Perfect Commuter Bike

I need help.

I want to make a list of characteristics that would describe the perfect commuter bike, so I'm turning to you, My Vast Readership.

That means I need comments on this one. Don't be shy. Yes, I'm talking to you. And you. Read, think, comment, go.

I'm not going to give examples because I want everyone going into this with unadulterated creativity. So, what would a bike be like that is perfect for commuting? For those of you who don't ride bikes much, what kind of things would make a bike an attractive form of transportation?

Thank you (in advance)!

Birthday Girl

Wow, two days and two posts about Serena's exploits. Well, yesterday was about her exploits, today is about her parents' exploits. Today, May 9th, is Serena's birthday. Happy birthday Bbe! May all of you in My Vast Readership wish her well.

Embarking

Today marked the beginning of my two month adventure. After two hours training this morning, I spent the entire afternoon packing up my life. The itinerary:

La Grande->Portland (Obama, Brother, Ducks game)
Portland->Corvallis (Camping)
Month in Corvallis (Serena, training, racing)
Corvallis->Portland (Airport)
Portland->Charlotte (East coast trip begins)
Charlotte->Boston (Beer... full disclosure: I'm a lightweight. It's really for the historical sites.)
Boston->Portland (End of adventure)

So that's that. As I said when I began this blog, I don't know how much time for writing and access to internet there will be in the next two months, so be forewarned My Vast Readership. Any suggestions for people to see and things to do between now and the end of my adventure, let me know!