My route is primarily on secondary roadways with noshoulder for biking. On the 3 or 4 miles of primary roads there is usually a 8 foot wide shoulder that is perfect for bike. The route is divided evenly between flat and relatively hills. I have found 90%+ of the drivers to be willing to share the road with a bike during commuting hours. The time that i spend on bike bike is what makes work enjoyable. Without my bike I would feel terrible at work.
I am 51 years old and began cycling to work about 6 years ago. This past year I road over 4500 mile and keep my goal at 4000 miles per year. The only days that I refrain from riding is when the temperature is below 10 degrees F. or when there is significant snow and ice on or along the roadway. I work in an office and use a rack pack or panniers to carry my clothes and lunch with me. Since I began riding I lost 25 pounds and feel great. This year I entered my first competitive cycling event, Senior Olympics held near St Louis and set two course record while winning gold medals in the 5K and 10K rides. I consider myself an avid cyclist and would feel lost without my bike