I lost my car over fifteen years ago and have been cycling everywhere ever since. I go grocery shopping, to the bank, work, everywhere. A lot of people have given me crap for not having a car, but lately with the price of gas they are starting to point to me saying, "Now that's the way to do it."
My current bike is a Giant Sedona. I've had her now for just over two years and I love her (yes I refer to my Sedona as a "she"). I bought some saddle bags a while back for carrying groceries and etc. I keep a bike kit under the seat with tools, spare repair kit, etc. I don't really have any tricks to share accept that I take my bike into the bike shop here (its called Rock 'n' Road) to get her overhauled twice a year - once in the spring and once more in the fall. In between I will stop in there to get the chain, gears, cables, and tires checked. Regular maintenance has kept me on the road cycling happy.
dc