Cold Commute

It’s about 7 AM as I wake up and look outside. The stars are fading from the sky as the sun peeks from behind the mountains. It’s cloudy and about 33 degrees. My groggy thoughts look for an excuse to drive the truck to work, but I fight my urges and choose a 2-wheel trip. I put on my basic work attire and over my uniform and hoodie, I don my 1-piece cold weather suit, before zipping up the suit I put on boots and my windproof balaclava. I am starting to feel pretty warm inside and begin to sweat. I still must kiss my sweetie goodbye, put on my helmet and heated gloves (just in case I need some extra heat). After all that is done, I locate my small gear bag and load it on the back of my DRZ-400SM. Once outside, the neighbor’s dog spots me and goes on high alert and the barking begins! I step on to the peg and swing my leg over the saddle. Between the thick winter suit and the 21” front and 18” rear wheel from an “s”' model, I can barely reach the ground. I turn on my headset and stream music. As I reach the end of the driveway the barking dog hides and I feel relief, both being much more comfortable outside in the brisk November winter air and having my least favorite part of my commute (suiting up) out of the way.

I slowly start my journey on very twisty back roads, warming up the tires. Within the first half mile of my trip a weathered white husky looking dog is frequently near or in the road, laying down, or standing up. I always slow down and when the dog gets near, I speed away just like in the textbook. The last few mornings he races me down the street, around a few corners, me on the road with him in the grass just along the road. I let him lead the race until we get too far from his home, and then I pull away. At first, I thought he might be a biter, but now I know better. The cold tire race first thing in the morning is now my favorite part of my cold commute. I slow carefully and look for the husky; no sign of him today.