I've saved it up...

Gorgeous morning! I have been riding on and off to work since February, and this is what I have observed:
-On the road by 7am, reach work by 7:30am (12km each way). I stick to a bike path, lucky to have that straight from my home to office. I follow the Lachine canal its entire length - I see kayakers, dragon boaters, university kids playing volleyball, the pet hotel taking their many dogs for a poop walk, lovely greenery, then I finally reach Old Montreal Port. I feel lucky to have this ride. No cars, no lights! More and more roller bladers every day, I notice.
-My tires were in sore need of being changed - what a difference when I did.
-I switched from my hybrid to my road bike and love it, so much lighter.
-What to leave at work: a couple of pairs of underwear; extra pantyhose; essential toiletries; extra shoes or sandals; protein bars.
-Found a discreet place at work to hang the 'sweaty' stuff.
-I know it is controversial, but I listen to music on the way in, it breaks the monotony, and I don't play it loud. Right now it is the soundtrack to Le Fableux destin d'Amélie. Remember her riding her bike in the movie? If you have not seen this movie, do! It comes subtitled.
-Don't fool around with the iPod while riding.
-Don't answer the phone while riding.
-I bought a Bento box (a little case that fits near the handle bars) at MEC when I did a triathlon, to stash energy gels and cubes. Handy as a pocket in a shirt for iPod, key, cigarettes and lighter (just kidding!) and energy stuff (necessary for end of day low energy). My little under-saddle bag is stuffed to the brim with a pump, spare tire and levers.
-Yesterday was a warm rain day. Dressed in running shorts, MEC waterproof jacket, covers on the shoes. Could have used a rain cover for my knapsack. Next thing on shopping list. Enjoyed fewer people on the bike path though - only us die-hards when it rains.
-There is almost no such thing as too cold to ride for me (remember I'm in Quebec). As long as its a dry surface.
-Commuting makes you pay attention to the weather (and to the wind speed). The first thing I check when the paper arrives.
-Decided to remove the rack from my road bike for triathlon and left it off. Thought I would not like using knapsack, I don't mind it so much at all.
-Always take a quick look behind before over-taking. Give the person you are passing a wide berth, sometimes people are in their own world and they get alarmed and swerve when they finally notice you.
- I don't have a bell on my road bike, but I really found it handy on my hybrid. Must do something about that. With summer, that path will get busier and busier, and I don't like shouting or whistling to get attention.
-Wherever on the road, surprise/amaze drivers by obeying traffic rules. Relations between cars and drivers is tough around here, somebody has to get the ball rolling.
-Forest fires early this week many miles away - first time I ever rode in that kind of smog. Cough, cough! Can handle fog, not smog. Felt like I smoked my commute.
-Have I had a morning this week when I did not smell the remains of a skunk somewhere? Or had to keep my mouth closed at certain points because of little bugs? Or been blown away by the smell of pot coming from the two guys lying by the canal?
-Noticed the lights that the 'Bixis' have are really good. Must look into that. (For those not familiar with Bixi: http://montreal.bixi.com/home)
-My back sometimes suffers - perhaps I pull a bit too much. Yoga has been great for it.
-Enjoy the ride - it does not have to be a race against time.
-I am sleeping better at night.
I've really enjoyed reading about your rides - let's keep it rolling, commuter-community!