Windy, 20-30 mph with 35 mph gusts. The forecast said south wind, but somehow I was right into it when I was heading east. Hmmm. Wind and that one hill really took me down a notch.

Today was the first day I used the Topeak MTX bag instead of my courier bag. The extra freedom was nice, but I think it is heavier than my courier bag. The extra < 1 lb. is totally worth not having anything on my shoulder or back. I sweat less.

I'm also realizing how brilliant the centerstand is on my Simple City 3. I can pull up next to either side of the rack, put it on the stand, and my frame doesn't have to bang the rack all the time. I think my paint is going to thank me for it.

This is the first bike I've ever had with fenders, and my 3rd day riding it, so it is weird to me to hear the pebbles hit the insides of the fenders. (instead of feeling them on my face!)

But there's no denying this bike is heavy, with all its kick-butt accessories. I'm starting to see why so many of you who don't live in cities have lighter, racier bikes.

I'm nearing the end of my first week of bike commuting after several years off. I can feel a huge difference in my legs. They have been sore the first couple days, and now they are burning. I think I will take it easy on them this weekend and let them heal and get "ripped" properly. I had forgotten how much more energy I had when I biked before. It seems counter-intuitive.

My workplace is bribing us with $100 to get a fitness assessment with blood draw, and will pay another $50 if we are found to be healthy. I think I still need to lose some weight to get the $50. I'm going to do this and reward myself with a Brooks saddle for the SC3 or Dahon.