I've ridden to work a few times now - 5.5 miles of country road, through a sheep farm, over a covered bridge, and past a Rosicrucian temple. The best part is being greeted like a champion by my "Wolverines" - the group of head-injured men for whom I'm day-program therapist. I have worked really hard on them noticing and applauding each other's accomplishments - even if they sometimes seem small (like remembering my name or growing a flower - um, this is why I'm so strong on the helmet thing.) The first time I showed up on my bike, they met me at the door like I had won the Tour. They cheered and shouted. They examined my bike (most haven't really seen one for 15 years) my gloves, my helmet (they're very stern about the helmet, too.) I realized they'd totally gotten it about rewarding accomplishment, and had turned it around on me. Now they track my progress.

It is a real pain in the butt to be organized enough the day before to bring everything I need for changing. But there are a lot of very large women at work, and they are starting to ask me about getting fitter. So by riding to work once in a while, I can start to do for them what y'all do for me.

For which I can't thank you all enough