Thanks everyone! The ride to work was effortless and she handles well going down steep hills at fast speeds. I heard a rubbing sound from the rear tire and at work a co-worker actually found the problem for me. She was admiring the bike and noted that the rear fender was too close to the tire treads so I gently pulled it and now its adjusted.
The ride home was pleasant and I actually had 1 car following me then they slowly passed as they admired and gawked at the bike.
Ernest

The pannier bags may be a little large, I'll have to find bags specific for folders.