So I ran a couple of errands yesterday for the first time on my new Surly Cross Check with front and rear Surly Nice racks and an Ortlieb Sport Packer Plus on the front left. I went to the bank deposited a checks, I went to the post office, dropped off two packages.

Bank and post office went good, then I went to Smart and Final and picked up 2x35 packs of 16.1 liter Crystal Geyser and it just went FUBAR. It started raining, the water was too damn heavy for my bike. I couldn't even lift my legs off the floor or steer with the waters slipping, flopping, and falling all over the place. I only secured it with bungee cords, so I guess that's partly why it failed but I just felt so embarrassed, especially cause I sold my car to buy the bike and still spent $600 more. I tried and tried for maybe about 30 minutes before I gave up and called home for help.


So my younger brother, who has talked crap about my going car-free, picked me up.

Anyways, I need a little encouragement/advice on how to haul heavy loads.
[mods feel free to move this to car-free living]