Bike Mileage Competition & Today's Ride

[SVOboy]

Well, we all know about the Top Ten for cars and the daily commute thread, and I figured it'd be nice to have a place here for that kinda talk. I notice more and more people adding their bike miles to their sigs, and I figure it'd be cool if we had a place to just post periodic updates and get ranked against each.

Hopefully it'll help push us to be the best bikers! Chit chat is fun too.

My total so far: 58.3

GS Biggest Bikers

1. ajohnmeyer: 1833.8
2. Mike T: 1218 miles
3. Lug_Nut: 848.6 miles
4. MetroMPG: 474.1 miles
5. trebuchet03: 170.7 miles
6. 1993CivicVX: 147.3 miles
7. kickflipjr: 64 miles
8. SVOboy: 58.3 miles

Okay everyone, post up and I'll keep the totals going when you update.

:D

[trebuchet03]

I think I'm at 170? It's in my signature :p That's since school started for me... Unless you want me to go retroactive and look at my computer's total odometer :p

I saw that you put cycling miles in your sig... and thought it was a great idea :D

That number doesn't include miles on the crazy things I prototype :p


----
What really pushes me is that I didn't buy a parking decal for school :p So driving would cost me $5/day to park... Not an enticing option :p I also do most grocery shopping by bike...

[SVOboy]

Well, starting with whatever we've presently got on our calculations. I spose we'll restart with the new year or something, but just to get it started, na.

[skewbe]

I dropped $16 whole bucks on this so I could play along on my curbcycle 3 speed :) I don't expect to rack up the miles though, just a little on weekends and occasional evenings.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220150676534

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Can I count the thousands of miles I rode commuting to work and school before I moved to BFE? :p

[1993CivicVX]

During the summer when commutes to work were short and I didn't have a car, I biked about a total of 140 miles. Maybe more. Since I've been commuting to school 27 miles each way and been getting 60+ mpg, I've had less incentive to bike! But I think about it all the time. Sad thing is... I do bike rides every Tuesday that are 35-40 miles. But they are not to substitute transportation! Just for fun and fitness. Because if you ride that distance to school, you then have to cool down, recover, stretch, shower and change. Also, those are group rides--very different than riding solo.

[MetroMPG]

763 km since I got the Pirate Bike at the end of May. Not counting the trips where I forgot to put the bike computer on.

skewbe: I got the same computer from H.K.! But not the bonus lights.

Edit: this is all "transportation" riding, not counting recreational mountain biking on my better bike.

[1993CivicVX]

tack on another 7.3 miles for me. :D 147.3 miles.

[MetroMPG]

I'm up to 851 km. Hoping to break 1000 km before the snow flies. Not bad for a free bike. Hard to beat that cost per mile!

[MetroMPG]

I think if Snax was around, he'd be kicking butt. Wasn't he commuting to work by bike?

[SVOboy]

I'm pretty sure he is. I'm just waiting for people like him and kickflip to post in here. I'll be more buggersome once the new year hits though.

My day's ride: Went to vermont with some girl to scout out routes for my friend an I to bike down to MA some weekend, and all was well until her tire went flat and she didn't have a schrader valve so we couldn't pump it up and had to have some nice vermonters take us home in their van. The ride was really nice and I hit 36.6 mph on a downhill before I hit the brakes to let her catch up. I'll go for pegging 40 next time...

Anyone know how to get my rear rim really straight? It's always got the tiniest amount of wobble...

[MetroMPG]

http://www.ehow.com/how_14170_true-bike-wheel.html

You don't need the special tools/stand. If you understand the concept, you can do it on the bike and use the brake pads as the reference.

[SVOboy]

Thanks meng. Seems like I have some reading to do!

[omgwtfbyobbq]

I'm up to 851 km. Hoping to break 1000 km before the snow flies. Not bad for a free bike. Hard to beat that cost per mile!Food=$$/mile compared to an electric bicycle and $/kWh. Especially if ya got free batteries. ;)

[trebuchet03]

Food=$$/mile compared to an electric bicycle and $/kWh. Especially if ya got free batteries. ;)

Meh... Food is cheap :p Plus, you need to eat anyway :thumbup: :thumbup: Just think about all the savings you'll have on medical expenses - assuming you don't crash and no-one merges into you o.0 Oh, and awesome calves :D

-------
Interestingly, Humans are only slightly more efficient than IC engines :p Well, fit humans are at least (no more than 25% efficient).

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Not as cheap as electricity, especially since something that uses as little energy as bike can be had from small scale solar or wind generation. I mean, biking for about 5 miles/day is where the most benefit is seen for health IIRC. After that, we just incur the heavy fossil fuel penalty associated with most food production.

P.s. We only need to burn it off if we over eat and over the thousands of miles I've ridden my calves have stayed the same mas o menos. :p

[SVOboy]

So I will need to adjust the spokes to fix the slight wobble in my rim? Is it possible the problem arises from it being a brand new rim? I was wondering if I just have it clamped down a little bit crooked.

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Just make sure it's seated right in the drop outs and then tension the spokes till it's true.

[trebuchet03]

Not as cheap as electricity...

Perhaps... But, if we exercise to stay healthy AND ride our EV to get where we need.... Something tells me we'll be eating the same and paying for electricity ;) Unless of course someone wants to show that it's better for one to not exercise and ride an EV....

over the thousands of miles I've ridden my calves have stayed the same mas o menos.

Bugger

[Gary Palmer]

Anyone know how to get my rear rim really straight? It's always got the tiniest amount of wobble...[/QUOTE]

When you do the adjustment, don't try to make it all at one time and do it in segments, sort of like 1/3 of the spokes at a time. They all interact with each other and it's really easy to try to tweak something and over compensate.

You can use a couple of clothes line pins and playing cards to put a temporary reference next to the rim, to use for the alignment. I found I had difficulty when it got fairly fine, using just the brake pads. Good Luck

[2TonJellyBean]

I can drive 400 kms in about 4 to 6 hours without eating. I'll use $40 in gas and I'll have 4 out of 5 seats covered.

I can cycle 400 kms in 18 to 24 hours but I'm pretty sure that it usually costs about $50 to 80 in food. It also means that about 10 - 20% of a $90 cassette and $80 chain get used up along with 10% of a $50 front tire, and 20% of a $50 rear tire.

And I used to think motorcycling was expensive... hehe

[trebuchet03]

I have yet to replace my chain on the 3000+ miles I've logged on my bike :p Who knows how many miles I did before getting a cyclocomputer and how many miles the bike had before I bought it at a garage sale :p I still have the original cassette - no need to replace any time soon :p My expenses on my bike since it was purchased have been roughly $100 including the $35 to buy. I've spent more on oil changes for my car since I bought that bike :p

Equipment costs can be expensive - if you're going for a high performance bike :p But it doesn't have to be that way (hell, I'm riding on a lugged steel frame :p).

The better comparison would be to compare a scenario when you're likely to be substituting saddle time... How much will it cost you in fuel to do four 3 mile trips (all starting with a cold engine) daily for a week.

It's not like these expenses go away if you converted your bike to a lightweight EV :p

[2TonJellyBean]

Yes, mid-range Campy and a heavy rolleur rider, with a bag, lights etc. The total weight affects the life of the drivetrain items, especially from the affects of climbing.

Short rides, no contest! :D

You should use a chain measurement device if you don't already do. Ride too long on your chain and it'll mess up the chainwheels on crank (I did, ouch$). I've always coveted the Rohloff hub with a real chain - 14 speeds, all with the same ratio change and a straight chainline.

[kickflipjr]

I am at 1,600mi for the year, but I haven't been keeping track of direct car replacement trips.

I figured 64mi displaced off the top of my head (its hard for me to think much futher back then August / July). Of course I bike when I am bored (so I ride my bike for fun as apposed to driving my car around for fun).

[SVOboy]

I wonder if we should run the thread just by total mileage or displaced? I feel like total miles is easier, even though it's certainly measuring different things?

What do you think?

[kickflipjr]

I like miles displaced better. There are plenty of people who just use bikes for recreation and end up putting a bunch of extra miles on there cars to get them to the bike trail/group ride/event/ etc.

I lurk on www.bikeforums.net a lot there is plenty of good information on that forum. I recommend the following subforums (but remember to post your bike threads here on gassavers :)):

commuting (http://bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=20)

living car free (http://bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=226)

utility cycling (http://bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=261)

[SVOboy]

Okee, that's a good idea, and we'll stick by that. What was your displaced total?

[2TonJellyBean]

negative displacement = driving to cycling events

My score's very bad in that regard...

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Unless of course someone wants to show that it's better for one to not exercise and ride an EV....That's why ya build a hybrid meng. :p A gear set, even one that's as widely spaced as needed on an heavy EV bike or velo, is a trivial addition and allows the rider to input however much they want during the ride.
BuggerAin't no deal. Probably maxed out from fall/winterguard. My thighs otoh... :D

[Lug_Nut]

I'm at 684.9 miles, add another 10.12 for the trip back home tonight. All commuting displacement.
I've tried to not eat the difference. Instead I'm withdrawing from the fat accumulated when I drove everywhere. Belt is two notches too long now. Pants are baggier front and rear, but tighter in the thighs and calves.
Just spent another $180, this time for a light (nice bright LED unit that works on pitch black, dark country roads up to 30 mph before I outrun my reaction time) and a pair of half-tights that will hold me until sub freezing weather arrives for my 05:30 departures from home. Next: some full finger gloves.

[SVOboy]

Nice! If only I had a commute anymore I would be getting some more miles...

[Lug_Nut]

Considering my prior commute was 62 miles one way.....
Actually my current commute is a bit shorter since I began cycling in to work. I've moved cubicles and now use a closer entrance (but three flights of stairs) so I've knocked about .1 mile/day off. The climb up the stairs with the bike on my shoulder adds to the muscle effort and workout.
Hey! It's 17:00! Time to change out of street clothes and into lycra. Later.

[Mike T]

I've done 1961 km (1218 miles) of bicycle commuting this year. The wet season is here, so that'll likely be it. I was hoping to nudge 3000 km but the weather this spring and summer was crap.

[MetroMPG]

1961 km is something!

I've gone just over 910 km as of today, but my bike computer just froze up this afternoon. Not sure if it's the battery, or what. I reset it, and it seems to be working again, but we'll see. I had noticed an "ERR" reading on the trip ODO function for the last couple of weeks, while the main ODO kept working normally.

A bike computer is a great motivator - seeing the distance tick by is encouraging feedback. Just like a SG, it turns the otherwise routine into a bit of a game.

[Mike T]

Last year I did 2600 km, so that gives you an idea of how crappy the weather was this year. I will definitely aim for >2500 next year. And maybe I'll go for a spin of 39 km later this year, just to get over 2000. The last 39 would not be on the commute though. That is a 53 km round trip.

[ajohnmeyer]

So I just looked and I've got 1833.8 miles on the bike so far this year.

[MetroMPG]

Commuting or recreational?

Big day for me: I just rolled past 1000 km! (Metric is awesome for getting to those motivational targets quicker.)

Riding is dropping off somewhat though, with summer fading away. No more riding to the marina to crew 2x a week in sailing races... stuff like that.

[ajohnmeyer]

that's all commuting, or running errands or similar trips. I just plugged my 1800 numbers into google and converted to km, and wow, that is quite the motivational boost. Although, I have a bike computer that has a pesky little arrow that is an even better motivator. The arrow points up if you're traveling faster than your average speed and down if you're currently going slower than average.
On the first week that I got the new computer I about killed myself trying to keep besting my average. It's not that easy to do on a 25 lbs.+ touring bike. :eek:

[MetroMPG]

Okay everyone, post up and I'll keep the totals going when you update.

:D

Come on, slacker! ;)

[SVOboy]

I was waiting on you commuting question, punk.

[Lug_Nut]

I bought some full finger gloves and a balaclava to ward off the chill. It was sub-freezing this AM. When it gets much colder I will be riding less.
I couldn't have taken the car this morning anyway, even if I wanted to. B100 gel/cold filter plugging starting about freezing temperature. I'll have to get some diesel or kero to dilute (pollute) the fuel still in the car's tank this weekend for driving to be possible in the early AM hours.
Bicycle commute (displacement) miles are now at 848.6, good enough to remain in 3rd in the standings here. Hoping (expecting, striving) to reach 1000 miles during the few months I've actually ridden this calendar year. That's only another seven days of commute so it should be possible.

[SVOboy]

If only I had a reason to go anywhere I'd be up there with you guys, :)

Keep up the good work.

[kickflipjr]

So I had of total of 122 miles during October. Bringing my yearly total up to 1722 miles (give or take a few dozen). Sadly none of my rides this month seemed to directly replace car trips.

Anyways, this weekend (and last) I met up with some people in pittsburgh and rode some incredibly steep hills. This is all in preparation for a crazy hill climbing race called "the dirty dozen".

Oh Metro, one of the guys I was riding with last week was on a recumbent he said the he actually popped a wheely on the 'bent because the hill was so steep.

photos of the 2005 race:
http://hypersurface.net/dpetrou/bicycling/dd2005/

thread about the rides on bike pittsburgh:

http://bike-pgh.org/xdforum/viewthread/Ride_Board_/8/7/620/(120)

[MetroMPG]

Neat story. I still really want to have a bent. The fool who lent me the BikeE last fall sold it to someone else without even asking me first if I wanted it! 300 bucks. I would have bought it in a heartbeat.

---

Just passed 1,100 km today. Bike usage is still tapering off due to the impending season whose name will not be spoken.

[Silveredwings]

Bike usage is still tapering off due to the impending season whose name will not be spoken.

Voldemort?

[SVOboy]

Voldemort?
Republicans for Voldemort! I just got back from a nice 20 mile ride to check out the new bike. It was great, still very happy. Toes got a little frostnipped in the 4*C weather though.

[krousdb]

Republicans for Voldemort!

[kickflipjr]

todays ride: 34.5 miles / 3125ft of climb (my legs are very tired)

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/84241

[SVOboy]

Looks like a nice route. Does that site do the elevation as well?

[kickflipjr]

yeah click "show>elevation Profile" in the upper left corner.

It was a fun ride. I really enjoyed going through all the different communities that I would never really waste my time to visit. Plus I would get some cool views on top of the hills like this:

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&channel=s&q=&ll=40.433172,-80.00661&spn=0.002952,0.008883&z=18&om=1&layer=c&cbll=40.431685,-80.006853&cbp=2,405.14513289002167,,0,-3.583286102384403

[SVOboy]

That's a pretty neat site, and looks like a good ride, I'll have to mess around and figure out some of my rides/proposed rides on there...:)

[Lug_Nut]

I passed the 1000 mile mark yesterday evening. 1001.4 on the odometer since I resumed riding. I've a few more weeks to possibly get 1200 before the end of the year.
The DeRosa has been retired from the winter commute grind (literal grind). Last Tuesday's evening ride in the melting snow/slush/sand/salt comglomeration built up a thick coating on valuable 30 year old Italian steel and alloy, so much so that I brought the custom Ibis Mountain Trials out of hibernation for road duty.
It's heavy, slow, more upright, and much noisier with the fat knobbies, but it is sufficing to get me back and forth.

[kickflipjr]

So I survived the ride up the 13 steepest streets. It was fun and very tiring. 130 people showed up (a record #) so it was kind of like critical mass with races up hills. You can see some pictures at

www.randomprecisionphoto.com

http://randomprecisionphoto.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/ddcanton3.jpg
http://randomprecisionphoto.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/ddhighst.jpg
http://randomprecisionphoto.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/ddgroup.jpg

[trebuchet03]

^^ Totally awesome - I'd probably just die :)

[striegel]

It's a bit late in the season, but I've been preparing for this for the last month. Yesterday I biked 10.1 miles each way to my office and back instead of driving for a total of 20.2 miles. The weather was wintry and streets were wet with melting snow but it was an enjoyable ride.

My wife does not like the idea of me riding in the dark during slippery conditions. Not so much because I'll do something stupid as much as the cars and trucks around me. She worries about me. I've tried to reassure her by showing off how many lights the bike has (three rear blinkies, three headlights) and all the reflective materials (Front and rear on bike, stripes on pannier, stripes on jacket, backs of shoes) but she'll still worry. It's what she does best. (To be fair, I did just recently have an accident with my bike, sliding on black ice that resulted in a concussion.)

My total miles biked in 2007 amount to 1,522 so far but everything else has been recreation/fitness rides. Only this last 20.2 miles really counts, right?

[Lug_Nut]

For this thread, the bicycle miles that replace what would otherwise have been private vehicle miles, are counted.
For us the 20 matter. To you, the 1500+ are rightfully more important.

[Lug_Nut]

And I think I might be done with displacement bicycle miles for this calendar year. There's too much snow and ice on the side of the roads for me to feel safe in weaving into the vehicle lane to get around it.
I can hope for a big thaw in the next two weeks, but I'm recognizing that 1062.8 miles might be it for me.

[striegel]

And I think I might be done with displacement bicycle miles for this calendar year. There's too much snow and ice on the side of the roads for me to feel safe in weaving into the vehicle lane to get around it.
I can hope for a big thaw in the next two weeks, but I'm recognizing that 1062.8 miles might be it for me.

Well, I put on a pair of studded snow tires (http://www.striegels.com/alan/photo/Bike/Schwalbe%20Marathon%20Winter%20sidewall%20marking% 20direction%20of%20rotation.JPG) and I'm making the best of the cold weather. So far, I've commuted to work three days and made a couple of shopping rides too for a total of over 71 miles. It's a start and I'm having a great time.

At this time of year, when my fuel efficiency drops off so badly, I feel even better about the car miles I'm displacing.

[skewbe]

I'd like to checkpoint at 130, hoping for a thaw for the break.

[Lug_Nut]

The side of the roads on which I commute is clear enough that I decided to get back out. More slop falling from the sky tomorrow, but I did ride in to work today (20F this pre-dawn, but expected to be closer to 40F for the ride home).

[Project84]

I'm about to purchase my bike and start riding to/from work at 16 miles round trip... which is the best bang for the buck in bicycle speedometer/odometers???


Thanks!

[striegel]

Since I've only ever used two different cyclometers, I don't know how much my opinion is worth but here it is anyway.

Both of my bike computers are Cateye models with wired cadence pickups. The older model is the Astrale (no longer offered) and the newer one is the Strada, supposed to have replaced the Astrale. I actually preferred the Astrale since I care more about my cadence than my speed and I could make the larger display digits show either figure. The Strada uses the larger digits only for speed.

Both models can be easily removed from the handlebar mount clips and snapped back in. My one caution about these is that the contacts in the clip sometimes don't conduct unless you fiddle with the head some. It's annoying to have to do that partway through a ride when you notice that it's stopped showing your speed or picking up your pedal cadence.

[Project84]

I found a bunch for prices between $15-$80 what should I expect to pay for a decent one as a beginner who plans to ride 100 miles per week?

I found a whole list at nashbar.com. Overwhelming to say the least!

Thanks for the response.

EDIT: What about this one ---> Ascent 4 Line Wireless Cycle Computer (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600082&subcategory=60001035&brand=&sku=12195&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Cyclocomputers) <----- it's a link, click it!

I think wireless is important to me, just to keep it more simple. Ground shipping is only $6 on that one too.

Opinions?

[Lug_Nut]

Get the cheap one. You'll go as fast as with the $80 one, but the $/mile cost will always be 80% lower. If (when) you stick with pedaling and find what you like or don't about the cheapo, then you can more consciously select a model with the features you want, and you're only out $15, not $80.
I had a Cateye Solar that I loved, but it succumbed in an off-road endo. I'm now using a Cateye Micro that so far has pleased me. I started with it on my Tour de Sol automobile entry in 2005, moved it to my (bio)diesel powered lawn tractor for a while. I got 2.3 mpg, (or 48,500 sq.ft.) while cutting grass. Only this year have used it as intended on my bicycles. I have two mounts, so I just swap the unit and select the second wheel size program. Still on the same battery since 2005, too.

End of calendar year Update: 1106.4 miles displaced by bicycle.

[landspeed]

How difficult would it be to add a bicycle mileage log somewhere on the site? It would be interesting to see how the mileage changes over time etc.

Also, it would be cool if you could 'link' your bicycle to your car, so you can work out an 'effective' miles per gallon, between the two items (so you can see the effect that cycling actually has on your economy). I guess this would have to be based on the last 90-days like the MPG calculations are to keep the calculations simple.

Anyway; I hope to get my bike going soon. I might see if I can get a cycle computer today!

[striegel]

I just tallied my rides over the last month and arrived at a total of 167 miles by bicycle in December. This was all commuting and grocery store runs. Who knows where it can go in 2008!

[kickflipjr]

So I had a total 1860 miles in 2007. Not too bad considering I rarely bike in the winter.

[Project84]

With my work being nearly 8 miles away, I'm thinking I'll average close to 80 miles per week. If I can bike say 15 days a month (save the rest of the days for oversleeping, eating a big breakfast and taking my time, bad weather) I think by Sep/Oct when it's time to put the bike away I'll have totalled about 1500 miles!!!

Amazing... that'll be half of one oil change and at $3/gal for fuel, I'll be saving roughly $175. So, roughly $200 saved, wear and tear minimized, health improved, and a big smile on my face for not getting any more traffic violations from Johnny Law in my morning road rage commutes to work.

After one season of riding, the bike and gear will all have paid for itself in money saved.

I'm really looking forward to this!

[Lug_Nut]

My pedal commute has cost me money. It'll be difficult to amortize it on a purely financial basis.

New clipless pedals (two pair), one pair of clipless shoes,
Six new tires , 2 700c tubular, 2 700x28 clincher, 1 2.35x24, 1 2.25x26,
Rechargeable LED headlamp, LED tail lamp,
Over booties, two pair of gloves, balaclava, helmet, helmet mirror,
Three pair of shorts, three shirts, three pair of socks,
Shampoo and soap at work,
Added laundry (shorts, shirt, socks daily, towel weekly),
Added water and heating (a second quick rinse shower before starting work, occasionally another when back at home at the end of the day).

Considering my car averages 45 mpg on the 10 mile commute (.44 gal/day at 3.499 gal) I save $1.55 in fuel.
I increase commute time from 40 min/day (driving) to 80 min/day (road bike) or to 100 min/day (mountain bike).
Only if I were earning $4.65 (or $1.55) /hr am I actually 'making' money by spending time to save fuel cost.

But that's not why I ride.

[Project84]

Very interesting. I never added in all the variables like water used, tires used clothes purcased.

I think though, a set of tires would last 1500 miles. I rode my BMX as a kid for the better part of 4 years solid, every single day. I commuted 5-6 miles daily, sometimes more, sometimes less. Went through 5 or 6 inner tubes, but never needed new tires.

[Lug_Nut]

Next year (this year) will be lower cost.
Most of the equipment and clothing replaces 20+ year old stuff with newer, better performing replacements. Lycra/poly replacing wool, LiIon / LED replacing dry cell / incandescent, kevlar replacing cotton, expanded polystyrene and polycarbonate helmet replacing vinyl and foam 'hairnet', and so on.
If I get 20 years out of this new gear it will be a worthwhile expense.
Last week saw perfect cycle commuting weather in the North East:thumbup: , but I had come down with a nasty cold:thumbdown: .
This week I'm better:thumbup: , but a fresh foot of snow was dropped last night:thumbdown: .

[Tepco]

Cant wait to post my miles, i have a 13mile commute each way and im training for a 24hour mountain bike race as well as the Shanandoha 100, a 100 mile mountain bike ride. So ill be doing some riding this year. Ill have to mount a comp. on my commuter. I also ride for work so that will add a little more as well. Its good to see we have a bunch of cyclists on this site. :thumbup:

[Lug_Nut]

Something else about pedaling: The vehicle fuel lasts so much longer...
I was surprised to see my 90 day average so high until I realized that I'd only added fuel three times in the past 90 calendar days and they were exceedingly high numbers.

[Lug_Nut]

As we celebrate the resurrection of the messiah, it seems appropriate that this thread also arise from the dead.

My belated entry encompassing the first three months of 2008:
334.81 miles of auto use displaced by biking instead.
Now that better weather is returning that should start to climb.


Blasphemous thought of the day: Is Jesus of Nazareth a Zombie?

[RoadWarrior]

Ahhh better weather, yes I shall have to clean and lube up my bike... tires are rotted like hell though... anyone know of a widely and cheaply available type/brand that holds up okay?

As for costs, when I commuted into college on a bike, it about doubled my appetite, which is no small thing with the price of food these days.


Blasphemous thought of the day: Is Jesus of Nazareth a Zombie?

Hmmm depends what exactly was on that sponge now doesn't it? :D

[striegel]

So far this year I've commuted 14 days, which together with some weekend shopping rides, comes to about 300 miles. That's just counting the miles that have replaced driving. I still ride for recreation but didn't count that.

[Compaq888]

only rode bike for one week...had a foot surgery so it will take me a while to get on the bike..

32 miles..

[dm1333]

You guys are killing me with the mileage totals. Of course my commute is only 3 miles round trip! This year my bike mileages are going to be way up partly because of the price of gas and partly because my shins are acting up from running and I need to ride on my off days to keep my legs in balance. The only thing my truck is going to be used for this year is shooting, hiking and fishing trips. Everything that I do in town I can do from the seat of my bike.

[striegel]

In March, I only managed to commute by bike on 4 out of 21 workdays, but so far this month, I've hit 11 out of 17.

With warmer days, I expect to need the car even less, so I have been encouraging my wife to take my Scion xB instead of her Honda Odyssey for the difference in fuel efficiency. Overall, I know we'll benefit, even though she won't get the sort of mpg that I see.

[Lug_Nut]

I've done a bit better. January through March accumulated to 334.81 miles, but April alone is another 243.41 for a 2008 sum of 578.22.
My wife's taken over the Camel II and ceased driving her 2000 Odyssey. The change from 23 mpg average to 45 mpg average helps a lot given the number of miles she drives.
My commute's short enough that going from 42 mpg in the Turdle to infinite a few days a week is not as much a help.

[dm1333]

I'm not exactly laughing when I go to the pump but I am smirking a little since I haven't bought more than 4 gallons of gas a week in the last month. What dumbfounds me is that we have a shortage of parking space on my Coast Guard base, high gas prices, and a large group of people who live close to each other in CG housing but I still see one person per vehicle as they pass me on the way to work.

[striegel]

While reviewing my biking log, I counted up all the trips that I used the bike to displace driving, and came up with 682 miles. The majority of that is for commuting to the office, but there were also a couple of shopping rides too.

It feels good to see that number increasing. I know that it will help with the overall efficiency of our family's driving too since my wife doesn't argue when I tell her to drive the xB. She mentioned that her last fill-up in the Odyssey cost over $60, so it's becoming noticeable.

What makes me every bit as proud is that my son and daughter are both learning to drive really efficiently, with the ScanGauge II to help give them feedback.

[Lug_Nut]

At this moment I'm at 172.69 for the month of May. I'll have another 10 or so when I get home after work tonight but those will be listed in June's entry.
2008 pedaling distance, all are car displacement, is 750.91 miles.

[Kohote]

I have not been keeping track for the year, but my commute is around 6 miles round trip. Usually I come home for lunch to make it 12 miles in one day. I try to bicycle as much as possible.
Total as of June 1, 2008: 30 miles

[Lug_Nut]

June's displacement miles: 138.04
2008 to date: 888.95

This thread is dying and would be left for dead had I not put in this latest entry. I'll call the time of death 1 July 08.

Flowers on the grave on Aug. 1
July's displacement miles: 265.94
2008 to date: 154.89
What? It appears the 'trip' meter rolls over at 999.99 so in reality (1,)154.89 for Jan~Jul 2008.

[HondaTorneoSiR]

Hey all I am up to 62.8 miles riding to and from work. The cool thing is that my car gets on average 22mpg so that makes almost 3 gallons of fuel or 12.03 @4.01 per gallon saved already. To top it off I am 100% ECO friendly. Take that OPEC!:)

I will own an electric car in the future but until then I will reduce my dependency supplemented by the bike.

-Nate

[atomicradish]

Once I am back at the University I will be riding my bike daily, so this thread might not be dead yet ;)