October is the best around here. A big chunk of my 13 mile, bi-state commute is on tree lined bike paths. I leave in the dark and return the same, but with just enough twilight to enjoy the leaves and rising moon (full harvest this week). It is usually about this time drivers stop seeing me as a guy on a toy, in their way and more as a fellow commuter.

Now I live in Phoenix and ride home through some questionable neighborhoods. Still beats being in a car, though.

The second day was difficult. Muscles hurt that I didn’t know I had. The following days, I got introduced to my new friends: The saddle sore (from wearing tighty whities and jeans), the numb fingers (from a poorly adjusted bike), foot arch suffering (from flimsy tennis shoes and poor pedaling form) and several other wonderful things that just took some getting used to and some adjustments to my bike, my gear, and my own bad habits.

That’s why I said a couple of weeks.

Noah, it sounds like Jeremy may be hooked already.

This time of year, I’m stuck doing part of my commute on a bus and it always makes me groggy. My usual bike-only commute is better than any amount of coffee. Forcing your heart and body to kick into gear before work really does a great job setting the stage for the rest of your day. You’ll also probably notice that your metabolism will stabilize and you’ll get a better night’s sleep, too. It might take a few weeks to start seeing the results, but believe me, you’ll be hooked if you stay with it for just a few days.

I get the feeling though, that tomorrow will be my best ride as well.