Finally! the time has come again...
 

...to start commuting!

It's been three long months, with sparse hours at the gym, a new BB, and 200miles of back-of-the-pickup travel, and a new climate to deal with. But I've finally started my commute to work here in Houston.
It's only 12 miles (RT), but it's enough to make me winded, not to mention an annoying headwind the whole way home.
most of my ride is travelling along the White Oak Bayou in NW Houston, so it's really not that bad, lots of bike lanes too, which is nice and convenient. I just wish the streets in my neighborhood were a bit less rough so I could go back to my 700x23's.
Anyone else commute in the Houston area? At times it seems like I'm the only one, since most of the people I pass by are simply morning joggers/walkers.
Now i'm just waiting on a saddle bag from VO so I don't have to stuff eveything into one bag.

It will get easier. My commute is 5 miles each way and I cover some rough roads. I'm running 700c x 28 and they are working pretty well so far. I put in some thorn-resistant tubes (3/4 lb. each) and they soak up the railroad tracks and potholes well. I switched from rack trunk to panniers late last year and it is so much easier not having to cram everything in. I know the feeling of being the only commuter. I don't see any others on my route either. Ride fast and be safe.