The Last Ride

So, I do not have any pictures from my afternoon commute on Monday.  As soon as I wheeled out of the parking lot it started pouring, like cats and dogs pouring.  There was standing water on the roads and these huge rain drops that felt like rocks to the face.  Thankfully, the FX did just fine.  My panniers, however, have a limit and all my stuff was quite damp (not the day to forget the plastic bags) by the time I got home.  I was soaked to the bone and water actually poured out of my shoes when I took them off.

That was probably the most fun I have ever had on a commute.  I mean, the drivers were horrified.  They slowed down and gawked.  Someone actually cheered.  I had a minivan drive behind me all the way down Exchange.  I don't know if they were afraid to pass me in that weather or if they were actually concerned for my welfare.  Whatever the reason, it was nice leading the pack in the storm.  I didn't have a single person buzz me all the way home.  Whoever you are, minivan, while that was totally unnecessary, thank you!  Despite the insane weather, that commute home was the best I've ever had.

The best part was, the thunder and lightening didn't start until I got home.

This morning when I got up I had to admit there was a little trepidation about riding to work.  Technically, there wasn't a reason for driving, but I felt like since I'd had such a wonderful time on Monday this ride could be a let down.  What are the chances I'd get a cheer again today?  I want to hold onto that cheer.  My husband suggested the same thing.  "You know, you had such a great ride on Monday it would be a shame to have a typical commute or have it end on a bad note.  Better to quit while you're ahead so to speak."  When I went down to get my gear together and saw my shoes were still sopping wet, that sealed the deal. Monday was my last day biking to work.

Tomorrow, I will be cleaning out my office and taking home a bunch of tech equipment.  Since I don't have that trailer just yet, the Jeep will have to do.

I'm ok with that.  It really has been quite the experience riding to work over the past year.  Despite that horrible winter and the insane drivers, I'd say getting up and riding a bike almost every morning was the best part of my day.  Of course, I will still be riding for errands and such after Friday (probably riding more than I ever have after we sell one of the cars soon), but its not quite the same as riding to work.  I certainly won't miss having to pack changes of clothes and worrying about hair and make-up every time I get to my destination.  But, the adventures certainly won't be the same.

I have a feeling I'll miss a few of them.