For the first time in all my years of bicycle commuting, I had a pre-planned commuting buddy. My girlfriend and I set out together and only split late in the ride when we had to head off in different directions to go to our respective workplaces.

I've often enjoyed the opportunity to be alone in the (mostly) quiet mornings on the bike, but this was a nice change. We had 45 minutes of climbing and it was nice to have someone else along -- misery loves company, as they say.

We may be able to do this a couple of times a week. The other days I'll get the solitary time.