Today was my first bike commute...

Day One:
Did the park&ride thing to cut my commute from 15 miles to 7.5 miles, while I get a handle on everything.

Why did I decide to commute? I just realized one day that it should be possible, so I went online and found all sorts of info that got me motivated. I realized I have it pretty easy. Somewhat bike friendly San Jose, showers at work, side entrance at work, bike racks in our stairwells...

I did trial runs Sat and Sunday, so I felt prepared. I wear a high vis lime green jacket (quite cool this morning) , riding on my tuned up roadbike, last 5 miles is on a well paved bike path.

Got outta bed at 7:05AM, at my desk drinking coffee at 8:23AM. Not bad for my first day.

Problems: Well I forgot my bike computer, not a problem, but I'm trying to nail down my average speed and distances as I try different routes. Then about 1 mile into the ride my handlebars started to come loose. And finally, about 3 miles from work, there was a bobcat sitting in the middle of the bike pathway . Got my adrenalin going. I stopped and waited a couple minutes as he was stalking some squirrel. I then sprinted past him, or tried to at least. He turned and just watched me from about 4 feet away as I rode by. I then lost control and wound up off the pathway . My mind is spinning as I am trying to analyze the best spot to reenter the slightly elevated asphalt pathway. I'm clipped in, and I could feel the cat ready to pounce as I'm about to wipe out; however, I manage to find a spot to reenter and I speed away. I look back and the bobcat never moved.

That's going to be an interesting ride in the dark as winter approaches.

SharpT