It was sooooo great. I finally found a rack that could fit onto my bike. Now given it attaches around the seat post..it still has side frames to be able to hold my panniers. The seat post attachment isn't a quick release either..you have to use some type of screws.

I went to REI and returned the stuff I bought there since it didn't work and headed out to the first of 3 stores on my list to look for panniers. The first store had it alll. It was cheaper too. This was all in the car because I had to go really really far. And I am just starting out w/ the using the bike to run errands.

Anywhooo my commute. Was excellent. I threw my books and gear into my panniers and I went about 4 miles (27 minutes) to starbucks to sit down read and write. Just relaxed. I than loaded back up to go a few more miles to my Aunts house to chill out for a while...than I headed back home.

Now going to my aunts house..I had a strong head wind (???). My max speed was 16.3mph and the avg was 10.6mph.

Coming home was the hardest. Because coming back it's like a slow slow growing hill and than the incline increases suddenly and dramatically on one block. I was so tired I got off my bike and walked up that hill. lol

I bought two tail lights and attached them to my helmet. Set them on blink. That was pretty cool.