Thanks for the ideas, and keep 'em coming. I've got another month before I have to try it, by which time it should be a few notches warmer. I'll take a trial run over a weekend to get an idea of how long it will take and how badly I will need a shower at the end. Stopping off at the gym before going to work would add significant time and effort, not least the need to take a lock for the bike. With any luck it only lasts three months.

Any clues how many more klicks the bike path system would add? I admit I'm a little wary of riding it at 7am, especially if it's not light yet.