Originally Posted by pamaguahiker

Recently this summer, i have begun to commute to work. My biggest concern was staying rather sweat free and being able to shape up once at work. My other concern was to daylight. I am a RN and work 12s. My shift starts at 6:45am and i usually get out at 19:45 to 2000. I chose this summer to start my commuting. I began by riding my Bianchi touring type bike and quickly discovered it was a bit much for a mere ride into work only. For errands after work and other things, it works well. But after 13 hours i rarely need to lug extra weight around. Especially after being on my feet for all 13 hours. My commute is very short by most standards, i imagine. It is a 5.1 mile ride into work on relatively easy rollers (pennsylvania terrain). work has been excellent because i can stash my bike just about anywhere within the confines of the building and being one of the supervisors, i use this to my advantage.
I now use a 95 Bianchi Trofeo...equipped for abuse and my beater bike. i use it for all my commutes and i now have things down to a perfect mix of what exactly to carry. I have an old ruck rack that fits everything i need perfectly and i have the ride down to barely a tad of sweat on the way in and who cares about sweat for the ride home. My attitude has improved and i am passive at work as well making better decisions and staying calmer. When i get home. i don't talk about work at all. I only work about 3 days per week. so i manage about a 12 mile roundtrip daily. The total commuting miles are short by most of you guys standards but it has been enjoyable and i am really enjoying the rides. Most small errands are now performed on my bike also on my days off.
I just thought i would share my short commute with the folks on here. I have read a TON on the forums and got some great tips as well. So thanks!

Walter