My commute? HOT. So hot, in fact, that I've missed the entire months of July and August. I'm putting plenty of miles on the bike, just not during daylight.

When I do ride, it's kind of like this: I ride through neighborhoods, mostly downhill, until I get to the trail along the Trinity River. I follow the river a few miles, then start ascending the other bank, climbing the rest of the way to work. Again, I stick to neighborhood roads when I can, but eventually I get to a point where I have to ride country 2-lane with no shoulder. That's the part of the commute I dislike most. I rarely have issues there, but I feel more exposed than other parts of the route. My route is about 17 miles total, and because it crosses the river, it's uphill, both ways.... at least the second half of each way. The ride home is usually a little tougher due to the prevailing southerly wind. I can get to work in about 1:10 going in, closer to 1:30 going home.

Sept. 1 or 2 should be the first day of less than 100 degree temps in quite a while; I think I'll start commuting again, at least occasionally. But I must admit I am enjoying my night time rides. Riding more frequently than once or twice a week really isn't too feasible. My wife also works, and someone has to be home to feed the dogs and cook dinner. When I ride, it's tough to get home before 7 pm, and that 5:30-7:30 time slot is "prime time" for spending time with the wife, before she starts grading papers and stuff.