(Thanks to sci guy for the idea with his love hate thread)

When commuting via bicycle,

I always . . . .
Take longer, scenic routes on the way home
Laugh
Take days off when it's cold (fortunately El Paso doesn't get cold often)
Ride in rain (I looooove riding in the rain)
Act snooty towards car drivers
Use lots of lights day or night
Wave and give thumbs up to other bicyclists
Wear black because I think it makes me look thinner
Use a Coke crate for cargo
Lock the bike even if I'm going in a Convenience Store for only a sec
Eat like a pig and don't gain weight (although I used to be obese)
Stop to help other cyclists if they have a flat or other mechanical difficulty
Use a helmet
Adjust, lube. inflate, and inspect every Sunday afternoon even if the Broncos are on TV

I never . . . .
Puncture (SportCONTACT tires from Conti. Last flat was 2008)
Ride on main streets - I'm lucky that my entire commute can be done on side streets
Go to Doctors
Use bike shorts/jersey
Ride very fast (my average speed is about 12mph, my road speed is 16 or 17) so I get passed by other cyclists a lot
Get colds, and then when I do they last just a few hours
Use my car, unless I'm carrying heavy stuff like my guitars or am giving someone a ride or the trip would be unreasonably long
Put my bike on the bus carriers
Refer to bicyclists as "bikers"
Use toe clips or clipless pedals - I'm a platform kinda guy

Always: Look forward to the ride. Enjoy getting on the saddle.


Never: Not pack pepper spray. Set a personal best a few weeks ago. Got chased by three dogs on the way to work, then two more on the way home. You gotta be kidding me.

I always:
- wear gloves, helmet
- use toe clips (though, I am looking for some new more slim line version so that they don't drag on the ground)
- wear cycle shorts and tights (not jersey or clipless shoes)

I never:
- seem to go as fast as I used to (finally took the road bike out yesterday expecting this burst of speed, which didn't happen.

I always:
Pump up before every ride
Wear cycling clothes, shorts, jerseys, jackets, gloves
Fill my bottle
Ride as fast as I can, within reason

I never:
Ride in the snow
Ride in the cold, below 35
Let anyone pass me without giving at least a chase
Pass by a free beer

I always:
- am cautious
- am happiest going to work when biking
- look to these forums to either improve my own bikes or N+1

I never:
- use absolutes (ooops!)

I always:

commute (unless I have to pick up a guest visiting the university by car)

I never:

skip commuting (unless I have to pick up a guest visiting the university by car)