For 28 years my commute was 9 miles each way with a less safe 7-mile option that I used occasionally. FOr the last 2 and a half years my current commute is 6 miles each way with an 8-mile almost-traffic-free option.

I live in hilly Colorado Springs. My home was 650 feet higher than my old job with a valley in between so lots of climbing. My current job is closer in elevation to my home and with the longer rail to trail path there is minimal climbing.

Neither job has showers, but I learned from other commuters on bikeforums many years ago to bike in bike clothes and change into clean clothes, underwear and socks at the office. SOme keep clothes at the office, some bring them in a backpack or panniers. I carry them in a back pack on my back rack. In the summer I arrive early and cool off outside before changing into clean, dry clothes. and if need be I keep disposable body wipes at work. I also keep toiletries and shoes there, plus emergency underwear, and socks for when I forget to pack them with me (about once every 2-3 years). At both jobs I have had company shirts for events that I could use in an emergency as well, plus both jobs are a 5 minute walk from a Walmart or Target.

The old job had a large warehouse where I could park the bike and a dressing room where I could hang my clothes. When they were really bad, or when we had visitors I would park and hang clothes in an unused office.

At the new job there is less space and more people. I am lucky to share an office with just one other person. I can park my bike behind my desk, and use a portable wardrobe to hang my clothes including the company logo shirts and jackets.

I change and freshen up in the restroom.