RonH -

I hear you.... Yeah, I'll admit to being a weenie .

When I was commuting I lived within about 3 miles of everywhere I worked. Now the distance is double or triple that; getting anywhere I need to be would involve crossing freeway exit zones in two places and dealing with some fairly mean streets.

I have two kids now. The odds of serious injury may be low, and I'm a pretty savvy rider, but one serious car accident and my kids are screwed for life. Given the doubled distance to travel, the heavier faster traffic where I'd ride, Kansas City's general disdain for cyclists.... You get the picture.

Back when I was commuting one of the huge advantages was that I never needed to exercise because I was getting exercise during my commute to work. The result was that exercise didn't take any time out of my day. Now I'm in a situation where with two little kids, either I'm at work or I'm taking care of kids. I can't ditch my toddlers in the living room to pop out for a half hour of riding. So I put my bike on a stand and ride while we all watch Sesame Street.

Couple years, they'll be in school and I'll have my mornings free again and will be able to go out and ride around the neighborhood instead of spin my wheel on a stand, but for now.... Hey, at least I'm not getting any fatter....