I commute because i love to ride -- so much so that I no longer own a car, I chose not to replace the last junker. I've lived lots of different places, but I've never felt at home anywhere...but in the saddle, riding my bike.

I take in the world on my terms on the bike; no filtering through safety glass, passive traveling on the back of an artificial power source, or climate control. It's just me and the Creation. Drivers are intruders, and are disdained as such.

The colder it gets, the more elemental I feel; anyone can pedal in 70-90F.

I am sad when I have to take my age-induced fragility into account (I don't heal like I used to), and am reduced to taking the bus during heavy snow/icy conditions. Conversely, I come alive again when I can get back on the bike.

I applaud your resolve.

I am getting closer to jumping into the bike commuter pool. I've finally got the light problem solved, just need fenders and a few other bits before I'm ready.

The more I think about it, the more I think I know why I want to commute. Because nobody thinks I can do it, and I love proving people wrong. I love riding my bike, and I love being "weird" and "different." It's looking like I still might not sell my car, but I'm okay with that... I'm still going to commute by bike. And I live in southern Louisiana, no reason I can't commute year-round.

I originally wanted to do it to save money, but now I just want to do it because I can.

Man, that's one low railing! Or maybe it just looks low from that angle (looking into the distance, I see it actually might not be too bad).

Anyway, where is "winter" in all of this. Looks like a nice summer day to me.

Happy butt cheeks!

A few new commuters have joined VeloWeb's "Reader's Rides" lately to share their commuting stories and bike photos.

Interesting stuff and maybe some food for your commuting thoughts.