Chocolate

Eat chocolate.

Yes, I’m using the imperative mood.

If, like me, you bicycled 30 miles over the weekend, you needed a source of instant energy. Did you carry apples in your pannier? Hell, no. The plan was to stop at a coffeehouse and eat something chocolate.

The coffeehouse was overflowing with people. You were sweating. The other patrons were casual, but neat, having driven to the coffeehouse laden with laptops and other gear. Although the chocolate muffins looked tantalizing, you didn’t want to be seen eating chocolate with hair smooshed and muddy jeans, like a ragamuffin off the streets. You remembered the Baker’s chocolate in the refrigerator. You decided you’d settle for coffee and make brownies later at home.

What a mistake. You were tired, so tired. You got a little boost from your coffee, but not enough. Then you went out to your bike and had to ride uphill.

Your companion was more energetic than you. He wanted to extend the ride, even after you mentioned you were starting to crash. Finally you blurted, “i’m riding home on the sidewalk. You go on.”

You were surprised when he followed. It may have been the first time he had ridden on a sidewalk since childhood.

Once home, you realized that you might not have crashed if you had eaten chocolate. As it was, you took a two-hour nap.

N.B. According to the BBC, eating dark chocolate can help control blood pressure and diabetes:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4371867.stm