test. This riding in the snow thing is going to take some practice! It was slow going, so slow that I didn't want to bike over an hour to work and took the train today instead. Even with delays it was only 45 minutes.
Gotta start looking for a park & ride route where I can practice parts of my commute in the snow, or do I just try and do it all at once one day? Maybe bike in and bus home, then bus in and bike home the next day?
However, from experience I can attest that falling on ice hurts less than falling on dry pavement. You just slide to a stop with much less bruising and don't get any of that nasty road rash. Go slow though.
It's currently 11F degrees and I'm getting ready to head out. Be safe out there everyone.Damn. Badass!
Well I did it - all the way as suggested. It was a slog on uncleared pathways, and messed up side streets! My normal 35 minute ride was just over 80 today... and at -18C (0ºF for you americans), that was way too long to be out in the cold. I was dressed perfectly for the first 45 minutes or so, but started to get really cold just after my last reasonable stopping point. After that I was in the provincial park and a long walk/ride away from the bus or train stops. This is usually the best part of my ride :(
I am ecstatic that I got to try out the cold/snow/ice techniques on a route that was familiar (and thanks to the time change mostly in daylight too). I am moving to a downtown office next weekend - similar distance commute, and luckily they do more pathway clearing for winter cyclists downtown. I am asking our cycling forums for some recommended routes downtown, but with transit also a better option downtown, I might just put my company subsidized transit pass to use and bike & ride these rough winter days instead. I can stick to biking errands close to home, with my winterized ride.
Wait what? The phone itself should've been okay under those conditions.. must've been the battery :)
- My phone crashed after 20 minutes due to the cold. I might need to move it to a pocket.
Repurposed x-country ski gear is working really well!
Thanks Jordan!Thanks Kmp2.
Your ride sounds pretty badass too!
Were your boots tight with two pairs of socks - I realized halfway through my ride that my thumbs were cold because my thumb loops on my sweater were too tight and cutting off circulation. After I took those off my hands warmed up. I really liked my thick wool sock/winter hiking boot combination, and in colder weather or a longer ride I would add those little chemical heat packs to my boots, although the guys here have some battery operated ones. There are also some specialized clipless cycling winter boots that get really good reviews on our city cycling forum. They are probably pricy though.
I think my long underwear and winter cycling tights (brushed with fleece) was inadequate as well. I was thinking a warm fleece layer and my softshell ski pants would work better if I'm not able to keep up any speed.
My torso & head were perfect. Wool long underwear turtle neck, wool medium weight sweater with hood, softshell jacket, visibility vest, balaclava, and fleece neck warmer to tuck under at lights. Glove liners & ski mitts for my hands.
I just wish I wasn't out so long! Repurposed x-country ski gear is working really well!
Wait what? The phone itself should've been okay under those conditions.. must've been the battery :)
- My phone crashed after 20 minutes due to the cold. I might need to move it to a pocket.
Repurposed x-country ski gear is working really well!
^^ This. Dress like a skier and you'll be a lot more comfortable.
Jordan - What kind of shoes are you wearing? Are they too tight with all those layers stuffed into them?
What fabrics are your tops and long johns made of? Ditch anything made of cotton. It's rotten.
Stick to wicking layers made from synthetic and/or wool. Ditch the windbreaker pants. I've never understood the point of those.
Cotton really does kill as a base layer, but it is fine for subsequent layers in my experience.
DryFit is now cheap and available at every major retailer, and the thrift shops if you can find the right one. One long sleeve shirt and one pair of long johns (buy women's if you can't find mens) should get you through the winter.
Also, when it comes to footwear, I just wore cheap trail running shoes and expensive socks. Silk liners and smart wool typically. I didn't have warm feet, but they did stay on.
Finally, I recommend fancy underwear. Seriously.
Jordan - I think you've got this figured out already. Since you're wearing cycling shoes (which generally fit tighter than regular shoes) the only way to keep your feet warm is to get some of those neoprene booties you linked. I have some and they're the bomb. Stop layering more socks inside those shoes. It'll just cut off circulation to your feet and make you colder. In the meantime, put some plastic bags over top of the shoes and/or sacrifice a pair of wool socks to wear over top of them. Or, skip cycling shoes entirely and wear warm winter boots.
When it snows here (granted I'm in the PNW) I wear my winter boots to ride. This keeps my feet warm while riding and I can still walk in them if I run into a technical issue with the bike.
As far as other clothes, check Costco. I've gotten some decent fleecy athletic tights, wool socks, base layers, etc from there. I keep eyeing their wool base pants/shirts, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I think $100+ for bibs is a rip off. You can get the same effect by tucking your shirt into the top of your pants. Keeps the draft out.
Ride on!
Forgot to subscribe to notifications on this thread. I've been sick and off the bike except for commutes for most of the month, but I got the goblins out for their first ride this month today. 4.2 miles at 25F. Felt great to not use our car!
I switched from RunKeeper to the free version of Strava. I have to say, Strava is a MUCH nicer app. I like it quite a bit.
I'll be honest, I bribe them at first. ... Stars are our reward currency. Each star is $1. They can spend half. The other half goes into their Vanguard account.Hahaha nice.
@johnny- yeah, we hand down as much as possible. Anything I buy for my older two girls has to be neutral so the boy can wear it too.
@jordanread- I wish you the best of luck deciding which is most important, the spending freeze, or maintaining your commuting through the winter. I'd offer my own gear recommendations but don't want to increase the noise level in your decision process :)
By all means, recommend away. Noise doesn't bother me. I'm not a big impulse buyer, so the more knowledge I have, the better.
However, from experience I can attest that falling on ice hurts less than falling on dry pavement. You just slide to a stop with much less bruising and don't get any of that nasty road rash. Go slow though.
Heh would not have expected that. Makes sense though.
First time I noticed this particular thread. I know the month is half over, but all of my riding has been commuting, so it was fairly easy for me to backtrack a bit. My bike was getting to be in desperate need of repair/tuneup (7 year old bike with heavy use, some stuff was wearing out completely), so I wasn't riding it when I didn't have to. Now that it's back in top shape I will be doing a lot more car replacement cycling outside of my commute.Always good to have new riders. Welcome!
Of course I notice the thread the day after I spend the year's bike maintenance budget (new cassette, new shifter cable, new chain, new front derailleur, some other bits & bobs).
So my cycling has suffered a bit while I waited for it to get into the double digits when I left. Looks to be a cold winter. I decided to go ahead and get a better base layer, and the booties I posted about earlier. Straight numbers showing that I"ll have to bike for about 4 months for it to pay for itself. However, I seem to drink a lot less when I bike, and once I've ridden at some point during the day, I hate the idea of getting into my car. So with miscellaneous and secondary savings, I decided to pull the trigger, and forego the spending freeze. However, I've done so well on the freeze, that my credit card was supposed to have been replaced, and it didn't work. Which means another 6 days to get a new card and activate it. The fact that the only card I use for purchases (due to the rewards) was disabled for almost a month, and I didn't notice, really made me feel good about sticking to it. More cycling soon!!Hahaha Mustachian people problems!
So my cycling has suffered a bit while I waited for it to get into the double digits when I left. Looks to be a cold winter. I decided to go ahead and get a better base layer, and the booties I posted about earlier. Straight numbers showing that I"ll have to bike for about 4 months for it to pay for itself. However, I seem to drink a lot less when I bike, and once I've ridden at some point during the day, I hate the idea of getting into my car. So with miscellaneous and secondary savings, I decided to pull the trigger, and forego the spending freeze. However, I've done so well on the freeze, that my credit card was supposed to have been replaced, and it didn't work. Which means another 6 days to get a new card and activate it. The fact that the only card I use for purchases (due to the rewards) was disabled for almost a month, and I didn't notice, really made me feel good about sticking to it. More cycling soon!!Hahaha Mustachian people problems!
I just got the most perfect Mustachian problem...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XzkJBO6AUC0/U_KEHKkOE7I/AAAAAAAALR4/QCxao-p7USo/w1597-h899-no/IMG_20140818_165344995.jpg)
Online bill-pay for the win!!
Edited to add: I'm pretty sure that's my savings account card.
I wish it was the first time (from an earlier post in Mustachian People Problems):This is kind of a silly suggestion, but you could set up a recurring $1 monthly transaction of loading an Amex Serve with a debit card (free to do). Then, either withdraw it back to a bank account or pay a credit card with it. Of course, this is nowhere near worth the hassle if you don't already have a Serve.
I wish it was the first time (from an earlier post in Mustachian People Problems):This is kind of a silly suggestion, but you could set up a recurring $1 monthly transaction of loading an Amex Serve with a debit card (free to do). Then, either withdraw it back to a bank account or pay a credit card with it. Of course, this is nowhere near worth the hassle if you don't already have a Serve.
Incidentally, this is my plan to meet the 10-12 debit transactions a month for a rewards checking account when i finally get off my butt and open one (you can make daily recurring transactions also).
So I replaced my tires. While inflating the front tire the tube popped. I figured user error and replaced it with a used tube. Went down this morning to get ready for my ride only to find the back tube had also popped. Ugh no riding this week don't have time to change it. I bought Duro brand tires that came with duro tubes. 50 psi in each tire.
Did I do something wrong? The used tube is still fine.
Will fix it this weekend and hopefully catch up on some miles.
Damn. Split that big sounds like a manufacturing defect. Split on the seam?
So I noticed something about when I do certain calculations. I don't remember where I had initially heard it (4 hour work week/World is Flat/Something), but it's the concept of your real hourly wage (http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Your-Real-Hourly-Wage). I know it's kind of a common knowledge thing around these parts, but I realized I do something on the occasion that I calculate this metric. If I ride in, I don't count the time it takes, or bike maintenance, or anything else. If I drive in, I throw everything in there, including the time, gas, maintenance, etc. I think that it's because when I hop in the car, I consider work to start. When I hop on the bike, I have this awesome ride to do before I start working.I am within walking distance of my lab, so I don't ever drive to work. Heck, my car is permanently parked at my lab. So I can't speak from experience, but I think it's probably valid - biking is enjoyable for you, and driving is not. Although it is still time taken away from being with family and/or friends.
Do you guys feel the same? Does anyone else do this with their calculations?
I'll just leave this right here:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/P6QVz4iOWu_kjTZvI1tNNB6Jh1P7sZ_i5fYCOaySBt5uvQfiyCCjbYPMBOpWI22DR25vX2dvCmjQkicetzNYx9PuOw=w426-h353)
Sounds like a least a portion of you guys use Strava. I started a MMM Strava Club here: http://www.strava.com/clubs/Mrmm
It may be easier to track mileage this way. I emailed this idea to MMM a while back, but didn't get a response. I figured that I would start it up myself and pass it off to someone associated with the blog if it took off. Anyways it may be easier than google docs for tracking.
Yeah my old verizon phone couldn't even last for a 3 hour ride. The gps would eat through the battery pretty quick. However, my Moto G through Republic Wireless is great. I commute ~17 miles each way to work and typically use Strava just to keep track of everything. It usually takes me between 50 minutes and 1 hour depending on the wind. It probably only uses about 10 - 15% battery.
I live in Broomfield and work in Boulder. My commute is fairly flat ~650 ft elevation gain each way. Its undulating hills mostly. I ride a Moots Vamoots road bike. The bike isn't particularity mustachian but it was an engagement gift from my wife. My prior bike was a 10 year old trek road bike. I've gotten in about 2,600 commuting miles this year since April. I was riding 4 - 5 days a week (35 each way) until the cold weather this month and the time change. The darkness on my way home has made me a little hesitant to continue. I can tolerate the cold but 17 miles is a long way to go in the dark during rush hour.
I added myself to the challenge this month, but I've only ridden a handful of days. I put in around 600 miles in October.
By all means, recommend away. Noise doesn't bother me. I'm not a big impulse buyer, so the more knowledge I have, the better.
For Canadians, MEC seems to be a favorite source, but for us in the States, I really like Sierra Trading Post's e-mail sales but will occasionally buy stuff from REI.
Head: cheap neoprene balaclava + taping over the vent holes of your helmet with packing tape
Torso: base layer is a thin synthetic long-sleeve shirt. Most of mine are Kenyon Polarskins because they were dirt cheap on STP. Mid layer is my spring pullover fleece jacket, which works for most winter temps below freezing but not super cold. Outer layer is a Marmot PreCip (GoreTex-like material) jacket.
Hands: I have some Dakine ski/snowboard gloves. They're pretty warm but I might need to add a thin liner layer for the really cold days, or days when I'm out for long periods.
Legs: synthetic base layer - same brands as above. Outer layer is usually cotton sweats unless it's either very cold or wet, in which case I have Marmot PreCip pants.
Feet: I know you like your powered upstroke, but I like the grip of traction-pin pedals combined with NOT having my feet hooked in when conditions are shit. Above freezing I wear my standard sneakers with wool socks, but below freezing I have ridiculously warm hunting boots, which also work great as winter hiking footwear. I could do without the camo aesthetic, but they're well built (Red Wings) and have 1000g Thinsulate insulation, which is rated to -40F. If you're taking really long rides in the winter, no matter what the boot, you might need to dismount occasionally to walk. (I definitely needed to do this last winter.) The motion helps stimulate blood flow in your toes. I also curl my toes every couple minutes when actively pedaling to do the same thing.
Keeping your LEGS warm does help keep your FEET warmer, so consider adding leg layers unless you're getting sweaty legs.
Avoid cotton like the plague, even for mid and outer layers.
By all means, recommend away. Noise doesn't bother me. I'm not a big impulse buyer, so the more knowledge I have, the better.
For Canadians, MEC seems to be a favorite source, but for us in the States, I really like Sierra Trading Post's e-mail sales but will occasionally buy stuff from REI.
Head: cheap neoprene balaclava + taping over the vent holes of your helmet with packing tape
Torso: base layer is a thin synthetic long-sleeve shirt. Most of mine are Kenyon Polarskins because they were dirt cheap on STP. Mid layer is my spring pullover fleece jacket, which works for most winter temps below freezing but not super cold. Outer layer is a Marmot PreCip (GoreTex-like material) jacket.
Hands: I have some Dakine ski/snowboard gloves. They're pretty warm but I might need to add a thin liner layer for the really cold days, or days when I'm out for long periods.
Legs: synthetic base layer - same brands as above. Outer layer is usually cotton sweats unless it's either very cold or wet, in which case I have Marmot PreCip pants.
Feet: I know you like your powered upstroke, but I like the grip of traction-pin pedals combined with NOT having my feet hooked in when conditions are shit. Above freezing I wear my standard sneakers with wool socks, but below freezing I have ridiculously warm hunting boots, which also work great as winter hiking footwear. I could do without the camo aesthetic, but they're well built (Red Wings) and have 1000g Thinsulate insulation, which is rated to -40F. If you're taking really long rides in the winter, no matter what the boot, you might need to dismount occasionally to walk. (I definitely needed to do this last winter.) The motion helps stimulate blood flow in your toes. I also curl my toes every couple minutes when actively pedaling to do the same thing.
Keeping your LEGS warm does help keep your FEET warmer, so consider adding leg layers unless you're getting sweaty legs.
Avoid cotton like the plague, even for mid and outer layers.
Here are my thoughts on winter cycling attire.
Torso: I wear this base layer (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1003842_-1_400068__400068) with a normal cycling jersey. If its below 30 degrees I add this: http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/accelerant-jacket/38832119/_/A-ebSku_0880446707000080__38832119_catalog10002_en__US?showProducts=111&backToCat=&previousPage=SRC&tab=&color=283
The accelerant jacket has a little bit of down and helps with the wind. It is also form fitting so it doesn't create a lot of drag. It also has thumb loops, which is nice to prevent the sleeves from creeping up. EB stuff goes on sale all the time, so you can probably get a good deal on this jacket if you are diligence.
Arms: I use pearl izumi arm warmers that have a little bit of a fleece lining. I like using arm warmers with short sleeved jerseys because it gives me the option to shed layers without getting off my bike if I get too hot.
Legs: Pearl izumi thermal tights without chamois. I put on regular cycling tights over these.
Hands: I got these gloves (http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Softshell-Lobster-Glove/dp/B004N62HMQ) and they are pretty awesome. Probably too warm unless is under 40 degrees. I had thinner gloves before but the wind just shot right through them.
Feet: thin wool socks. You can get some cycling specific ones pretty cheap. I also use these shoe covers: http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Elite-Barrier-X-Large/dp/B004N62JH4/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1416951701&sr=1-2&keywords=cycling+shoe+covers
The shoe covers make a huge difference. These would be overkill IMHO unless is was below 30.
Head: A thin neoprene skull cap. The one I have I think is intended for runners. Helmet.
I'm a newbie to the forum and want to get involved. I tried the form and it didn't seem to add me. Any advice or do I need to wait til Dec?
I've been 100% bike commuting in Chicago now for a month and I'm loving it. 13.5 miles each way. Lowest temp I've seen is 6F so far with -10F wind chill. Very fun project getting the gear dialed in and getting out and suffering like a pig each day :)
JP
I've been 100% bike commuting in Chicago now for a month and I'm loving it. 13.5 miles each way.
JP
I've been 100% bike commuting in Chicago now for a month and I'm loving it. 13.5 miles each way.
JP
That's quite the ride to tackle every day. Good on you!
Thanks for the comments. I have the same tires and am eager to try them. Thanks also for the add. I've updated my miles and joined the strava crew! Stoked to keep this rolling.Dude your mileage is awesome! It normally takes me two months to put that many miles on my bike. And in much colder conditions than me (Georgia).