Today marks my first real bike commute. The ride in to work was kind of spur of the moment, but very fun. The 15 mile trip in to work took me just a hair under an hour, riding my Sirrus Sport hybrid. That was like free riding time, since I normally take the bus to work, and the bus trip takes almost as long.

I rode spandex style on the way in, with a change of work clothes in my backpack. Fortunately, work is a pretty laid back atmosphere, so I could hang my sweaty spandex next to a big fan and dry it out quickly. I talked to the custodian this morning, and he says that he has a spare locker in the basement that he can move into the mens bathroom for me. That'll make changing and storage much easier.

The only real tough part was the weight of my backpack. I carry a laptop and a ton of tools in my backpack. Add in my lunch and a set of clothing, and it was feeling pretty darned heavy. I may have to throw my Topeak rack on the Sirrus, and pick up a Topeak bag to haul my stuff.

All in all, I'm very happy. I can't believe how much more energy I have today, and how much less I feel the stress of the workday. By the time I got to work, I felt like I'd already had a great memorable adventure, and my day had barely yet begun. The comments from the girls at work on my spandex butt will only help to encourage this style of dress.

Best of all, I have an hour of cycling to look forward to on the way home tonight. Woohoo!!!

It's funny. The reason for the first commute was a matter of finding time to ride. I normally ride after dinner, but was starting to feel bad about ignoring my wife and daughter for 2 hours every other night. I figured that if I rode to work and back, I'd still get in my riding time, and still have time for the family. I really didn't expect the side benefit of feeling so good at work. I feel like freakin' Superman today!!!