Barb asks "Do most of you commuters have bike paths or lanes? There are none around here."

My commute has bike lanes on most, no bike path. There is a route that I could do with a bike path, it's actaully LESS safe, long story but "what were they thinking on that path design"

"Public transportation is almost nil, although the bus system did start installing bike racks this last year."

I ride to the BART (rapid transit) then another mile to work. Bikes and public transportation works well.

"My entire ride would be on high traffic roads (with motor city brained drivers). I could possibly find side streets for some of it but that would really add miles (11.5 miles by direct route)."

I highly recomend side streets. It may be longer but safer, more scenic and can be faster! Do some test drives before you roll out the big ride.

"I also don't have a shower at work."

Me neither. I store a change of clothes and then at least one day a week haul that home to the laundry.

good luck, have fun!