Today was probably the nicest morning in weeks. Sunny, not humid, 72 degrees, lovely fresh breeze (right in my face, but I'm not complaining). If it's this nice going home it's definitely the day to extend the ride. It's supposed to start getting hot again later in the week.

Andy -- just be grateful you have a wife who owns and uses bike shorts. I'd give much to be able to say the same.

Happy birthday, ngateguy. I like tying cycling goals to birthdays, too. I'm trying to increase my annual mileage every year to match my age times 100 (I've already beat this year's 5100 miles, with two weeks to spare), and do a century on my birthday itself every year.

John, personally I think the only answer is to function as if commuting is your "default" mode: all your daily accessories automatically get stored in the bike bag, etc. It wasn't until I adopted that approach that I stopped losing time to double-checking everything in the morning. Getting ready the night before works, too.

MC, my sympathies. Your post is a testament to the healing power of cycling. Wherever one may believe that power originates, I know of no better way to channel it than by getting on a bike.

RichC