First bike commute this year!

[bounceswoosh]

I rode my new Madone to work today. 12.25 miles, averaging 14+ mph. The route is fairly mellow with a few short, gradual ups and downs, averaging just a little more up than down, though (I believe this because the ride always takes longer on the way in than back home). It will probably take me a few rides to get fully comfortable with the road handlebars and the A520 pedals. (One-sided SPD pedals intended for road bikes.) Oh, and figuring out how a road bike handles over this and that in the road.

I'm new to road bikes, but it was pretty comfy -- my hands didn't get numb spots the way they used to on a rigid mtb with slicks, and my toes didn't go numb the way they used to in my old mtb shoes (I got new mtb shoes, but they're stiffer than the old ones). On the test rides, my right elbow acted up a lot, but as the fitter predicted, once I got onto the open road and was less nervous, I loosened up, didn't lock my elbows (as much), and all was well.

I used a commuting-oriented backpack to carry all my stuff, and that worked pretty well, although I'm sure my back will get much sweatier in the summer. This morning it was in the high forties when I set out. I wore tights over my shorts, a light jacket over my jersey, and my skiing glove liners over my fingerless bike gloves!

I don't know if it's that I'm in better shape than in past years (thank you indoor soccer), or if the road bike is just that much more suited, but it definitely felt a lot easier than two years ago. (Last year my physical therapist wouldn't let me ride a bike -- I had to avoid doing anything that affected my ulnar nerve. Which is just about anything, period.)

Anyway -- yay, me!

[sbctwin]

Congrats on your first commute! I love my commute...it helps me start the day in a better frame of mind and it releases a lot of stress for the ride home (unless there are jerky drivers)...

[vermonster]

Congrats on your first commute!!!! I love riding to work. I particularly love riding by gas stations and knowing that my car won't be moving at all for several days.

[Tri Girl]

Congrats! Sounds like it was a great experience all the way around. Glad it was easier than a couple years ago. All that time in the saddle is paying off for sure! Nice going!!!