Confidence riding in the dark. I never rode in the dark before setting out for that first commute 2.5 years ago. I learned a lot about what is and is not a good light setup really quick. Confidence riding in traffic. This is also partly due to thinking through visibility and lighting. Have a 'SEE' light, have a 'BE SEEN' light. Have two BRIGHT tail lights, reflective tape, reflective vest, BikeGlow, Lightweights. I've shined my blinking Stella, on the helmet, into drivers eyes on many occasions; just turn my head a little... Yep, ride your car defensively, ride the bike offensively and defensively and know when to use each. Yes, don't trust the drivers; they are busy with their coffee as they exit the Mcdonalds. Take the lane when needed (I have to do this several times each way); I never had the guts to do that before.

Riding a bike that weighs double what my road bike weighs has improved my meager endurance to almost sub human levels (I was never athletic even as a child), and my legs aren't flabby anymore. A co worker mentioned that from behind, I look like a little girl because my rear is so small.

I find I am more alert at work, and more alert and 'alive' in general. Energy level is higher all day whether I rode or not. Kinda like I feel younger. I feel better but I can't say exactly what it is; breathe easier, head feels clearer, think clearer; does this make sense? BP is lower that's for sure, heart rate is lower. Maybe that's it?