One of the things I live for is my early morning, pre-work rides during the spring and summer. Here in the MidAtlantic, it gets light reasonably early, giving me time to sneak in a bike ride before work. In June and July, I can be on the bike at 5:30 am. It's only April, though, so sunrise is a bit later. Nevertheless, this morning I was in the saddle by 6, under clearing skies. Temps were in the mid-50s . . . good enough for shorts, arm warmers, and an orange jacket (for visibility).
Funny thing is, I thought it was supposed to rain overnight, so I really wasn't planning to ride. Last night the XM weather channel was predicting 1/4" of rain, starting after midnight. And when I woke up this morning, I could have sworn I heard rain on the roof. The radio, though, spoke of clearing skies and warmish temps. I went downstairs and checked the kitchen window thermometer. 55 degrees. I checked the back deck (A sheltered space that stays wet long after rainfall has ceased). Dry.
Hmmm. Maybe the XM weather guys accidentally read the weather report for somewhere else. Bonus for me, though.
It's amazing how the chance for a bike ride erases that early morning sluggish, just-out-of-bed feeling.
Traffic was very light this morning, and the birds were singing their little hearts out (dawn birdsong is one of the neatest aspects of early morning rides, IMO). It's still cherry blossom season, and the cherry trees are still flowered, for the most part, though the blooms are past their peak. Daffodils are out, as are azaleas. Early a.m. spring rides sure are beautiful.
Except for the roadkill, of course. Today's body count: one freshly-killed raccoon.
I stopped at the Kentlands Starbucks for a quick skim mocha, just before heading back home. Across the square, one of those "Be All You Used To Be" Seargent's programs was just wrapping up. I encounter these guys from time to time on my pre-work ides. The participants run through the streets, do triceps push-ups on street curbs, and perform stretching exercises in the middle of a side street. Looks like fun, if you're into that sort of thing. Me, I'd rather be on the bike, and I prefer a well-outfitted weight room. I applaud them, though, for getting out early and doing their thing.
Total ride time: 53 minutes. Pace: 14.1. Distance: 12.65 miles. Not too bad. Knee feels OK. Not a peep from my sciatic nerve. (Therapy starts May 6.)
I probably won't get to ride again until Saturday. Hubby is going to do an organized ride this weekend, but I need to be in the office. I should be able to bike over to Weight Watchers and get a few miles in before I have to head downtown.

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