So I got a hybrid bike, a trek 7.3, Monday last week, 4/22...the first 5 days, between last Monday and this past Tuesday, I put 39 recreational miles on it. Then this Wednesday I decided I would start commuting to work, 15 miles each way. I'm hooked! I did the commute Wednesday and then today (Friday). It is so empowering! Everyone in my office is pretty amazed that I'm doing it, especially having just bought a bike. It's easy though, and feel great.

I struggle with stress, like I believe a lot of people do. I thought that driving 30 minutes home from work was a good way to decompress. It's NOTHING compared to riding. Nothing. Yesterday, I really really wished that I had my bike with me to ride home after a long, stressful day. When I get home after having rode, my stress levels are much lower than usual. I'm pretty hooked. On top of all of that, I feel so much lighter in terms of my effect on the environment.

Moving forward I will be looking for safer routes to take. Google does a great job at giving me solid streets, but there are just a couple of points with no shoulder that I know probably could be a little better, possibly on parallel streets- I'll have to do that experimenting myself. It's no big deal a few times, but if I am going to commute 3+ times per week for half of the year, I am going to need to try to eliminate anything with no shoulder (aside from this one unavoidable area where I ride mainly on the sidewalk since there are no driveways - it's over a bridge and near a mini strip mall more or less).

Anyway, empowered, less stress - already feeling good about my first 2 commutes. Not drained at all.