the ride to work was very nice... pumped my tires up about 10 psi and it seems like I am zooming along! love it. the ride home was good but HOT. it's not even really hot yet. Drank all my water. only 95 degrees wait until it's 115. nodded at a cyclist and he nodded back. a first. a car almost plowed into me trying to cross a busy street (the one I was on) to the opposite cross street (no light)... she saw me and stopped just as I was grabbing the brakes to stop in the intersection ahead of her. Drivers really don't see you... I feel the same as Brian above, I can't believe how good riding makes me feel. it is so much easier now than two months ago. I can feel how much stronger and faster I am getting. Thanks to everyone who helped me out and continues to on these forums. you really make a difference in people's lives by encouraging them to bike.