I bit the bullet and spent the entire last week riding the Metro. I didn't ride one day and I damn near went crazy. I tried to spend a few days doing core exercises, per everybody's advice and I suppose that helped, (when is it ever a bad idea to do ab/back exercises)?
On Saturday, I got the nerve to try and take a small jog. I kept it to 3.75 miles and took it very slowly. Feeling no severe after-effects, I took Sunday off again and prepared for today.
The ride this morning was uneventful. I gave myself another 15 minutes, just in case anything unpredictable occured. At about the 5 mile mark, I took a break just to stretch out and walk around. Again, feeling no negative effects, I settled in for the long climb(s) up Capitol Hill.
What a tremendous feeling to ride up to the gym and dismount without my back seizing up on me. I will continue to monitor throughout the day, but I feel very confident about the ride back home tonight. I will think twice before ever pushing it again - in the effort to save 5 minutes on one ride, I cost myself a week. It's a long year; pace, pace, pace.
**Note: Whoever that was on the trail along Lake Union who yelled, "Bob!", at me, I finally get what you were talking about. Back at you, man, thanks for noticing, you are correct.
***Note 2: Whoever that was who complimented me on my bike - specifically, how nice it was and how lucky I was to have it - it's probably best in general not to do that as the cyclist is locking it and preparing to walk away. If you do, please don't linger, staring longingly at the frame...it just doesn't inspire confidence. No harm, no foul, I just don't want you to get hurt drooling over someone else's bike who's more protective than I am of my aluminum junkie.

Totals:
Week 1: 40 miles
Week 2: 55 miles
Week 3: 60 miles
Week 4: 60 miles
Week 5: ZERO, DAMMIT.
Week 6: 10 miles w/ no pain so far.


Ride safe, all.