The ride in: Light rain and very mild on the way to school today. Wind at my back. Passing the huge lineup of cars waiting to get into the parking lot on my way to the deserted bike racks. Utopia.

The ride home: Rain stopped but much colder. Tried to upshift but no gears. Resisted urge to kick derailleur, dismounted, removed ice from shifter cable, continued with sticky but serviceable gears. Wind in my face. Horribly underdressed for the cold. Head pounding, heart racing, snot running, and chest heaving upon arrival at home. Utopia.