Start my commute later this week!
 

Now that the school year is over, and summer is here (the best thing about teaching!!), I look forward to my summer job - Coaching Swimming. I pretty much coach most of the year, but the summer season is much more fun. Now that I am into riding as well as swimming, I have my route to the outdoor pool mapped out - all back roads, a few small climbs, and plenty of scenery. It is only 13 miles each way, and I have ridden it several times trying to make sure I have the best route - and I do.

There are several things I had to plan out to do this. One being lights - my ride in will be in the heat of the day 4:30, but the ride back will be dawn to dark - 8:30. I ordered some lights after borrowing a friends to see how they work. So I hope that works out. I also had to work out some type of pack - since most of my rides will start and finish with 90+ degree temps, I went with a camelbak. Not too fond of carrying a pack on a bike, however, I also need to haul some flip-flops, change of clothes/swim suit as well as a compact swim towel - and the extra water makes me feel cooler sipping constantly.

I am looking forward to it. The best part about it is that it pretty much is a 26 mile ride with a several hour break and opportunity to swim at the mid way point.

Congrats on embarking on a great habit!

It sounds like you really don't have too much to carry, you may consider a saddle or handlebar bag for the towel, flip flops, and such. Some people like Camel Baks, some don't; I've never used one so I have no opinion.

Don't know how much it really matters, but what kind of bike are you riding?

2011 Trek 1.5 - I don't really want to put a rack on it, and I don't know if a handlebar bag or seat bag would be big enough to hold size 12 flip flops, a change of clothes, and a towel. I don't mind the camelbaks - I wore one constantly when I was into mountain biking. I also, like the occassional day hike - so I needed a new one anyway.

Sounds like you have a great summer ahead of ya. I like my Camelbak Hawg, I don't think it could fit everything you have to carry, but I am sure they have a model that would. Which did you go with?

I had an older model mule - and it wouldn't fit everything in there (It may have been the original mule - and is smaller than the current lobo). I went with the rim runner. It has more than enough room, and I can use it on day-hikes. I went with the larger size because it was more adjustable too - with the 4 compression straps, I can pull small loads in tight - and it fits my 6'4" frame a little better.