5 miles each day each way. Rode two Centuries (100 mile bike rides) this year--one in June and another in August. Got my eye on a couple for next year as well. I don't say any of this to brag or because I think I'm a badass, because let me tell you how it all began.
In 2008, I started bike commuting in fair weather only, and it was 2 miles each way on flat ground. Today my commute has a couple of gradual hills, but one serious uphill climb in the afternoon coming home. For probably 6 weeks, when I started commuting, my thighs were killing me. About 4 weeks in, I had to reduce the number of days a week I rode.
In 2012, I started riding with the local bike club. First ride was about 10 to 12 miles. Overall pretty flat, and I thought I was going to die. It was all I could do to keep up. I was 45 at the time, and the only person I finished the ride ahead of was the 70 something year old woman with a bad knee, replaced hip, and cancer in remission. But I kept coming back. I found that riding in a group, I could push myself a lot further.
I always wear a helmet, without exception. The couple of times I jumped on my bike to ride down the street without the helmet, it felt just beyond weird.
I don't have any pads, but even in the summer I wear gloves that cover my fingers. I reason that if I take a spill, particularly something small, fingers are more susceptible to nicks and cuts so gloves that cover the fingers are good protection. I also have a yellow cycling jacket. In addition to making me visible, I took a spill about 2 years ago and slid some 6 or 8 feet. I was bruised and sore, but sliding on the jacket allowed me to slide without ripping my flesh apart. The jacket also remained very much intact and didn't rip apart. In fact, earlier this year ago I did a sewing repair on the elastic in the waist.
I have a helmet mounted mirror, and I love it. I think it's a great piece of safety gear.
My primary protection gear this days is polypro, lobster gloves, Bar Mitts, balaclava, fleece face mask, and lots of lights.
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