Share the Road

Choosing cycling over running is becoming less and less odd to me. ‘though I do want to be able to get out for more runs, I must place cycling at the forefront of all exercise options if I am to complete a century event this year. I’m off to a decent start, given that my target ride is in October, but I need to be careful not to overdue it.

Yesterday, I used my commute as a way to get more time on the bike. I took the ride in easy, finding my way and getting comfortable with the increased amount of cars sharing the roadway. On the way home, I took a familiar route for training which essentially meant I was taking the long way home.

The weather was warm with a nice breeze and I was feeling strong — so strong, in fact, that I found myself being tempted to take more detours and hit a few hills that I’d been on with my man. It’s nice to feel comfortable enough to even be tempted. A month ago, I was in a whole other place in this regard.

In spite of my new level of comfort being out there, I retain a healthy level of respect for the vulnerability of being in the mix with the cars. At the end of the day, drivers are tired and in a hurry to get home. Some, like the nice teenager who let me go at the stop sign even though it was his turn, are courteous and kind. Others don’t care who has the right of way; it is these drivers who I am leery of.

When my commute reached a familiar entangling of cars coming on and going off the highway, I opted to detour even further. I took a right, instead of adding myself to the mix. It made for a nice, almost carefree, ride home.

I arrive home completely jazzed. I immediately began planning a repeat performance for the following day. I gathered work clothes and set out my cycling gear for an easy departure. During the night, however, my body reminded me that it was tired and sore. It urged me to slow down and enjoy the ride so-to-speak.

So today, I will drive my car to work. And maybe, at the end of the day, I may opt for a short run with the dog, or perhaps just a walk. Maybe I’ll do weights, or maybe I’ll do nothing at all.