The engine’s screams were deafening, but I needed the extra rpms for what I was about to do next. The rpms were way above the recommended shift point, but I waited just a second longer. With van Dyk’s “Namistai” pounding into my skull from the speakers that surrounded me, I smoothly stepped on the clutch while shifting from 5th gear into 3rd, all the while tapping the accelerator to maintain the high rpms. Letting go of the clutch, I smiled as I had shifted from 5th gear into 3rd, without the slightest chirp or howl from the engine.

Sliding around the corner at over 80mph in 3rd gear was no easy task. Although its not exactly how you’re supposed to take “The Hill”, it can be done. When taking the hill at those speeds, you have to be unwavering in your decisions because some choices can cost you your life.

Rounding the bend, I could feel the suspension give a bit underneath me, due to the centrifugal force that was threatening to throw the car into the concrete divider. The 4 foot high divider ran right up the center of the highway, separating the northbound cars from the southbound cars. The tires hopped, but held onto the asphalt below me, as I flew around the bend way beyond the posted 40mph speed limit.

Coming out of the corner, I shifted up into 4th, then 5th gear again. The short stretch of highway before me could scarcely be considered a break because of the multiple 40mph corners that lay ahead. Over and over again, I double-clutched and held on as I slid through each subsequent turn.

Coming out of the 15 miles worth of twists and turns, I had made the run on “The Hill” in record time.

I shook my head and looked up to see a car full of high school kids hooting and hollering. As the light turned green, the driver stomped on the gas and they sped off. Crossing the street, I sighed and slowly pedaled my way home.

A brisk, overcast morning; silence was my only companion on my early morning stroll down the street of what is considered the “downtown” area, of the city that I grew up in. There’s something quite peaceful and relaxing about strolling leisurely along the street by yourself, watching the world slowly wake up as the day comes alive.

Being that I was one of the few souls that wandered the streets this morning, I decided to take a roundabout route, to and from home. Walking down the street, I meandered through the alleys and side streets, pausing to look into shops and stores, devoid of any of the activity that they would be experiencing as the day draws on. The closed store fronts afforded me the opportunity to gaze upon a still sleeping city. One that wouldn’t be asleep before long.

The street lights that changed from green to red and back again, were the only objects that seemed to have any life at all. They were diligently performing their assigned duties at regular intervals. Birds perched atop of those lights, peered down at the silent streets below. Soon those streets would be filled with the hustle and bustle of people, rushing off, preoccupied with their own tasks in mind.

Making a left turn, onto the last leg of my journey toward home, I took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. It was still unspoiled by the automobile exhaust fumes that was sure to fill the air soon. As I made my way down the street, I spied an attractive woman hurrying in the opposite direction, toward whatever destination she had in mind. I nodded, smiled and greeted her with a pleasant, “Good Morning”. She flashed me a brief smile and hurried on her way.

Stepping to the front door of my home, I took one last look at the world and committed to memory the tranquil peace that still hung in the air. A car roared by, snapping me out of that moment. The driver, intent on making it to work on time, didn’t even take the time to enjoy what was left of the morning.

The day had begun.