Today was the fifth day that I made my easy 5 mile commute. I got a Trek 7200FX almost two weeks ago,first bike since high school in 1987, with a rack but still waiting for back-ordered panniers, so have been inventive with gym bags and bungee cords. Broke down last night and bought a cheap (but bright) backpack from WalMart to get me through, I had tried to carry some papers in a folder under one arm but that was NOT fun. Usual newbie problems like the first time I tried to pump up a Presta valve and twisted the stem off, also haven't gotten up the courage to try taking the back wheel off to put on a fender, though the front wheel isn't so scary now.

The info about commuting gear and routines I've read here has been most helpful. I can see that buying accessories for one's bike can become a serious habit. Almost got rained on today, am still not sure how much damage it does to get the bike wet and not be able to really wipe it down until the end of the day.
But I'm definitely hooked on biking and hope I can get a refund for my yearly parking fee at work! I've certainly been more awake all morning after riding in.
Russell