A lot has changed since I last commuted by bike, (Sept. 21): It’s really dark! The temp has dropped 30*F. I’ve gained 5 pounds, and my average speed has dropped 16%! Thanks to my supportive wife (“You need to start riding again… Your belly is getting big!”), she helped push me out the door this morning.

I fell off the commuting wagon a month ago when I cut my finger at work and needed stitches. The Dr. told me take it easy for the remainder of the day. Since then, because of husband, father, student, and career search (interviews) duties, along with clumsiness (smashed my big toe), and a two week cold, I’ve neglected my bike for the past month.

It felt good to get back on it again.