Consecutive bicycle work commute number 2226:

Some days I just don't have it in me. Today was one of those days.

My normal Tuesday commute is 8 miles to our office, then after a lunch meeting I'll ride about 10 miles to a client, then at the end of the day ride 4 miles home. I set my alarm to get up at 5:30 AM with the intention of having a normal Tuesday.

When the alarm went off, I felt unusually tired. Then when I came out of the bedroom I saw the thermometer read 44°F, and rain was falling. Also, a steady headwind was going to be pushing against me on the way to our office.

I got all my gear on, then walked out into the garage. I opened the side door to the garage like I normally do, but instead of then going to grab my bike and wheel it outside, I walked out into the driveway to assess the situation. It felt cold. It was dark. A light rain was falling.

My mind said, "Nope" and I turned around, shut the door and went back inside the house. I took off my helmet, headband and gloves, but left the rest of my gear on including my bike shoes. Then I went and sat down in my chair, pulled a blanket over me and promptly fell asleep for an hour and a half.

I woke up at 8:30. I was supposed to be at the office by 8:00 (usually I arrive by at least 7:15). I reasoned that for all the mornings I show up early, they will just have to deal with me being a little late today. I put my headband, gloves and helmet back on and went back into the garage. This time I was successful in actually getting the bicycle out the door.

The rain had stopped falling, but the roads were still wet. I was on the road bike without any fenders to protect me from the spray. Once I started riding I felt pretty chilly. I decided to shorten my commute today and just ride directly to the client and back home. I attended my lunch meeting via video. The good news is the nap must have done the trick as I haven't felt overly tired today.