Today was my first commute on the bike. It's 10 miles one way. I rode the route last weekend so I had an idea of what to expect. I'm glad I rode it on a weekend first, because some things weren't as I expected. The route starts out in a city neighborhood, then I ride into and through downtown, before getting on a commuter trail where there are no cars. It's about five miles of streets and five miles of paved trails.

I packed all of my gear last night as recommended to decrease the chances of chickening out. I woke up early probably becase my mind was nervous/excited about the ride.

I packed a lot really. Extra shoes, jeans, t-shirts in case I forget those things someday. I work at a software company, so the casual look is quite all right. Besides the t-shirts have the company logo on 'em! : )

I packed my work shirt and changed by sweaty "commuting" shirt in the washroom. I had showered before leaving this morning, so I simply washed up using a camping/pack towel (the ones that are like a chamois), put on some deodarant, and put some gel in my hair.

The commute took about 40 minutes and there was only one and a half incidents.

First (half) incident was a car that tried going around me pulled into the next lane without looking and nearly side swiped the car that was in that lane. Not my fault and the honking horn wasn't at me. It was the left lane driver honking at the right lane driver that was in too much of a hurry.

The second (also a half?) incident was I was at stop sign wanting to make a left turn with three cars behind waiting for a car to drive through an intersection. The car coming down the intersecting road did not have any stop sign, yield sign, or anything. She stopped at the intersection! And there were cars behind her! She had a dazed look on her face waiting for me to go. I pointed out she didn't have to stop and waved her on. Crazy.