Air you can wear

Easy pace this morning on the bike commute into work. About an hour and 20 minutes. Roughly 7 minutes slower than average.

Chalk it up to the drag coefficient of the thick Carolina air, or as we call it around here: "air you can wear."

Unlike the past couple of summers, we've had a good share of rain and humidity. Add the August heat and you've got a thick, soupy atmosphere that clings to you like an amorous frog. Not so bad that it causes condensation on your glasses, but it definitely impairs evaporative cooling on a ride.

All-in-all, still a nice morning for a ride into work. Really liking my Novara Transfer panniers from REI. Good size for the commute - carries my computer, papers, big hairy u-lock, clothing (underwear, t-shirt, socks and tie for work, change of cycling clothes for commute home), and miscellaneous trinkets. I keep a dark suit, two shirts, black shoes and a shave kit at the office.

Also liking my Novara 'Round Town Bike Panniers for weekend grocery and farmers market runs. Holding up well, and carry just enough stuff for the Saturday night grilling session. That includes a six pack of malted beverage.