Ten years ago, I took my bike to work every other day, across San Francisco. But that stopped in 2002 or '03, and the way I bike has changed a lot since then. So advice to bring me back "up to speed" is most welcome.

I'm planning to wear a merino (wool) base layer, under the pants I'll wear for the day, if it isn't raining very hard. I have goretex pants for downpours, but prefer not to change if it's avoidable, and an uninsulated goretex jacket for the rain and wind. I already wear the wool shirts throughout the day - I develop software, and have a 'casual' work environment. Probably I'll want to leave a pair of shoes under my desk, and fill a drawer with clean, dry socks.

The building's management says I can't bring my bike inside. Would you treat this as a deal beaker? It's an office building, but there have been repeated problems with 'outside' people stealing purses and laptops from offices. Also, it's Seattle and rains a lot. HR recommended buying a cheap bike, but I like the way mine handles. They don't make it anymore, or many road bikes with disc brakes, so I'd be very upset if it were damaged or stolen...

Other than that, it's only about six miles each way, and as flat as can be hoped for around here. I rode 50 mi on Saturday for fun, and went kayaking the next day, so I'm not worried in that sense. Planning to do a practice run one evening this week and see how long I should give myself in the mornings.

What else do I need to know or plan for?