My Morning Ride

I feel like Superman.

Yes, on days I ride my bike I wake up before the crack of dawn and dash around the house putting on my tight little biker shorts and hoping I didn't forget a comb to smooth out my helmet hair when I finally arrive. Then I dash under the garage door, careful not to trigger the sensor, but as fast as I can in stiff biking shoes.

Then I'm off.

Riding into the dark on my white stallion, we fly past a few early morning joggers and hope that the just awoken driver is aware of the bright lights flashing in front and behind me. The first descent brings enough speed to need the fastest gear as I build for the first big hill. Just as I feel the sweat start to soaken my hands, I try shifting to a fighting gear, but as usual, shift the wrong way. "Crap!", I say and scramble to adjust and get my sorry butt up the hill.

Then I'm off again.

The descent is short, but oh so appreciated as I zoom around, quickly approaching the terrifying beast. Then, just before the last hill, What? A red stop light! NOOOOOOO! I need speed to tackle that monster! I'll unclip, no wait! I see yellow! I can do it! I peddle harder, then shift, relief, and pain. Shift, relief, pain. Shift, relief, pain. I stomp on the monster as I climb up his back, each time pushing my legs to grind as deeply as possible. Then I stand, one final assault at the peak of the battle.

I've conquered the magnificent creature.

I slow to a stop, unclip, and race down the steps to the already waiting train. I race to the door and wave to the waiting chauffer. People notice my breath and look away, surely wondering why someone would dress like a freak to fight for the day. I rack the bike and lean to the wall. Panting and feeling my legs tight as rocks. The people, they glance again at my battle gear as I smile and they look again to their books. I soak the looks in, for again, I conquered their creature.

And still they stare.

We escape at the booth and to hide from their stare. I stable the stallion and shower up fast. I change to my daily clothes and enter the routine. I walk to the floor and say hi to all who unknowingly just awoke. I sit at my desk and nobody knows.