I started a new job a couple weeks ago, happily one that affords me the opportunity to ride to work. It's about 6 or 7 kms--a good 20 minute ride in the mornings. ONe of the few drawbacks is traffic. I have been considering my options to make it safer, including choosing an alternate (and slightly off-road) route and perhaps brighter clothing. I also have to work out a routine for prepping my wheels. I sometimes forget the small maintenance issues that come up during a ride, but that suddenly escape me as soon as my faithful old Mantra delivers me safely home. The annoying bottom bracket squeak, for instance - drives me insane while i'm riding, but do you think I can remember to tear it down in time to get it back together for tomorrow's ride? NOPE!  Maybe this weekend I will have to get up close and personal with the bike mechanically, and we'll both feel better next Monday