I did my first-ever bike commute today! I was surprised at myself, really. I started my internship downtown four weeks ago and I've been putting it off, but I finally gritted my teeth and just did it. And it was great! My route was 9.5 miles mostly through quiet, residential neighborhoods and a hike/bike trail along a bayou that delivers me almost to the front step of my workplace. I was worried about traffic and sweatiness but I didn't encounter any reckless or mean drivers, and I brought a change of clothes and wet wipes to clean up. I stopped to visit a friend on my way home, which was a nice break. I've discovered I'm a slowpoke but that's ok, it's less time I'm in a car or at the gym. Coming back the sun was setting, there was a lovely breeze, and I saw lots of fellow cyclists. I'm planning to do it again tomorrow as well.

My one question though, is how do you all deal with bad roads? I don't mean the occasional pothole or crack in the pavement, I mean crumbling, cracked, buckled, debris-strewn asphalt across the entire street. About 60% of my route is like that, and while I'm not in danger of crashing, I get tired of all the jostling. Any tips?

I should add...I could choose a route with perfectly smooth, debris-free pavement, but then I would be riding with 35+ mph traffic. I'm more worried about the cars than the roads.