Doin' it for the first time....

[Tri Girl]

Congrats!!!! Sounds like it was a great first day of commuting. Hopefully there will be many, many more.
Yeah, my mood was always a million times better the few times I've commuted. Now that my new job is only 2 miles away, I plan to be in a great mood every day.

[dervilfal]

That sounds like a wonderful first ride in!

Mine was 15 miles in and 15 miles home. The ride in was wonderful, I practically had the trails to myself, and besides getting lost once I got off the trail and on the streets, it was great. The ride home was a little tense on the busy streets to get to the trial, but a wonderful ride home also even in the heat. I was worried when I started home because I was so worn out for the day, but after a few minutes of riding I got my second wind.

I hope to do it 3-4 times a week going forward. It takes longer than driving in, but is so much more enjoyable!

[Reesha]

I am always anxious before a new commute. Mine are 12 miles each way and wind through the city of St. Louis. The anxiety usually transforms into exhilaration once I remember that I'm in control, everything is fine and that at 5:30-6:30 AM there aren't many people on the roads!

I also found out this morning with my trusty Polar HR monitor that I burned 800 calories while commuting with 20 lbs on my bike!

[Geonz]

And you might want to look into a "road riding" course to boost your skills and confidence, just for fun.

[GulfCoastAmy]

Congrats - that's awesome! I wish I could do the same, but I don't have the guts to ride in all that traffic!