I commute 18 miles into work and another 18 miles home. I'm fortunate that my commute is pretty rural. I'm fairly new to the commuting world, but I absolutely love it. Biking to me equals freedom. Its a feeling that those non-commuters will never understand until they get off of their butts and give a try.

My bike is a early to mid 80s Miyata one ten, (talk about bottom line). Hey, the price was right. I pack my backpack with two days worth of a change of clothes. This way I am only hauling it half of the time. At work, I have a pack of unscented baby wipes, deodorant, and cologne. The downside to a backpack - your back will sweat and sweat and sweat.

I'm sorry I really don't have any advise, other than, make sure you are as visible as a christmas tree going down the road, be as predictable as you can be with your movements, and wear a helmet.