Just Another Wonderful Day Of Commuting Here In The Heartland

Today was my first commute since our last bout of snow.

Last night I'd gone for a short ride. I wanted to top off Billie's gas tank and I wanted to check out the alley. It was 34F when I went out for my ride. The alley was slushy, slippery and actually rather fun. The main roads were clear and dry. So, for the first time in over a week I went to sleep knowing I was riding in the morning.

It was 18F when I opened the garage door. The slushy alley had been transformed into a skating ring.

Even the area between the tire groves was ice.

There was an area next to the building that was pretty clear. So, staying left I managed to get to the street. Once on the street, it was a wonderful ride into work.

I could have gone around, but notice I rode through the snow.

Billie was the lone bike in the parking area. I wasn't surprised. I did see one other bike on the way to work and a scooter on the way home.

And, now for a slight digression. One of my duties at work is to take files between the two courthouses. There are two sweeps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Rain, shine, or snow it doesn't matter the run between the two courthouses must go on. Our first major snow of the New Year, the one before the most recent snow, came over a weekend. Monday morning found me pushing my cart through the partially cleared snow. As I made my way I noticed something in the street near the curb. It was a small stuffed dog toy. I moved it out of the street and went on my way. That afternoon, the little beast had moved up on the wall which protects the ramp that leads down into the basement of the Civil Courthouse. On Tuesday, it had fallen off the wall and spent the day on the sidewalk. Wednesday morning found it still on the sidewalk. I moved it to the top of the wall. Thursday morning it had again fallen down onto the ramp. It was lying in the undissolved salt and looked rather pathetic. I moved it back to the top of the wall. Friday morning it had returned to its bed of salt on the ramp. Once again I placed it on the top of the wall. I told myself if it was still there when I made the afternoon run, the last run of the week, I was going to put it on the cart and take it to my desk.

Salty the Wonder Dog protecting files on top of my desk and watching me take off my gear.

I don't know if riding really does improve my mental health, but I know for sure it improves my mood. I do so love having the ride home to look forward to as the afternoon tips toward leaving time. When I ride to work, I get excited about the ride home in a way I never do when I commute by car.

It was 37F and clear when I left the Courthouse.

A glimpse of the type of streets I commute on.

Yep, today I rode off into the sunset.

When I got home the alley was back to being slushy, slippery and fun to navigate.

Just another wonderful day of commuting here in the Heartland.