You know Troutbum, I did the same thing, for exactly the same reason, when I played golf every Sat am on a city course.
I eventually developed an understanding with the starter to pay when I came off the 18th green.
I very often was hitting to a green while the mowers would stand aside until I hit up.
I played in 2.5 hours and was home before the family was out of their jammies.
I played golf as I ride my scooter - year 'round pending no snow. (frozen water hazards lose their threat !)
Now, I'm finishing my scooter ride by 7:15AM - and packing lunches for the ladies before sending them off to work and school. Then I take the pup for a 3 mile forced march at the reservoir. (I don't walk her in the snow - but she has a sweater for the winter walks) Saturdays and holidays I go for much longer rides - while they're sleeping in.
I no longer set out to ride in the rain - since I'm without a work commute. But the weather has been very cooperative this year.
Hence all the night shots....
Stig