I used to commute to work 3 times a week. Twice a week I'd take public transportation to a half-way point in the morning (the commute was 12 miles each way) and ride the entire distance home. Once a week I would ride the entire thing both ways. It was one of the greatest times of my life. I'd have to get up so much earlier to ride to work and got about half as much sleep, but I felt so much more alive on the days I rode (and subsequently the rest of the week.) Talk about being fully awake by the time I got to work!!! I didn't need that cup of coffee to wake myself up, and talk about being so much more productive!!!

Everyone was completely impressed, which by itself is not a reason to do the commute but is definitely a plus. It kept me going! People would start betting how many days a week I'd do it and I was once even challenged to do it all five days. (Not a good idea, you definitely need to give yourself some adequate recovery time.) But I'll tell you, those bets kept me riding. I did it to spite the people who didn't think I'd keep doing it and then it became an absolute addiction.

The only reason I stopped is that my bike was stolen right outside of Starbucks when my husband rode it downtown to catch a movie. (It was locked up and sitting in front of a security guard...I'm convinced he was involved...bastard.) I didn't have renters insurance at the time and haven't been able to replace it until now. (It was over a year ago...) I recently bought an old mountain bike from a friend of mine who upgraded. I mountain bike less than I ride on the road, so I want to spend the big bucks on a touring bike. (I'm currently in the market for a touring bike. Any suggestions??)

Here's a tip...never let your bike out of your sight, even if you've got a good lock. It won't prevent the decay of western society from stealing your prized mode of transportation...(Maddening, I'm getting all huffy just thinking about the bastard who either sold it or is riding it right now.....)

But I digress...do the commute!!!!!