My commutes this week have been warm and humid -- yay, Midwest summer weather...

In other news, commuting has seemed easier this year than previous years, so starting this week I've been upping the ante by using higher gears and pushing to go faster on the '91 Bianchi. Nothing drastic or knee-breaking, just using 75" as my minimum rather than 67", and then spending more time in the 85" or even 91" when I have a little speed going. If I have much left in the tank by the time I get back to my neighborhood, there is a steep-ish two-block hill that I like to climb. What took my lowest (45") gear on the first try, I now take in my 54" and climbed entirely in the saddle yesterday. I think I could probably do it in a 61" gear now.

Mission accomplished, BTW -- I arrive at stops panting, and at my destination with a bigger smile on my face.