Kinda continued from here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=15907

I bike commuted! Well...just a dry run - today being Sunday. But it only took just over an hour each way, which is good, IMO. It's just over 14 miles each way, and the way back was a little painful - if there had been just *one* more hill, I don't think I'd have made it. But I did it! Without being smooshed! Today was my first real day of riding on the roads, so I was a little scared about that.

Actually, when I got to the final MUP section before work, I was surprised to find that I almost missed the bike lane. It was nice and quiet on the path, but on the other hand, I had to keep stopping for road crossings and pedestrians and dogs and all. Not a big deal, but it did mean I couldn't just *ride*. I think it required more awareness of my surroundings than the bike lane did, which was a little bit of a surprise.

I also ended up "taking the lane" at left hand turns, for the most part, instead of turning pedestrian as I'd planned. It just seemed simpler and less risky - I waited for a gap, jumped in line, and went. I don't know what it'd be like in heavier traffic, though.

I think it'll still be awhile before I'm ready to really commute. I have to figure out a strategy for getting my stuff to work - either ahead of time or on the bike - and I'm also a little unsure what traffic is like in the mornings. I've driven my route - more or less - a few times, but it's still hard to tell in the car vs. actually being on the bike.

I did it! I did it! I'm so pleased with myself!