My first commute.
 

Well partial commute anyway. I have a 32 mile commute one way I will be driving the 22 miles into town then parking the Jeep and riding the bike the rest of the way in tomorrow. I am hoping to be able to do it at least 3 days per week. I am new to riding and just started this year with a Hardrock but picked up an old Rockhopper and put some city slicks on it for the road.
My ride will be rural divided 4 lane highway 60 mph speed limit. It has rumble strips and a wide trouble lane I am planning on riding in. I have a rear blinking light and a headlamp full reflectors too. Anything I should be aware of? I will be starting my bike leg at 5:30 am.

It's legal to ride on this highway? Probably is, and I'm guessing you've checked into it. Other than that, I'd make sure to have flat repair goodies on board and be plenty lit up/visible.

Sounds like you have everything covered. I will say that those high speed roads often have a lot of debris on the shoulder, so it would be nice if you have a flat resistant tire. It's not a 'must', but something to consider in the future.

perhpas a mirror. any alternate routes?

Only alternate route is a 2 lane blacktop that I would feel worse on I believe. Had not thought of flat resistant tires. I do have a spare tube and patch kit along with a pump. I am giving myself an hour and a half to ride it in case I have a flat. Road is legal to ride on and a brand new constructed road, less than a year old.

Yep a mirror would be nice, I will add that to my list for next LBS stop.

Hi-vis/ ANSI vest. The brighter/ easier to see you are, the less likely you are to have motorists say they can't or didn't see you.

I made it just fine. I have to say the ride in with jeans was rough but I changed into shorts for the ride home. Great day already got my ride in today now to go work in the garden for a while.

Multi-modal commuting still counts. 20 cycle miles each day is still a good distance.

Almost identical commute as mine, same mileage, but my route is much more bike friendly... I also have the blinking tail light, but I'm thinking a mirror would be a good idea. The last few miles is the same road taken by school buses and high school students...