For the last few years, I've been riding about 5000-6000 miles a year back and forth to work. The only problem is that I'm a teacher so I have no "work" to ride to during the summer. This year, however, I've vowed to keep up with my riding all summer.

So I've been reduced to something called "training rides."

Three times now, I've gone out on my bike absent any large bag attached to the rear triangle. Man, does it feel unsafe without all that added weight for stability. And I've only worn clothing purchased at bike shops. I even wore gloves.

Now, I've still kept a few of my old commuter habits. I made sure I stuffed a small lock into my seat pack, along with bus fare, a train ticket, and my Costco card.

I also ride a Surly Crosscheck (the purchase of which signaled the end of my roadie lifestyle and entry into full time commuting). But I don't own a real road bike except for a fleet of fixed gears that once were road bikes, so the Surly will have to do. I guess it's a road bike since no one I know who has one ever uses it to race cross.

Finally, though, as I was about 30 miles into my 38 mile out and back, I looked down at my front hub and there it was. My Zipp 217 hub had, in the middle of it, a small piece of carbon fiber. OMG! I could not believe it. Wasn't I the guy who used to boast "I don't allow carbon fiber on my property!"

Good Lord! What have I become?