Like Tulip, I check in here once in awhile, since my real commuting days ended a couple of years ago and won't start again for about a year (when I graduate and have to get a job ). Today was the start of my summer "errand riding" season. I only have ridden my Jamis twice since January 1; once was just a winter ride and the other was in April for a doctor appointment.
I try to do small local errands on my Jamis at least once a week. Sometimes, twice. Most of these trips are 8-13 miles, some are 20. Today, I went to the fish market to buy some yellow fin tuna. I ran this morning and was in no mood for a road ride; wicked thunderstorms were predicted for later PM (they are arriving now), so I went out at around 1:45. It was so pleasant not to be thinking about speed or anything else! It was sprinkling on my ride there, but since it's 80 and humid, it felt good. I locked my bike up at the LBS next to the fish market, got my fish and then quickly took off for home, avoiding the French bistro/bakery and ice cream shop on the same block.
8.7 miles and I was soaked with sweat when I arrived home. My poor Jamis needs some TLC... i wiped the yellow pollen dust off of it, but the chain needs to be replaced (it's been sitting in the basement for awhile) and the bike needs a good cleaning.