Today, I tried to make up for a shift that deprives me of my normal ride time.. So today I unusual for California.. I put on rain gear and took off to the mall to get Christmas presents. Had plenty of space in the panniers for presents. Sure beats driving in the traffic.. Only patchy rain. Ended up only buying stuff for bike at LBS. Lines too long at mall stores. Encompass a mall visit while out in car errends later in Afternoon. Got in 30 miles on bike. Maybe end up with 8,500 miles for year?

all good realy, that ,cos its summer now (rose coloured glasses ect.),approx.220ks a week .longest ride only 80ks best buy was specialised turbo tyres with flak-jacket flat protection, no flaties since, (2500 +ks). I`m still above ground, thats got to be good ! but still not finished for the year, return to work on Boxing day
i still havnt finished building my "rain bike" yet ,tho all i need to get for it is a rear carrier! all the best for next year

Good:
Rediscovered the bicycle this year, Started Commuting, rode my first organized ride, and also a first Century (made possible by the excersise I get on the commutes). Around 2500 miles since August!

Bad:
Discovered annoying/annoyed drivers and also vocal teenagers out for a drive.

Ugly:
Cruising by stopped traffic on the right side and was forced into a citrus tree/bush where a branch impaled my arm and left a nifty scar. (I was expecting the branches to just brush aside, I am a little more careful now in that section and use the frontage road on the other side of the trees when traffic is heavy)

The good:

Finding this forum. Spending time on the bike and staying in decent shape in spite of a really busy year at work. Finding lots of detours to and from work. Having REI replace and upgrade my frame after I discovered a cracked weld. Having to have my dress pants altered to take in the waist and let out the seat. Getting really good at trackstanding. Having a carload of college-age girls make the "ow!" sound at me.

The bad:

Being forced by heavy traffic through a bike lane full of broken glass and flatting my brand new Michelins. And then discovering that the spare tube I was carrying was a regular length valvestem when I needed long ones. Wishing that I lived farther from work. Freezing my butt off because I don't plan well.

The ugly:

Idiots who think the bike lane is a passing lane. Idiots who throw stuff out of their cars. Idiots who call you ugly homophobic things (let me see if I've got this straight: you're looking at my butt, and *I'M* the one who's gay????)

Ten thousand times better than any previous year in which I did not commute by bicycle.

Life is decidedly different, and I hope it shall continue to provide
more wonderful suprises.

This was my best year ever commuting I increased my mileage from 6 miles a day to 20 I am in better shape at 46 than I was at 30. I don't have a computer on either bike I can only guess on the mileage but it is over 5000 between th commute and prepping fot the STP 200 mile 2 day trip. I went October totaly car free, which is not really a stretch for me I have only had this vehicle for 2 years I went 12 years without a car but I didn't ride that much I was more of an on again off again rider. My goal next year as far as the commute is not to drive my car for work at all. I have toyed around with getting rid of the car but I hate to give up the freedom it gives me to explore new places with my bike.

gente people the year commuting is not over for me so far has been a good year second year car free (not bumming rides or paying taxi fares) 2 solid yrs and only 2 spills. 2 bikes stolen this year but oh well such is life. my commute is around 5 miles and i find i ride extra whenever i can. new baby on the way and I would say for a 29 yr old couch potato i am in pretty good shape. This summer i hope to sneak in some weekend trips but who can say what will happen