My first few rides every year are consistently discouraging and embarrassing. On Day One, I can barely get out of the driveway without huffing and puffing. On Day Two, I can almost make it around the block. Day Three, visions of a heart attack start to wane, and by Day Four, I am ready to roll through my Spring/Summer/Fall season of daily commuting, multiple interstate rides, and countless recreational spins without ever breaking a sweat.

I'm not sure what to call this phenomenon, but it scares the heck out of me every year then goes away after that first week of seriously questioning whether bicycling is over for me.