If you can’t tell over the screaming of your muscles
begging for surrender
today is the day
that you have biked too much.

You have gone too far
depleted too many calories
from your system.
Despite what you wish
or remember
or believe is your capacity
you have done too much.
You are exhausted.
You are through.

You can stop
as you should have
miles ago.
You can take a break
and slow down
and take it easy.
You may think there is more to do
but trust me
nobody wants you to.

You have ridden
as far as your weary little legs
can take you
and then
a bit further.
You can rest now
please.

If you survive the night
you can go further
tomorrow.