For 1 mile ... I'd walk it, and then go for a ride after work. Right now, my commute is a 1.5 km (almost a mile) walk to the LRT, and the same back again. I enjoy it. Because I'm a student I have to carry binders, and textbooks, and gym stuff, etc., so I use a backpack.

Backpackers also carry large backpacks when they go hiking. You're in Colorado, check out the backpacking stores.