Quote Originally Posted by Heifzilla View Post

My other option is this: http://tinyurl.com/qua644

I rode it one way to work yesterday and it was fine, however, it is very hilly in some places and the hills would be uphill on the way home from work and I don't know if I could handle that after 6 hours of physically demanding work (I'm a vet tech). It also adds 4+ miles to the commute. Plus, it's all country, rural roads and pitch black at night. Both ways would be pretty dark at night, when I'd be riding home (I work 2pm to 8pm +).
If you click on "Walking" and then click the little camera icon, you can actaully drag the little man on the map and see photos of the entire route. Cool!
I have to say though after 'walking' the whole route by camera- I don't see a single hill anywhere. There might be some low 'inclines', but honestly it all looks completely flat to me. I guess we all see things relative to our own areas. If you find that hilly then I am sure after riding it for a few weeks it will not seem that hard to you anymore- really, your leg muscles will quickly build themselves up to handle that easily with regular riding.

I think your bigger challenge will be the darkness, and for that you should get a really good lighting system on your bike- front and back, and a strong steady white headlight AND a strong steady red tail light. Not just 'blinkies'. Also you should have some good quality reflective wear and buy some extra stick-on strips for helmet, backpack, buy spoke reflectors, reflective gloves, etc. Light yourself up like a Xmas tree!

Good for you in wanting to commute by bike! I'd say it's certainly do-able, especially just 3 times a week....just seems daunting at first.