Tales of the hunchback

Well, maybe hunchback is a bit misleading......

I had to carry a pretty big text book to work today and had no other option but a backpack, since it was (is) supposed to rain I threw on my waterproof pants and threw my others into the backpack as well so I could change into more suitable clothing once I arrived.

How in the hell do people stand doing this? Having that pack on during braking is like having a gorilla shoving you along (it's a big text book ok?). Not to mention the mild crosswind that was turned into hurricane strength due to the extra surface area added to my person by this unholy contraption. I was scared to maintain normal speeds on the 3 sweepers I go through, worried that I may just keep on leaning over........

Here's how my 36 mile commute went:

Minute 0: Leave the house after fighting to get pack on over jacket elbow and shoulder pads. (departure was delayed 5 minutes)

Minute 5: Stop at road side to tie up flapping ends of straps

Minute 8: Back on the road

Minute 14: Stop at road side to untie straps so I could tighten pack to prevent it moving around on my back. This was uncomfortable and a fire risk (ballistic nylon vs. ballistic nylon, like a fat man in corduroy pants)

Minute 18: Remember to retie those flappin straps

Minute 19: Back on the road.

Minute 21: Blown into the left lane (oncoming traffic)

Minute 23: Fingers going numb, pack is cutting off circulation

Minute 28: You get the picture by now..........

I see others ride with packs all the time........so what's the deal? Personally, it seems like a lower back injury waiting to happen to me, so I won't be doing it again anyway. Just curious.