Hi all,

Been lurking a while and thought I'd throw this into the fray. I am new to commuting on the Bike (2005 Fuji Nevada Cross). My commute is 14-15 miles each way from Lorton, VA to Fairfax, VA (Near Merrifield). Rode in last Friday and what with the heat, left the bike in the office and caught a ride home. Rode home last night in the rain (actually it was kind of fun) and then rode into work this morning. My legs are fine but I think the backpack (which probably weighed 25 lbs) messed my back up something fierce! I can hardly move. I've taken some Aleve and hope to gain some relief for the trek home.

I believe I will be buying a set of paniers to hang on the rack so as to save my back.

The real question is, am I doing too much too soon? I really want to use the commute as a means to get fit and lose some weight. Any advise?

Thanx in Advance

Steve