Heh, if I leave early enough I see at least two regular women commuters. Based on where I see them would not be surprised if their commutes are at least as long as mine 22mile round trips.

I see one coming from the direction I am going. I have nicknamed her "Knog Lady" because she has Knog panniers. She's a regular. The other one is a little on the stocky side but, had the temerity to drop me one morning. She wears some kind of messengerbag backpack.

The only obstacle is time.

Right after I started my commute I was soundly dropped by a retired couple on a tandem. Tandems win in headwinds. I distinctly remember them passing on the right, my bad. She was grinning at me like she just won the lottery and ate a goldfish.

I occasionally see another guy, he must be in his 70's or 80's really tall. I have seen him alone and in a group, on a roadbike and recumbent.

I once saw him right after I started my homeward commute. I was going south and he was going north, just at sundown. His handlebars were filled with headlights. There is no telling how far he went that day/night

So, I am convinced that neither age nor gender is an excuse to not be able. The real world of responsibilities may get in the way of long commutes. I bet Ron Paul is not putting in bike miles like he would want to this season.