Went to work twice today, both of which yielded some pretty bumpy and uncertain rides. First coming home from downtown I rode over to 3rd ave which was about 2" deep loose gravel all the way from washington ave down to at least 9th street where I got on it. That stuff makes for some interesting riding on 25mm tires.
Also on the way to the other job I went through downtown and got on Glenwood heading west and it is basically down to 2 lanes with the outside 2 lanes all torn up and a 2 inch ridge between the lanes (ridable, but not fun, and certainly dont try to cross the ridge at anything less than like 45 degrees).
Maybe you folks can plan better than I...
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nope, I'm faced with the same challenges. I sure wish there were a way to update the routes for the cyclists out there. That loose gravel stuff is tough for cars to stop on, and my thin 700x20s get wierd when driven through it. I also think that stuff is more crushed flint than just pea gravel. It also isn't just in the urban areas. I've had to navigate around this stuff on my way to work in the suburbs. And noticed that the greenway and LRT have been "slated for repair work."
We are always faced with the two seasons in Minnesota: Winter and Road repair.
(锕侊箒)~~~~---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by naisme
We are always faced with the two seasons in Minnesota: Winter and Road repair.
Pretty much true anywhere in the north - we used to say that back in MT.
What I hate about Minneapolis is the Bike Lane = Utility Lane thing.
Why do all of the manhole covers have to be under the bike lane? We're the ones that feel the bumps from riding over that stuff the most!
(锕侊箒)~~~~---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by HereNT
Pretty much true anywhere in the north - we used to say that back in MT.
What I hate about Minneapolis is the Bike Lane = Utility Lane thing.
Why do all of the manhole covers have to be under the bike lane? We're the ones that feel the bumps from riding over that stuff the most!
It's only because the legislators don't ride. Our world would be a different one if our leaders listened to those who have the Rivendale bumpersticker on their Volvo (I pass this parked car everyday) "I ride lugged steel, and I vote." Until that happens, well, the MN rules of the road say as close to the right side of the road that allows safe operation of our bicycles, so take the lane.
(锕侊箒)~~~~---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by HereNT
Pretty much true anywhere in the north
I definitely concur - It's the reason I left the knobby tires on my MTB, the roads along my commuting route rival an off-road trail.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
I take the lane a lot, what I hate is when the lane they give me isn't really a road, it's a bunch of manhole covers and uneven pavement. It seems to me that in Minneapolis downtown area, they put all of the utility lines are underneath the bike path. They give you an area you're supposed to ride in, but it's full of crap. A lot of times I take the lane just to not be in the bike lane, so I can avoid all of the manholes and potholes. In the downtown area, a lot of times it's only the bike lane that's shut down....
If our legislators rode, I think our whole world would look a little different.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
The law states as far to the right that will allow safe operation of our vehicle, with manholes at an inch or two under the surface of the road, that's a jarring ride, so I too take the lane.
Originally Posted by naisme
We are always faced with the two seasons in Minnesota: Winter and Road repair.
Pretty much true anywhere in the north - we used to say that back in MT.