I wanted to tell you all about my commute yesterday.
I didn't think it would be anything special. In fact, I had a real hard time prying myself out of bed. But, I managed to get up, eat some breakfast and get myself together for the ride. The sun is rising earlier, now. It's almost a waste to carry my Niterider HID headlight. Within a half an hour of riding, it's light enough outside I no longer need it. Regarless, I turned the light on and pedaled out my driveway. Once on the bike and out on the street, I knew I was in for a good ride. Sure enough, I think the ride in was the best yet. It was only marred by a dog that gave a half hearted attempt to give chase and a driver that decided to pass me close as he could. What really angered me was the fact there was nobody in the other lane and about 50 yards ahead of me, the bugger changed lanes. IDIOT!!!!! Well, I didn't let one nincompoop ruin what was so far the best commute ride, yet. At this point, I was in the middle of the climb up out of the basin into the lower foothills of the San Bernardino mountains. Nothing real steep, just prolonged uphills. There is a railroad viaduct to cross and one short but fairly steep climb and I powered over both of those getting pretty cocky. The rest of the ride was really cool. An older gentleman driving a hummer rolled down the window and began quizzing me about my bike. I answered his questions and when the light turned green and we pulled away, he stayed just a little ways ahead of me and drove at my pace. I guess he was trying to guage how fast I was riding. I arrived at work in record time; plenty of time for the shower, shave and breakfast number 2 before assuming my duties. I was really stoked and felt good all day. I could hardly wait for the day to end so I could get back on the bike!
When the time finally came and I changed back into my cycling clothes, PEEEYEEEW!!!! I realized I must have worked pretty hard on the ride in because my jersey sure did stink! I got sweatier going home because it was warmer. Traffic is always a concern in the afternoon and there is one particular section I really dislike. I was feeling so good, I decided to take another route that would throw some more climbing and perhaps another mile or three to the ride. The problem is; it has more and faster moving traffic, but a wider shoulder. I'm still uncomfortable on that street, partly because of the neighborhood it passes through. So, I won't do that very often, but it was a pretty cool break from the hum drum same ol' same ol' route. I really like to vary my routes and my times so I'm not predictably in places the same time every day. Not that I'm paranoid, but San Bernardino is a pretty rough town. By the time I did the last climb into Redlands, I had just about had all the fun I could take. I was getting tired and looking forward to a cold beer at home. I rolled into my garage (AKA "The Mancave") about 5 minutes later than I normally would. I was pleased with the day's ride and pretty pleased with myself. It's days like these, when I'm still stoked about the ride a day later, that make cycling the fun and rewarding activity it is. From past experience, I can tell you as fitness improves, so do the numbers of days like these. I think it's a shame more people don't know the fun and rewards that cycling offers.
Mark
I think it is easier for him to remember the Sofrider which is not so easy to forget. :roll: He sat on it and said he will come and visit one evening to try it out. We had a long talk he was looking for something comfortable to ride also on dirt roads. For me it was not difficult to tell him what a great commuter the Sofrider is. So the rest of my ride up the hills going home went very easily. 
