You're probably right, but living for so long in the PNW, I'm only half-kidding when I say that I only feel comfortable when I have a water-repellant jacket handy at all times. I figure the flexibility of having the jacket will be useful. Showers can lower the temp 10+ degrees F like it did yesterday, and I'd rather be soaked and toasty under a shell than soaked and cold in too-light gear more suitable for warmer and dry conditions.

GCN says having a rider behind you will make you an average of 4% faster. Think of it as a good excuse to push and get stronger. It's hard to tell how many commuters want to do that versus settle for a comfortable speed that they maintain so they get into work looking relatively neat, but sounds like we're more the former. My nature has me pushing to go faster every time I'm on the road. Even when I set out making a mental note that I can take it easy if I'm not feeling 100%, once I'm out there, that goes out the ears and I just go for it.