Have you tried the padded undies?

[Grog]

I don't think a 3 mile commute calls for particular gear if it isn't raining? Come on, your butt can take it! It's gonna get hardier for the real rides!

I agree!

BUT although I'm fine for distances below 10km (or even 20 round trip) on my city bike with a rather big (and quite uncomfortable) saddle, I wouldn't be on my tiny road bike saddle. I have a very narrow-nosed saddle and it is hell if I have to sit on it with jeans and normal undies even for 5 minutes. But I wouldn't take that bike to commute 3 miles either.