I'm sorry I've been too busy to stop in and post up for you all, but I *am* still riding, almost every day. Since I started riding in early August, I've put in almost 700 miles commuting, around 1400 miles if you include weekend rides.

Out of the blue, one of my friends (who rode with me a few times, but has become too busy) stopped at my house and gave me a water-backpack (not Camelbak brand, but still very nice). He'd bought it to bring jogging, but never used it. Score. Now, with that and 4 water bottles, I can nearly do a century unsupported.

Several guys at work have been asking me about doing an "unofficial" century for fun, and I'm tempted to go with them, but they all have road bikes, and I'd be holding them back. Then again, when they bonk or break down, I'd be somewhere behind them... LOL.

My car's battery didn't die, I put it on a reconditioning charger, and so far it has been holding a charge. Thank goodness, I didn't need to spend more money on it.

The Nishiki frame I found has been working well, once I got the rear triangle mostly straight. The wheels are holding up okay, and I have not had a flat since I put in Mr. Tuffy liners some 3-4 weeks ago. I pulled 4 slivers of glass from my tires tonight, still no flats. I'm worried about the tire splitting from all the holes in it before the tube goes flat. The peace of mind these things have given me is fantastic.

So, in a nutshell, I'm still here, riding in the (for Louisiana) cold. Loving it!