I started riding the bicycle to and from work a year ago, mostly to avoid the commuter crush here in Tokyo. The first few weeks was difficult but it got signif

I started riding the bicycle to and from work a year ago, mostly to avoid the commuter crush here in Tokyo. The first few weeks was difficult but it got significantly easier as I got more fit. I've hit my goal of getting to and from work in less time then the train. My motivation lately has been to keep up and pass the numerous mopeds and scooters. What really gets me going is trying to keep up with cyclists on road racing bicycles. I really don't have much of a chance on the my hybrid (cross between a commuter and mountain bicycle + electric assist to 24km/h) but it's always a happy day when I pass the slower road racers. It must motivate them too because they will try to keep pace but eventually fade away after a few kilometers. The other motivation is thrill of speed on the downhill sections. Another area I seem to have an advantage as the road racers seem to top out at 40km/h. Or maybe I'm just crazy as I'm leaned all the way over to negotiate the curves. Now that it looks like the burn I feel in my legs is most likely a lie, I'll keep pushing!