Another great ride in this morning. Not setting any records but the 2 weeks off the long ride has not left me too rusty. I made it in this morning in my normal time of 55 minutes. I'm hoping that by next week as I shake off the last of this cold I'll be able to push a little harder and see if I can't cut my travel time a little bit. I think I need to work a little more on the return trip which is mostly uphill and so far has seen less improvement than the inbound trip.

Like everyone else I think I arrive at work if not more energized at least more ready to jump in and get things done. The cobwebs have all been swept away on the ride!.

Velogirl -- isn't it cool when you finally pass someone?! Normally I get passed, but on one stretch of my commute the downhill grade and my greater mass actually gives me a little advantage so I get to pass people on occasion. It feels so good, even if they pass me a couple of miles further on when the trail flattens out, its still nice to pass every once in awhile. Last night I actually passed 2 people on the ride home which is all uphill. Even though I was working hard it was even more satisfying.

I don't think its foolish to think about commuting in general and bike commuting specifically when considering jobs. Obviously salary, benefits and working conditions should be more important, but if things are pretty much equal why not pick the job with the better bike commuting situation. Seems like a good way to maximize your happiness.