The First Time This Year

I've ridden to work every day this year, with the exception of 4 days last Spring when the roads were covered in ice and snow.

This morning is the first time this year when I don't want to get on the bike. The reason probably has something to do with the thermometer reading 46 F. It's not that 46 F is cold in and of itself, I've certainly ridden in much colder weather this year. I think it's more a question of acclimation. For months now, Ive been riding in the heat and humidity. My body has grown accustomed to it. While this Summer has been a record busting scorcher, I am just not quite ready to let it go.

If you were to ask me, "What is the hardest part of your commute?" I would respond, "My driveway." When the weather is frightful or your dragging physically, getting up, climbing on a bike and riding away can sometimes be a daunting task. This is especially true when you look over and your automobile is beckoning for you to climb in.

If you were to ask me, "What is the easiest part of your commute?" I would respond, "The end of my driveway." Once you get on the road and have a few pedal strokes behind you, all foreboding flees and you find yourself privileged to be on a bike.

Dark - 46 F - today my driveway is gonna be a long ride. I can't wait until I get to the end of it.