30 Days of Biking: Day 9

Day 9: Curse of the Midnight Shifts

At least one week during the month of April I work a string of 5 midnight shifts in a row. During this time it is probably the most difficult to get out and ride, just because, well, I'm 52 years old and my body doesn't like staying up all night and sleeping during the day. For those that don't know, I work as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, GA. My job requires me to work rotating shifts, which means every week I work a different shift, going from day shifts, to midnight shifts to evening shifts then back to day shifts. So after getting about 5 to 6 hours of sleep after working a midnight shift, and mind you not a good restful sleep, I wake up very groggy, like I'm in a fog for the rest of the day.

So last night was my first midnight shift, came home this morning, and woke up at 330 PM not wanting to do anything. It took all that was in me to get out of bed and drink my coffee. My plan was to go to Cochran Mill Park and ride. Well that went down the drain real quick, but I did force myself to get out on the roads around our house and ride just under 6 miles. Now those who have never worked rotating shifts, you really can't understand, but those who have worked rotating shifts or at least have worked midnight shifts...you say whatever you want about me and not riding Cochran, but at least I got out and rode.

What I did do on todays ride was enjoy the scenery around our house. Northwest Coweta County is really beautiful, so I took my time and enjoyed the ride. I did get to use nature's air-brakes going down hill as I had a pretty hefty head wind. Going up hill with a head wind, well, was not what I call fun! Anyway, it was a good ride for sure.

Here's my stats for today...

Total Miles Today:  5.9
Total April Miles.: 77.5