Seeing that I work for a group that deals extensively with GPS, I'm going to revise my elevation number to be a little more accurate. My boss pointed me to IGS sites CIT1 and JPLM as reference points. CIT1 is at CalTech, and JPLM is, oddly enough, here at JPL. The log lists CIT1 at 215 meters, and JPLM at 423 meters, for a difference of 208 meters (or 682 feet). Now, JPLM is a little above the rest of the lab, up on the mesa, so I'm going to say right now that this new number is a little high. I would put the difference closer to 190 meters, or 620 feet. A substantial climb.

Another thing I forgot to mention... The thing that bugged me most on the ride in was how sweaty the backpack I was wearing made my back. Within the next few weeks I'll pick up a pair of paniers that'll take care of getting load off my back. I also probably will end up looking for a shirt that holds less moisture. I hate normal bike shirts, but maybe... I'm not wearing the shorts, though. Maybe I could do it on the bike sections, but there's no way I could wear those on the train. I'm just fine in board shorts, thank you.