The ride home yesterday was all about outrunning a thunderstorm! I was constantly on the northern edge of it, but managed to avoid getting too wet. Got home, waited for the storm to pass, then jogged up to the LBS to pick up my new bike - Surly Cross Check. Will post some pics later...

First ride in on the Surly this morning - 55 through to about 65 when I got to work, slight headwind, but very enjoyable. I had to stop twice on the way down - once to tighten the seat post clamp, and another to tighten the rear quick-release. I didn't snug it down quite enough last night after installing the rack, so pulled the wheel forward a bit when getting started at a traffic light (front entry horizontal dropouts). No biggie...

Also the first ride using panniers - I loved not having a backpack against my back, but certainly did notice the extra weight on the rear of the bike. Normally I don't think the pannier will be quite as heavy as it was today - had to bring down a pair of new locks, which I'll leave at work now.