Bike commuting the way God intended
 

My commute is always one of my favorite times of day, but the ride home yesterday was so fabulous I just wanted to share.

I had taken my racing bike rather than the normal commuter because it just seemed especially nice in the morning. When work let out, I took one look at the traffic and saw the situation analysis was hopeless. I have no idea what was gumming things up, but I just rode by while everyone else just sat there.

My route home takes me along highways for about 10 miles west, then I turn south for 7 miles. Traffic seemed lighter than normal (it's been that way lately -- I think it has to do with gas prices). Anyway, there was a strong north wind, so I rode the final 7 miles at 25-29mph thanks to a really nice push from the rear.

While I was cruising along that stretch. I managed to get a really good look at this lady who harasses me occasionally. I memorized her plates (I'd seen some of the letters/numbers before, but this is the first time I've gotten the whole thing), and saw where she turned off. She didn't bother me today or even look at me funny.

When I got home, I had a message from the LBS saying that the new wheels they built for my commuter are ready. They'll be put on today while I'm at work.

Doesn't get much better than that.

Hey, Ordinary Guy--nothing like a nice wind to make a ride special. Outstanding.

New bike toys waiting for you when you get home; special indeed. Always a good feeling....

I didn't know wind can come from any direction other than head on...

I had a really strange wind experience yesterday riding home.
Started out with a stiff steady tailwind, easy pedaling at 27mph, then 3mi from work while on same northbound road, blam-o, the wind completely and suddenly reversed and I was strugging to push at 17mph. It wasn't one of those occasional gusty wind changes, but a complete reversal that sustained. It was like I hit an imaginary wall of jello.

Al

Rode last night to check out the time to get to the bus stations. I have two to chose from. Everything looks good for a bus/bike commute. Now to be up in time to be out of the house by 5am. Going to take some practice.

That stands in direct contrast to the day I've had. My bike shop called to tell me the new Tricross I ordered is no longer available. According to them, they aren't making the 2006's anymore and the 2007's don't come out until late June. The parts I ordered to fix my old bike won't ship for another week, so I'm now in my 3rd week without a bike. This stinks.

From the title of your thread, I thought it might be about how you did a naked commute. Glad I was wrong about that.