I was going to mention this earlier, but forgot. In my bike survival kit, I have water, helmet, lock, lights...and ibuprofen.

I was very fortunate that it didn't rain this Sunday and I was able to practice. I must admit, though, I was a little frightened when cars passed me; I was barely balanced. Fortunately, my bike seems to have a low center of gravity (just like me).

It's kind of interesting, though, learning all over again, especially with the complexity of the shifting. I keep forgetting which way makes it harder and which way makes it easier. Again, this will all come with experience. But during the week, it's dark when I leave for work and dark when I come home, so it's difficult for a newbie like me to bike even with the excellent lights I have.

I'm thinking of taking a vacation day just to practice; by the end of the week the rains will start again and I won't have much of a chance.