I've enjoyed reading these forums! I've been a recreational rider off and on for several years. I'm quite overweight, and want to begin bike commuting in the spring to lose weight and to end my 40-minute car ride to work 9 miles from my house.

I'm fortunate that a bus does stop on my street, but I can't take it to work because it doesn't run after 5 p.m. (I'm required to stay late at a moment's notice). So to start I could take the bus in the morning and ride home at night. I'm also fortunate that my company has bicycle lockers available. As far as I know, showers are not available, but I will find out.

I also am required to take a laptop home every night, so was wondering if any of you have tried this pannier: http://www.twowheelgear.com/features.php

But the thing that is really making me nervous is trying to figure out what to do with my hair. I have a very hilly 9-mile ride to work, and I sweat a lot. Do you wet your hair in the sink then blow dry? I have short hair and have to dress professionally.