Motivation is fleeting. Discipline and commitment, hard fought virtues. You’ll forgive my complaint then, when this morning’s ride was cut short.

Why, you ask?

Mechanical? No.

Weather? Good guess.

Of course, an injury crash. You would think.

No. None of these.

The day when climbing motivation landed early and hard, it was as quickly and completely squashed. I forgot my helmet. The realization struck on my way to the Big Rock Trail while half way up the Cowles Mountain service road climb. And in this scenario, what is one to do?

Completing the ride would be reckless and irresponsible. Turning around would be the gift paused lethargy needed. What to do?

Compromise.

Finish the climb at 2 mph. Roll back down the same. On purpose. Surprisingly, lethargy is still sleeping. I’ll try again soon.

With a helmet.