A fine commute today. The summer refuses to go away - the mornings are cool, but I can get away riding in a short-sleeved jersey and shorts.

I left the house around 6:15 today - my first class is at 8:30 and the commute takes under an hour, but I wanted to get some swimming in before classes. And also I love riding early in the morning, when the sun is rising and the cagers are asleep. Had to roll through three red lights on my way - there were no cars around to trip the sensors up for me. Despite this I've been noticing a lot today (and generally lately) just how smoggy and smelly this city (and in particular the part I commute through) is. I have a feeling it's gotten worse just in the last couple of months which is rather strange, with the gas prices all going up.

Saw a total of about seven fellow bike commuters; not bad, given the part of town I bike in (the number would be larger around the downtown area). Most of them actually had lights too, which is unusual - my estimate is that only about half the bikers riding after dark in this town have any sort of lighting system. I guess people who ride around at half past six are dedicated commuters and hence have and use the proper equipment.

The weather people are promising us some thundershowers this afternoon.. perhaps I'll get soaked on the way back. Well, whatever happens, I surely do hope that I do not get another flat - I've had three in the last four days! What in the hell kind of miserable thing is that?!! Perhaps it's time to switch to Kevlar-belted...