My commute is almost exactly 15 miles each way. Its a mostly flat route on the WOD from Falls Church/Annandale area to Reston. I usually manage it at right around a hour, hour ten with a headwind. I’ve tried to get faster, but I’m not sure I want to work that hard first thing in the morning.
My bike is getting towards 50lbs most mornings. I’ve got a thermos of coffee, lunch, fruit, clothes, a laptop, and some other odds and ends. If it looks like rain in the afternoon, I’ll bring the rain suit. The biggest problems with panniers is that I have enough room for *everything*
I started with 2-3 days a week, and currently manage 3-4. Something always seems to pop up to keep me from a 5 ride day week.
I like my commute, alot. It gives me time to wake up in the morning, and wind down in the afternoon. Plus I like food and beer waayyyyy to much, and I HATE the gym. I get my workout and can maintain my girlish figure, for about 45 mins *less* than a commute and 90 mins at the gym.
