Well...just like the title says. I am getting started in commuting. It is 22 miles round trip. Half of the trip is on a bike trail in Los Angeles. The remainder is on streets. I am riding a MTB with street tires on it. I am also keeping any accessories to the bike to a minimum as I still want to use the bike for light mountain biking with a friend.

I am wondering 2 things.

1. What is a decent pace to keep? I understand this will vary based on my physical condition, weight of the bike etc but what should I be looking for? I am getting 10-11 miles per hour atm.

2. Essentials-I have a saddle bag full tools, tube, CO2 inflator. I got that bag because I will obviously need that on a trail as well. I still need to get a "you see me headlight and a rear light". Anything else I am missing that you can think of for the basics? I am not gonna be moving groceries or any clothes back and forth to the office so bags on the back aren't necessary.

TIA