Gator alum here. Gainesville is the best biking city in the southeast. You will not be disappointed in the local trails. Have fun! When I went to school there, I just wore my regular Jansport while biking. I was a total noob at the time though. If I were to do it again I would probably go milkcrate + any backpack. I use panniers & racks for commuting now but theft was a serious issue when I went to school there and I doubt it has changed.