Author's Note: This was written on 10/10/20, but is based off of a hour long voice memo I made while on a bike ride at 6:30 in the morning on 10/5/20.

When I wake up it's dark outside.
It always is, June or January.

I never want to get up at first.
My bed is warm, and I can only see the parts of my room dusted by moon's soft light.
But I always get up in less than a minute.
Though it may feel like hours.

Once I've turned off my phone's incessant beeping, I get ready.
Eyes only half open as I walk through my routine.

Clothes first,
then shoes,
and finally pulling my hair up.

Then it's onto the kitchen,
eat breakfast first,
then wash my face.
and finally brush my teeth.

That's usually when I check the time and realize I'm late, so I grab my things and head out to garage.

I hate opening the door to my garage at 6:30 in the morning. It's dark, and I hate the dark.

But I open the garage door quickly letting in some light, and head over to my bike.

Helmet? check.
Water bottle? check.
Jacket? check.

I wheel my bike out, and realize what I forgot.
I crouch down and turn on the little blue lights that wrap around the rims of my tires.
I love how the reflect on the pavement.

Now that I won't be run over by cars on their way to work, I set off on my bike ride.

My favorite days to bike are exactly like this one. Fifty degrees, dark, and quiet.

I bike up the big hill, heading out onto my favorite route. This one has the best views.

Wildflowers along the road,
country roads,
and no other people to be seen.

And just to make this perfect morning better,
the sunrise is especially vibrant today.

I love this. It feels like the world and I's own special secret.