A bit of description of your route profile.

Some suburban roads, but mostly back roads in/around Boulder. Good shoulders and bike lanes. One granny-ring climb, some rollers, and some flat sections mixed in. It provides a nice workout and clears my head.

What kind of bike you ride. (photos would be cool)

SOMA Saga tourer (2010 model). Set up with a rear rack and front low-riders. Full fenders (year round), 24/36/46 x 11-32 gearing, canti's, 700x35 (or 32) tires. Dynohub lighting up front, and battery-powered lights in back. Just made a ton of changes to it, so I don't have any current pics.

How you carry your gear and what or how much (volume) stuff you bring on the ride.

Most of my gear lives in my front (Ortlieb) panniers. I carry a change of clothes, shoes, lunch, wallet, and cell phone. Spare tube, patch kit, mini-tool and the like are stored in a Soul Run tool pouch which is strapped on my rear rack (along with a Lezyne mini-pump).

Distance & time (average speed if you care to share)

11.5 miles door-to-door. Getting there takes approx 45 mins, and coming home takes 55-58 mins. Sometimes it's less, sometimes it's more--it all depends on the weather, my mood, and how much stuff I'm carrying.

How long you've been doing this and any thoughts you have toward the future of your commuting.

Started in June 2010 to supplement my off-road riding. I try to cycle commute 2-3 days a week. When my daughter gets her driver's license I'll shoot for 4 days a week.