I've been commuting about 4 months now. I bike most days of the week when I get up early enough and that day's schedule doesn't require a car. I probably average 3 days a week.

The drive for my commute is about 11.5 miles, mostly interstate and takes about 16 minutes. My bike commute is about the same distance and is a mix of bike path, residential and medium volume streets that include descents and climbs (up hill both ways for the old timers). It takes 40-50 minutes. I use a road bike and carry a backpack for dress clothes during my work day. I don't pack till morning to reduce wrinkling. As with most I assume, it's a lot of extra work for me commute by bike. Also, when I bike, I come in much earlier to avoid morning rush hour traffic. It's usually very dark.

The ride home isn't much better. Heavier traffic. Higher temps. I'm soaking with sweat and stink when I get home, so it's a quick "Hi" to the fam then into the shower.

So, raise your hand if you're wondering what the point is? (you actually raised your hand, didn't you?)

The point is this - this morning I drove in and hated it. That was a first since I started. All the traffic. I was the stereotype of caught in a rut. Though just for the drive. Just me and 1000's of other cars off to do the same thing they do everyday. No exciting stories from the ride in. Nothing. I was completely bored for 16 minutes. Even the radio wasn't interesting.

On my ride, I can pick out a story every time I'm out. Dodging squirrels or cars. The geriatric that refuses to walk on the correct side of the path. The occasional hot jogger. There is always something. I also like to do a little road warrior on the weekends, so I use my commute for training bricks. My commute has several Strava segments, so I'm constantly working for that next position up the list. Maybe one day I'll own a KOM.

My bike commute is 3x the time, 3x the effort and 3x the risk. But you know what, it's also 3x the fun, 3x times more interesting and 3x the excitement. Probably 10x the excitement.

The point is - this morning I believe I crossed over from someone who bike commutes to someone who is a cycling commuter.

Raise your hand if you know what I'm talking about. (you actually raised your hand, didn't you)

Thanks for your time.