Well said.

Due to my work I end up riding in a lot of different cities and every one of them has it's own unique rhythm. New York's a little funky because the cross streets have one pace (slow, like threading a needle) the avenues another (swifter, more fluid but with sudden stops and turns), the West Side path has a nice consistent roll to it but can have some really unexpected hazards- from rats to dump trucks. I'm getting used to it and am actually enjoying it but as you point out a 6" (or less) margin of error can mean the difference between a good day and a bad day.

That said a nice ride uptown this morning to have breakfast with a friend then back downtown on the W.S. Path with a very friendly tail wind. Caught a co-worker on his bike on the cross town ride. After work went way downtown and then back up into a still strong headwind to end my day.