Summer is almost gone. Almost is a relative word. Summer is gone. Ok, I understand it better now. This why I am getting up at the same time, but the sun has yet to rise. As seasons change, so should we.My clients and friends alike know I email, text, and get much worthy work done before or at sunrise. This regardless of when such occurs. When riding my bike at these early times, I learned – almost the hard way – to make sure the light leading the way – sun or man made – was bright enough.The weekend before 2017 Labor Day found me up early with a fellow early riser enjoying the sunrise from a concrete perch between Longport, Ocean City, and Somer’s Point, NJ. The majesty that happens each day, clear or cloudy, brings awe and surprise. Views and scenery are what get me up on the bike so early.Three clear, sunny, and increasingly windy mornings made each ride different. Alternate and longer long routes also mixed it up. Each day’s returning home trek brought me to the 9th Street Bridge entering Ocean City, NJ. Gazing upon Ferris’ wheel, the mere slivers of land between the water ways, and 360 degree views takes my breadth away.As with life, the important things are the small ones. Smell the coffee, take that break or picture, and soak up life. Throughout these long 40-60 mile rides we always stop when coming across nature’s wonders. (Not for the road kill. It smells so bad.) Appreciate daily the bikers, joggers, landscapes, or just family that are around you.See them. Understand them. Embrace them. They are always orbiting your existence. Don’t always change their trajectory to mirror yours. Let them continue on their course with you a follower of them. The Boy Scout principle “Leave No Trace” comes to mind. Appreciate what is there, but do not disturb. Evaluate, investigate, and gain knowledge. But, leave it undisturbed for others to do the same.Ending my ride brings me back towards Longport, NJ with the sun streaking towards its daily zenith. Tired, worn out, but loving each pedal stroke, I am ready for the remainder of the day. But mostly, I just need a cup of coffee.
Last Shore Ride of the Summer Season
