I posted this in it's own thread, but now realize it's probably best here...

I Finally did it. Or half of it, I suppose. My first commute. I'm sitting at work in Lexington, MA with my bicycle behind me and my car 12 miles away in Somerville, MA. I came down Massachusetts Avenue for about two miles before hopping on the Red Line Linear Park Bikepath that hooks up with the famous Minuteman Commuter Bikeway at Alewife Station in Cambridge. I took the bikeway for about 8.5 miles right to the front door of my office. Distances are estimated, as I don't yet have my cyclocomputer. I got a lot of great information from everyone here and wanted to say thanks!

It was a tough start - I had a headwind all the way to the first trail. Thankfully, the trail provided shelter from most of the wind for the rest of the trip. About 3 miles into the commute, I realized I forgot my water bottle. I had taken it inside this morning to fill it up and accidentally left it there. So I stopped at a bakery and bought a bottle of poland springs. I borrowed a Timbuk2 messenger bag for the ride, but found that the damn thing wouldn't stay on my back when I stood and peddled, so I had to remain seated most of the way. Maybe I'll pick up a CamelBack HAWG to use instead, or just go the Panier route.

Anyone else here ride the Minuteman Bikeway? Is it me or is it very slightly uphill all the way to Lexington Center before cresting and reversing to very slightly downhill? I swear this is the case. About 4 miles in I was cursing myself! When am I going to get there? Everyone is passing me! I'm so slow! Then I stopped and remembered that I will get there when I get there and that I should just enjoy the ride. Lexington Center soon came and that got the adrenaline pumping to finish the route.

Mistakes that were made:

1. Forgot the Water Bottle
2. I need Mountain Bike Pants
3. Forgot a towel for the shower (used an extra t-shirt)


Again, thanks to everyone here! I'll see how I feel after the trip home before deciding if I'm going to get right back at it tomorrow or take a day off.