Dar,

I commuted this morning. It's about 4 1/2 miles to work.

I prefer to wear jean shorts and a t-shirt or tank top. There are a few blocks of so-so neighborhood to ride through, (it's not really that bad, but I prefer to be cautious), and there is a halfway house a few buildings away from the office. I don't pass it, but there are a some registered sex offenders there. We've never had any problems at or around the office and I've worked here for nine years, but I don't want to come in wearing spandex mainly for that reason. I just bring in work clothes the day before a ride and allow some extra time to clean up and get changed. Usually I just take a quick spit bath at the sink and keep some afterbath spray to make sure there isn't any lingering aroma.

It's worked well so far, and it feels great just to enjoy the fresh air! (I sympathise about the wind. It's nice and light today, but a couple weeks ago I headed home into a 25 mph headwind - ugh! We get plenty of that in Kansas.)

Deb