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!