In another topic here, 2010 cycling goals, Bleeckerstgirl mentioned she wanted to try as much as possible to ride her bike with the least amount of rituals (or preparation).

Not sure if I can get rid of any cycling rituals, no matter how much I abandon my preparatory rituals/routine just before and after cycling.

And we live at the foot of a popular bike route in heart of the city!
Still, even for a short dinky ride, I feel most secure with my most minimal ritual preparations: wear my bike helmet, carry my keys, some money, bike lock (in pannier because there's no other spot to fasten it without rattling or spending another flippin' 5 min. tieing it down) and eye protective wear of some sort.

And the after bike ritual, of locking up my bike inside a shared locker is necessary.

I can't de-ritualize my routine. It's like a security blanket for me. I can't just jump onto my bike...I might change my mind and stop at a store, bank near by etc.