My commute is 6 miles 1 way. Going to work takes me 20 minutes, going home takes me anywhere from 30-45 depending on headwind or tailwind! I commute all winter but I also live in the desert SW. (Surly??....the highs this week.....in the upper 60s to 70 ma'am!)
I go to work on a very busy street with a bike lane. I've ridden on very busy streets without bike lanes but I live in a (for the most part) bike-friendly state. Is there another route you can use to get you to work?....maybe secondary streets that parallel the busy one?
I didn't commute today (63 right now) and I'm feeling very grumpy and growly - I miss my commute!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "Yeah Baby! What a Ride!"