When I read this title I always think of the song by Melanie; I wish I could ride our tandem but once it has been; out we go.

William

I often ride my bike up to the grocery store and have a basket which I can quickly remove to take in the store.  At checkout, they just drop all my items back in there, so I really don't have to even take a cloth bag with me.  I sometimes take my cooler bag for refrig items since this is FL and hot even when the sun is going down.  Since the store is only 1/2 mile or so away, I can do this a couple times a week.

When I go out to church to do my volunteer work, I have a back pack that I use.  BTW, my church has a bike rack for it's bike community, that is made of recycled materials.

 30 seconds? Ohhh, enjoy all of that luxurious extra time you're not spending running to and fro. 

Good for you, my hats off goes to you.  Many people are rethinking the commute options, mine is a 30 second so no problem there.  Thank you for the research and tips on bikes.

Good luck with your saddlebags; I worry enough about balance just by myself, so I wouldn't risk trying them. I would like to get a lighter bike, as I again have a shoulder problem. I hate that the cost of bikes is inversely proportional to the weight!

I have so much sentimental value wrapped up in my bike that I'll probably never be able to part with it. That's why I'm hoping to dress it up with a new seat (or gel cover) that could make all the difference.

And it's funny -- I feel like I know the basics in terms of clothing, but I have yet to invest in the stuff. I have shorts with the padding, which I love (I feel silly in tight spandex, so I eagerly opted for two-layered shorts), but I do need to get some gloves and leggings for the fall. In terms of a pack, I do have a backpack in which I can carry my work clothes and stuff... But I'm thinking that the saddle-bag-style containers that hook up behind the seat might be a more comfortable option.

You're much braver (and younger) than I am! I'd never ride a bicycle in New Jersey except for bike paths & parks .. I'd be "road pizza"! I'm also glad to hear that I don't have the oldest bike around either; I think I bought mine about 15 years ago too.

One thing I got was a large gel seat, so it's a lot more comfortable to ride, although I've heard that there are other new designs that are good too. A few weeks ago on Oprah, Dr. Oz talked about conventional bike seats for men not being good for the genitals, and new cut-out designs being available.

I'm sure you know the basics, that having the right clothing for the right weather, can make an uncomfortable bike ride much better. I have special socks & gloves that retain warmth & block the wind, and a pair of winter leggings too. One thing I'd want to add .. after learning the hard way .. is some kind of pack, so I could strip off outer layers if I started getting too warm.