Timbuk2 Commute Bag vs. motorcycle
Thank you, Timbuk2!
My Timbuk2 Commute bag saved me a fortune today. I was riding home, on my motorcycle, via I-65 North with my Timbuk2 bag loaded down with my Apple 15" powerbook, various papers and books, and my Nikon Digital camera. I had my Timbuk2 bag strapped on the back of the bike and was speeding up the interstate. Little did I know what was about to take place. I reached back to check on my Timbuk2 bag and knocked it loose from the strap that was holding it on the back of the bike. Next thing I know my Timbuk2 bag has fallen off the back, hit the back tire (traveling at 80mph) and wedged itself between the rear tire and the fender. The back tire locks up and I begin sliding and slowing in the middle lane of a busy interstate. Well I go into half panic mode and try not to lose control and wreck. After quite a bit of praying and maneuvering I was able to get over to the shoulder. At this point I was in full panic mode, I was freaked out by the rear tire locking up on the interstate, but I was most worried about the contents of my Timbuk2 bag. I decided to try to wrestle the bag out from between the rear wheel and fender. I was expecting to find a gooey melted plastic mess that was once my laptop, digital camera, and Timbuk2 bag. After much cursing and a lot of effort I was able to free the bag from the rear tire. Next began the gut wrenching exercise of opening the bag and examining the damage. I unbuckled the lower clips and opened the waterproof velcro flap. I half squeamishly peered inside to check the damage, but was amazingly surprised. Not a single thing that my Timbuk2 bag was carrying was damaged or melted. I was worried that my Apple powerbook would have a broken screen or worse. I was so ecstatic about the whole thing that I did a little jig right there on the side of the interstate. The only thing damaged in the incident was the rear fender of the bike and the Timbuk2 bag. I don't think any other bag would have survived that kind of torture and abuse. This is my first Timbuk2 bag and will certainly not be my last. I will be retiring my Timbuk2 Commute, to a less adventurous role, once I get another replacement Thank you very much Timbuk2 for designing a product that is stylish, functional, and rugged.
Background: I am a Systems Administrator for Auburn University in Alabama. I have been riding motorcycles for 3 years and have ridden throughout the United States. My Commute bag has been my the answer to my prayers. With all the stuff I carry around on campus being a systems administrator coupled with the fact that I ride a motorcycle makes Timbuk2 the perfect choice for my needs. I have carried everything from network switches, wireless access points, network cabling to deskjet printers. My Timbuk2 Commute is the most versatile bag I have ever owned.
Zeb Whitehead
Auburn, AL
Systems Administrator
