Longest ride since my neck injury (26 miles) and I got to test my commuting route at the same time. It was still pretty dark when I left home so I got to test my Light and Sound Vis360 helmet lights, they worked well with my cheap Planet Bike light on the bar (flashing) and on the seat post.

I burned far more calories than expected - I always seem to do that when I am on unfamiliar routes. It isn't like it was hilly, outside of a couple of steepish bumps - I think that when it is a route I am unaccustomed to that I tend to work harder. I was also trying to use the big chain more frequently to become more efficient - faster on the flats at a lower cadence.There was also the unplanned sprint to get away from 2 pit bull mixes my first dog chase since one took a bite out of my calf last spring (and still isn't quite healed).

I had fun, the route is doable, and I felt far safer on the busy street in the 1-lane section than I thought I would. The lanes are quite wide so they can give me plenty of room without having to cross the line.

I made it too late to catch the opening of the Indpls 500 Mini-marathon but that's ok. I had a very nice morning. 65ish degrees, winds <7mph. I will take it