Yeah, I worked at the GM facility(formerly Saturn) in Spring Hill, TN. It was/is 20.8 miles from my house...mostly rural. Out of about 5000 employees I was the only cycle-commuter. After a period of people questioning my sanity, supervisor's wondering if I'd be able to complete a shift, co-workers asking me tons of questions all the hub-bub died down. A begruged respect began to build as soon guys who 'worked out' started asking questions about cardio, hill-climbing and stuff like that. Older guys asked about my vitals, cholestrol numbers, diet, sleep patterns, etc. Once in while I'd take days off and would receive comments...good-natured razzing about 'losing my edge', being a poseur, and if it rained being afraid of getting a 'wet-ace'. As only Southern born and bred men can say it.

Over a 2.5 year period most of the doubters were turned into converts. At least, the bicycle began looking like a legitimate transportation vehicle instead of a toy. After work guys would say, "Lemme' ride that thing". It was a fixed gear. They'd take off on it and the standard response was, "WTF!!!" What's wrong w/this thing?" Then all of his buddies would laugh and say, "Whatsamatter Jimmy can't cha even ride a bah-cycle no more?' "**** no! Not that one!" Then they'd all be facinated and freaked out as I explained the operation of the fg. That plus I ride clipless left them mystified and impressed. "You ride that sucka ever' day?" "Well, man hats off to you, brother."

Just started back to work after having been laid off for a pretty good while and my new job is almost exactly the same distance. Though it's more urban in places. I'm a happy guy.