Hi- Former kid road racer (80's kid on a Peugeot) I bought a cheap gravel bike last year and set it up for some commuting (lights, and Ibera rack and bags); much harder than I anticipated (the hills). About 11 miles is on the beautiful Hudson River Bike Path. The rest of the commute is on pet cemetery type roads. Immense terror. Committed to myself to do two commutes a week initially and three when i'm a little less dead after each day. 17 miles each way with about three 200' climbs each direction. The partial working from home during the COVID has worked out well; I can recover and work from home. I'm enjoying the challenge; physically, mentally and logistically of getting this done (I commuted to DC for two years on a BMW GS from upstate NY once a week so similar obstacles). Already planning upgrades to include suspension stem, suspension seatpost and maybe Koga handlebars. I'm doing this on the cheap though and the upgrades are more than the bike!

Welcome aboard!
And that once weekly commute to DC must have been fun as heck. Both ways!

Same-ish, here! Almost 7 years ago, started with a $30 Trek from Goodwill. Upgraded rims (used) out of necessity. Added lotsa items (mostly used) as available from Clist and fleabay. Almost everything (in single or pairs) has added a multiple to the original value.
Most incongruous purchase: Recently bought a new old stock Cobb Randee saddle offa Goodwill online. Same item on Amazon, $214.00... after a little gift from a bike program, my cost was $6.00

Over the years, the FrankenTrek has become the Camel Trek, able to do everything: Front n back racks, low riders (4 pannier and trunk bag), lights, horn and 4 liters worth of bottle holders. Everything attaches/detaches quickly.

Everything can, and has been done, inexpensively as possible. Just gotta be diligent and patient.

Welcome!
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I bought my bike new on Saturday and have already made three upgrades. I did one (saddle) right there at the time of purchase and the other two (handlebar grips and pedals) today. I hope I'm done for awhile.