Today was my first time commuting -- that is, using the bike to GET somewhere rather than just riding for enjoyment. I've been wanting to start for a while, but keep finding excuse after excuse.



Behold, my first route, from my home to the church downtown where I had breakfast. Only four miles there, and most of that on quiet city streets: Selma Avenue is wide and perfect for biking. On Race Street, that long stretch south, I saw a deer trapped in a flooded drainage ditch. I'd never seen a deer in daylight, and never that close. If only I had a picture! I had to cross several sets of railroad tracks, no troubles there. The scariest part of the route is the beginning, that 3/5ths of a mile I spend on a state highway where the speed limit is 55 and no one but those in front of cops drive it. I was only passed by 3 people this morning on that stretch, but something like ten this afternoon, plus two motorcycles. Everyone gave me a wide berth.

I ran into a mechanical problem with my handlebars getting a bit loose: I bought it (a mountain bike) used and now know why the former owner wasn't fussed at practically giving it away. I forgot to bring my allen wrench, which I've learned to use because the bars need tightening periodically.

I had my lock and my pump, plus a change of clothes, in a tote bag with me. The tote bag kept bumping up against the front bike wheel, and now it has a hole in it. "I can't find my backpack" was one of my excuses for not taking the bike to work (which is also downtown, and which I'd access via this same route). But this morning I said "enough with the excuses, just RIDE", and I did. I'm a bit concerned about the fact that even though it was 50 degrees outside and cold, I came home sweating. That does not bode well for summer rides...