Rich, we've missed you. And now we know why. Glad to hear you're well. I want to lose 14 pounds but not that way !

Also, after a few injuries over the years I was concerned about resuming the commute as well. Funny how you get right back in to it, though.

While you've been gone Inkwolf has delighted us with her commuting escapades. She and a few others have really nice commute routes. As I recall you and I are the cityslickers here -- not much to talk about except how we narrowly avoid this bus or that tank trap (pothole).

Your comments about steel bikes is dead on. My Trek 520 rides like a tank; I can aim it at anything and confidently know it will emerge unscathed. I was always nervous on my Ti road bike. Of course, the Trek 520 is anything but light, but that's fine. It's good exercise.

Good to see you back.