Background setup for this morning's commute: My dad (conservative of conservatives) actually mentioned taking his old mountain bike to the corner store for a bottle of wine. I promptly jumped on the opportunity and volunteered to replace the old cables, chain, and tires. I had an old rack and set of grocery bag panniers to put on. Found a cheap set of plastic fenders at the LBS and now it's a certified work bike.

I rode it in this morning and what a difference from my road/touring bike. Huge 2.1 in slick tires, laid back geometry, and upright bars. Talk about cushy. I even tackled some steep hills with the super low mountain bike gearing. Once I get the fiddly cantilevered brakes set up I'll run some errands and see how hit handles loaded.

And while stopped at a red light, a lady actually pointed out my new "Share the Road" socks! "Cute socks," she yelled. I guess that's good bicycle advocacy.