"...its a long climb at the end of the return trip home. Its 11 miles each way with a 3 mile downhill in the morning, and a 3 mile uphill in the afternoon."

I have the same situation, though on a slightly smaller scale. That first downhill mile and a half is great in the morning, but coming up it at the end of a long day, in the dark amid hurrying cars, is another thing altogether. Still, it certainly beats being one of the car-bound myself, or stewing on the bus.

Day off for me today, so I had to content myself with short rides for groceries and a haircut in place of the usual 45 minutes each way to work.