Hi, Papa T, and Jim FB. I was pulled to this thread by JFB's reference. I've commuted by bike in the past, but for the last 5 years or so have done so religiously. This year I've ridden 8000 miles, 3/4ths of which were commuting (all on vintage road bike, I should add). Rode the 16 miles home last night in a pouring rain. But I just take it all for granted, which is why I haven't sought out the Commuting forum. If I want to ride, I just do it.

But all that is just for introduction. What I really wanted to say was this. There is a Good Ride Today? thread in the 50+ and another in the C&V. (I hang out in the C&V most of the time.) JBF has already mentioned the MetroBoston thread. They are all different. The C&V version had absotively posilutely b-e-a-u-tiful photos from riders around the world, places I'll never get to see, let alone ride in. The 50+ usually usually has exactly what you describe, simple statements of people's daily accomplishments. I post pics there occasionally, but most people don't.

So why the differences? I think it reflects priorities. For many of the 50+ members riding at all is a big deal. Many are recent converts back to cycling which they last did decades ago. And of course as we get older it gets harder. In contrast, the C&V participants ride the bikes they do because they appreciate the aesthetics of older designs. They like the color, the detail work, the colorful history, etc. So it is natural that they would post pics and ride descriptions.

Anyway, that's all I have to offer. Just ride and enjoy. Post your own pics and descriptions of smells. One of the neat things about my ride last night was the illuminated fountain my front wheel threw up in front of the bike. I got no pics, sorry.