Becoming Traffic

Today I probably did the most riding (mileage-wise) since I've been here in Denver - Both campuses, baby! My bike computer tells me that I've logged well over 100 miles in the last 2 weeks as well. Sweet! I was going to stop at home in between morning and afternoon classes, but decided to bite the bullet and push through it. So it was 15.5 miles total which isn't a bad ride, especially back in Chicago. Now that I've found some nice routes to take, though, it's definitely way more fun here simply due to the lower traffic volume and the considerateness of the drivers. And the tree-lined streets. But the elevation changes are definitely making things more challenging. I am afeared that my calves are just going to become ridiculous since I like my gear ratios to give me a higher resistance when I'm riding. Oh well - it can only make me stronger!
Also noticed today that I ride much harder/faster when I a. am trying to beat a car off the line; b. am generally riding in traffic; c. spot another biker on the road or d. spy a flashing red "don't walk" hand at the upcoming intersection. What does that say about either my chase instinct or my competitiveness, I wonder? Those were the thoughts I had while urging my tired calves up the incline to Fitzsimmons.
At any rate, I gmap pedometered my route for anyone interested...scroll to the right on the elevation chart - that hill really did feel that huge today since I was also riding straight into a pretty intense headwind. It only reinforces my awe of professional cyclists because this ride would be cakewalk for them. Amazing. On the plus side, I flew home after the p.m. class!