Richard.How lucky you are. I now realize how lucky you are( to Californian's, except for wintet) of the country-side you traverse. I have been there on 'holiday.' Hill low key to we Californian's but the terrain is beautiful, plus just a tunnel away from Normandy.

I would love to commute daily, not just once a week; but my commute is 25-27 miles one way- what 47 kilo. Might be possible, but on day shift have to be there at the absurd hour of 6am. Have to leave at 2:45 am, think few commuters would do that.
With my rotating shifts- on PM shift every other rotation. First PM shift I commute by bike. Make it just before dark and with 12.5 hour shift, leave just after sunrise. Do that once a week. Rotate shifts days/nights once a week. Crazy- but sort of like it.
When do commute sort of like it- path to work is through hills and canyons, more than half out in the country. If only Ilived 10 miles closer, might try day shift commute once a rotation.
Think many would leave at 3 am to get to work at 6 am. Crazy, huh? I would like to. The commute down Interstate 15 is nuts. ( in car) Makes one furious. Get to work in tiff; biking causes me to get to work at peace with myself.