It was a touch on the damp side this morning. Not the sloppy wet of a downpour, but the damp of a downpour recently passed. It rained pretty hard last night, with a couple booms of thunder, but by the time I got out on the road, most of the standing water gave way to surface dew. I was expecting rain, as my car had what looked like recent evidence on it, but it was not to be.

Traffic was also a little heavier this morning because I got out about an hour later than usual. I have the benefit of being able (in some cases, having no choice but) to come in late to work on Thursday. Most Thursdays I leave after rush hour. This morning I was smack in the middle of it.

Still, the cars were very considerate and gave me plenty of room. This sometimes astounds me on Quivira. When I’m driving down that God Forsaken artery, I’m amazed that cars can even pass a cyclist with any room to spare, much less the comfortable 3′ or more. The lanes just don’t feel that wide while in a car. On my saddle, however, it feels just fine. I still minimize my time on the road whenever possible. I don’t think it’s unsafe, but I don’t feel nearly as comfortable as on the residential roads that make of the remainder of my route. Why test fate any more than I do already?

The dampness this morning left me with a sort of gritty feeling, which I maintain even now. Perfect for the Board Meeting presentation I have to give later this afternoon.