and, a lot of my cycling gear did “double-duty”: rain jacket and pants for other rainy outdoor activities, ski gloves for those very cold biking days, wicking under layers for hiking and skiing, ditto for light wool head cover, wool gloves, wool liners, and on and on.

then there’s the savings on less medical bills and visits to the doctors and mental health practitioners; no need for a fitness club membership;…. i’ll stop here.

“Vastly cheaper than driving” has not been my experience. I save about $25 a week on gas, but spend more than that on gear. Bike light, fenders, more bike shorts, long-fingered gloves, wool base layers, light backpack for commuting, the list goes on. Still, I’m happy to be able to direct those funds to Northwest- or US-based companies where possible, instead of the money going overseas immediately.

I’d add this reason: If it’s a rough weather day, by the time I arrive at the office, I feel as if I have already accomplished something. http://www.rockyhillside.net/Blogs/index.php/2006/10/27/riding_in_the_snow