Welcome aboard! I've only been here for a few months, but I can tell you that everyone here is very nice about answering any questions you have. There isn't a lot of posturing or one-up-manship, just some people who really like bikes.

If you're new to bicycling to work, let me give you what I consider to be the most important piece of advice: ALWAYS FOLLOW THE LAW. Get the vehicle code for your state and study the section on bikes. Know exactly where you should be at all times. And follow that. People sometimes say, "Well, I'll ride in the street when it isn't busy, but I'll go on the sidewalks if the street has a lot of fast cars." Don't do it. It will only get you in trouble.

This is the advice I wish someone had given me. It would have saved me some pain and hospital bills. Commuting was my first experience with putting a lot of miles (relatively) on a bike, and I didn't really know what I was doing. Bicycle commuting can be a very safe and enjoyable activity if done correctly and legally.

I wish you luck and many happy commutes.

andy