I've officially started commuting to work on the bicycle
again. This morning was my 5th
time making the trip and I've settled into a favorite route.
It feels good to be back in a rhythm. Cycling to work is 80% preparation and 20%
transportation. Each night I lay out my
riding clothes, work clothes and the “essentials” (Wallet, phones and
badge).
When it’s all laid out I touch my feet, legs, hips and chest while
saying, “Shoes, socks, pants, underwear, belt and shirt”. Doing this every time ensures I don’t have to
spend the day going commando. With
everything packed, I’ll check the bike and lay out my riding shoes.
First thing in the morning I get up, dress and sleepily
attach my panniers to the rack. Pushing off is always hard and away I ride into the darkness.
 |
| Mason Creek at 6:45am |
Katy has quite a few commuters so on a given morning I’ll
latch on to a pack and fly away through the dark along the bayous that
crisscross the neighborhoods. It's pretty exhilarating. We never say much...probably all half asleep.
The sun is up by the time I roll into the office and within
15 minutes I've showered and dressed. It’s
always a funny feeling sitting at my desk immediately after a shower.
Around 3pm I start getting excited about getting back on the
bike. Each trip I see something that I
can tell Amelia about…a rabbit, cool airplane, a cool car in someones garage or
a flier for an upcoming festival. The
ride back is a little slower and relaxed.
There are more people out who, in true Texas fashion, always say “Hi”.
I make it home, park the bike in the back and get a huge
greeting from Amelia. I put my dirty
clothes in the hamper and lay my bags out so I can prep and pack them later
that evening.
The preparation becomes routine and a standard part of my
day. The more I ride the less I think about it and the more I'm on the bike with a big smile on my face!
