My first commute ever! I was a little leary going into it, because I am crazy/stupid and didn't take everyone's sensible advice to ride the route on a non-school day and figure out if I actually could do it. Because I am in training for my first marathon, I am beginning to feel as if I am (fitness-wise) an indestructable machine. Well,fate looked favorably upon this little fool today, and it was AMAZING. It took me about half as long as I anticipated - I'm not fast yet, but not a slug either. 30 miles round-trip with some monster hills (at least, IMHO), but it was nice and cool this morning and only 85 this afternoon. I had intended to bike to school and catch the bus home (thinking that the ride to school might really wear me out), but when I walked out of class I thought "Heh, I feel like riding home." So I did. Waaaaay nicer than the bus. I'm slightly unaccustomed to sharing the road with cars. I'm staying with my parents in Portland, OR for the summer, but during the school year I live in a podunk college town (Monmouth) where there's just about no traffic period. Anyway, once I get used to them whizzing by, this commute should be downright comfortable. I had a blast! Thanks again to everybody who offered advice initially.