BIKE/BUS/BIKE AGAIN
-A College Commuter Inquiry

I have been commuting for a short time. I commute to work (6 mi to work and 5 mi home) and I have commuted to school (11 mi one way). I was thinking of riding my bike to the park and ride, so I can get a quick lift over to school via bus, since everyone at my college gets to ride the bus for free, and then on the way home I would just commute the 11 miles.

I have a Peugeot 12 Speed with 700x28 tires, but no rack. I was thinking of alternatives of carrying my supplies, because the two times I did commute the 22 miles I was wearing a back pack, it was a bad idea. I was thinking about getting a Chrome Mini Metro and a Carradice Barley Saddle Bag to carry my things on the way home. Does any one have any suggestions about these two bags and traveling long distances? I would make sure to keep the messenger bag light. I just want to commute in my normal clothes from home to the bus stop and then the bus depot to school. I wish I could go the whole way without sweating but I probably wouldn't get anywhere.