My cycling test went very well this past week. I’m quite confident that I can keep this up long term. It was exciting to realize that I hadn’t moved my car in at several days the last time I got in it to run some errands too far to go by bike.

I’m in a gear shopping phase right now. I picked up a Chrome Citizen a little while back to serve as my basic transport. I’m very pleased with it after a week’s worth of commuting. It’s a very comfortable bag that feels solid. The stabilizing strap that goes under the left armpit does wonders to keep the bag where it ought to be. I tried riding with my old messenger bag and it just flopped all over and generally made the endeavor uncomfortable.

Yesterday I got a bike rack installed. I’d been considering a set of panniers, but those can be a bit spendy. Plus, they’re a bit awkward to deal with once at my destination. I’m liking the looks of the Topeak TrunkBags. They’ll clip right on and off of my new rack. I think they’d probably hold a pair of gym shoes, but I’d like to take a peek at them first.

My next big purchase probably ought to be a good rainproof jacket though. I’m really not too sure where to start for that. If I intend to keep cycling to work I’m really going to need some protection from the weather.

I started biking to work yesterday. I’ve been talking about it since I bought the bicycle back in March, but never mustered up the stones to do it until yesterday. So far, it’s been going rather well.

The distance I have to go is fairly short, no more than 4 to 5 miles at best. The traffic can get a bit dicey in spots. Crossing the busy road that leads downtown takes some time. I’m not above cheating a little and riding on the sidewalk if need be.

I’m starting to realize what a bag fetish I have. I picked up a Chrome Citizen over the weekend because I needed something comfortable. Staci has been continuing her research, and every company she looks into makes something I absolutely love too. I’m trying to figure out how badly I’ll need panniers or other carrying tools and I’m just looking way too much at way too expensive of items.

Cycling to and from work feels so much freer than driving. I feel like I could explore. If I want to stop for a minute, or peek down a street I’ve never been on, I can do that. Aside from the heat, I’ve actually been looking forward leaving work to get the chance to ride again.