My last “annual” ride to work day was four years ago.

Here is how yesterday’s annual event went.

The sun woke me up at 4:40 AM. – those who don’t live in Eastern New England probably don’t realize that in the summer the sun rises early here. Since I was up, I decided I might as well use the time and take my bike to work. I packed some work clothes, shoes, a towel and my laptop in my panniers. I reviewed my route using google maps, printed directions and headed out the door a little past 5:30AM. I didn’t get lost, even thought the directions are 3 pages long and include something like 40 steps on this years improved 27 mile route. By the time I reached the hills of Littleton and Boxborough, fatigue was starting to set in a little bit. However, I arrived a little after 8:00AM without too much difficulty. Due to the early hour, traffic was light and the weather not a problem.

During my work day, I checked the weather a few times and saw the temperature reaching over ninety. I figured I’d melt on the way home.

I left for home around 5:00 PM. Only one wrong turn this time, and I only went about 100 feet before realizing the mistake. While waiting to cross a road, a jogger mentioned that due to the heat, that it was heart attack weather. He was happy to take the break while waiting for the walk light. Though it was in the 80s, the humidity wasn’t too high, so the temperature wasn’t unbearable to me. Also, a tailwind helped me over most of the route. Unlike last time, I didn’t completely bonk. However fatigue was definately a factor for the last few miles. I reached home around 7:30.

5 hours on the bike and 54 miles is a lot for me in one day. However it is a lot more interesting than a hour on the freeway in the car. Who knows, maybe I’ll get in another “annual” ride to work in, before the summer is over.