I haven't done much commuting this year. I was moved to a tiny classroom with no room for my commuter bike, so I parked it in the student bike racks, against my better judgement. And unfortunately, my fears were justified when some kids damaged it one afternoon after the bike cages were unlocked. I haven't ridden to school since. The good news is that I am moving to a new school a few miles further down the road, and I will have a large classroom with room to store my bike. I will get the commuter bike fixed and next year can ride a couple times a week. I'll probably ride on the street all the way there, and go through the desert for a short-cut on the way home. I love commuting! It reminds me of when I was a kid and rode my bike to and from school. I feel carefree while riding, and energized when I get to work. However, as a teacher, I always have a lot of "stuff" to take to and from school, so several days I need to do that hauling, and ride on the days I can fit everything into the panniers.