Perfect cycling weather, if you discount the 10 mph headwind - both ways...Would have been OK if I hadn't lost a pedal on the way home .

Four-lanes of traffic stopped at the light. I'm third in line. Light turns green, and I wait for everyone to get their respective acts together to actually start moving. I gun it hard because I have a hill and an overpass with merging traffic. It's rush hour, so it's a little 'sporty' out there.

BAM! L pedal lets go (I have clipless) and I hear the two spacer washers clatter away. I have been experimenting with pedal extensions pecause of some knee issues and wanted to know how far to go - guess I went too far . Looking back, I wonder how I was able to stay in control of the bike. I was pushin' pretty hard.

I manage to coast to the shoulder median and collect myself in relative safety. I twist the pedal off of my shoe and see metal shavings on the spindle. Uh-oh...

Pulled out the trusty tool kit and was able to reattach the pedal and cinch it down good n' tight. Was back on the road in less than five minutes. Close call, that.

Lesson learned: Use proper pedal extenders instead of washers. I'll probably need a new crankset now .