Waking Up Early

You know, early. Like--in in those wee morning hours.

I have been told on more than one occasion that I live an artist's lifestyle. I suppose I should consider that a compliment, except that I can't remember making much noteworthy art as of late. So maybe I just partake in the lifestyle of...a lazy person?

But really, the morning is repellant to me. The Lizard is not meant to rise (or ride) at 7 am--truly the buttcrack of dawn. But sometimes, life demands that you do this, while frowning and pouring satchels of coffee down your gullet. So, today, consider some of the gleaming benefits of absurdly early morning riding:

1) EXPERIENCE WHAT WINTER FEELS LIKE

Most Floridians I know are from somewhere else, but--god help them--some were actually born here, and the closest thing they know to winter is standing inside their refrigerator with the frosty thing cranked up to nine. Morning riding, at least in the "cool" part of the year (read: maybe two freakish weeks), allows one to experience numbness and tingling in the extremities, windburn, and sadness!!!!

2) TEMPORAL CONFUSION

When I awaken before the sun, it fills me with confusion. It is wholly unnatural. The quiet, darkness makes my body feel like it should...well, sleep. I feel like I am breaking a rule of the universe by stirring.

3) HAVE FREE TIME
When you knock out 4-6 hours of bicycling in the am, it leaves your day with much to be desired. Literally, you have time to desire many things! For example, if you ride in the morning, you have time to go putt-putting. You know, for leisure. Or I guess you could have a job. If you're into that.

4) PUT YOUR ADRENALS TO THE TEST
Have you ever wondered how much coffee your body can stand? I have. As a high school youth, I would take about 1000 mgs a day of caffeine in the form of Sugar Free Red Bull. Today, I am elderly, and have since "calmed down," if you will. Now I just drink 8-10 boxes of coffee.

5) HAVE SOCIAL INTERACTION WITH OLD FOLKS
I have noticed that much of the time I am riding in the afternoons, the roads are devoid of bicycles. Maybe it is the weather. Maybe it is the blazing sun searing holes into your jersey. Whatever the reason, most "normal" people seem to prefer AM riding. So, if you would like to be one of these "normal" people, what better way than to put on your spandex and get out there and socialize with them! You will also encounter throngs of old people doing other neapolitan activities: some might be jogging, or pushing their teacup puppies in baby carriages, but most will be doing what they do best: driving poorly.

SO YOU SEE, the morning is a unique time of day, not without its charms. Take the opportunity sometime to witness it! Or...you could sleep more.