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The long way to work |
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Written by Zach Magoon
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Wednesday, 02 May 2007 |
The best part of my day is my ride to work. Now, I'm not counting my time spent at home with my wife and daughter--that time is always precious and doesn't count in this assessment. For a while now, work has been pretty slow, so I have no qualms about getting in a little later than usual. I'm not talking hours late but 10-20 minutes just to get in a few more miles or test out a route that I haven't been on before is worth it.
On Monday, I tried to hit as may towns as I could in my 2 hour "commute" I hit the Maine towns of Portland, Westbrook, West Falmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland and Gray. That's a lot of ground before work. I figure I can wear myself out so sitting around on my ass staring at computer all day long is less painful. When I'm tired from a good ride I don't think (as much) about how I should be outside enjoying the weather. Some days it works. I want to figure out a route that snags a few more towns. I think I could nab at least three more to that list with another 20 minutes. I guess I have to get up a little earlier.
On my rest days from the longer rides, I take out the single speed and leisurely spin around the neighborhoods of Portland. I think the most direct route is 5 miles from home to work. I usually take that home at night so I can start on dinner and begin the bedtime routine for the little one. But in the morning, I like to mix it up a bit and cruise up and down the side streets. It surely isn't direct, logical or time efficient, but dammit it mixes thing up. I mean, who wants to ride the same route every day? Not me. Get to know your town a little more--wave at people you don't know--hell get lost. If you're late for work, blame it on a flat tire. That's my favorite excuse, I use it all the time. "Yeah I got a piece of glass stuck in there," or "can you believe a key got stuck in my tire? No? Oh well."
So get up early and take the long way to work. Wear yourself out, refresh your spirit, get a little lost, make the commute the best part of your day.
Zm |
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