Very interesting and challenging commutes today.

44F and sunny with winds from the SSW @ 4-6mph this morning. 61F and sunny this afternoon with winds from the SSW @ 5-9mph.

I didn't commute at all last week because there were no classes after the all damage from Oct 29's snow storm. I was really hoping all debris would be cleaned up by this week. For the most part the roads were clear, but Rt 20 (where the shoulders are usually nice and wide) was probably in the worst condition that impacted me. There were trees and branches everywhere (most snow is melted though). I was constantly running over smaller branches and/or having to stop to wait for traffic to clear so I could go around the heavy stuff.

On the way home I took a slightly different route which left Rt 20 and put me on some back roads for a while to avoid the debris. The roads were nice and quiet, but much hillier and longer distance as well. By the time I got to climbing the hill to my house, I was pretty beat.

I could always attempt to ride in the lane instead of the shoulder on 20, but that traffic is heavy, impatient, and fast (45-55mph). I'm really hoping the shoulders are clear soon or I'm gonna try to find a different way because I really don't want to stop cycle commuting.