Great Tune Up Ride

Having worn out my old saddle after 5 or 6 years, and about 25,000 miles, I put on a new saddle yesterday and figured I had better try it out before I go 450 miles on it. Was planning on doing maybe 15 miles but soon switched to 25 when I started.

Saw a bicyclist minutes after entering the road today, and he motioned to me to stop at the corner. I didn't recognise him and figured he mistook me for someone else. When he came around and stopped at the corner I recognised him as being from my old cycling group -- and actually the one reason why I no longer cycle with them. He was as pleased to see me as I him. And then my good friend Greg came up from behind me and I figured this was the morning's start. Greg was going to do 43 and the rest of the gang about 65. After talking briefly with Greg I pedaled away figuring they would catch me but in the first 6 miles they didn't.

I had put the whole bike group together some 4 or 5 years ago, but after a few years I realised that the chemistry between this one guy and myself was not good. And they were all too fast for me in any event -- and it was no longer fun, so I dropped out. Have found a really nice guy to cycle with a few times a week and he's the perfect partner, albeit about 20% faster than I am.

I times my 40 mile ride to end with Greg's 43/44 miles ride and it worked out to the minute as I saw him rounding the corner to his street in our neighborhood just as soon as I was.

We chatted for a few minutes as we cooled our legs down and then pedaled home. Nothing feels sore, but it might tomorrow so I am cautiously optimistic.I will ride tomorrow and then hang i up for the week until next Sunday when the race, um, ride, starts. As Dave Scott says, with a smile, when you get on your bike...it's always a race! (He should know. I think he won the Hawaii Ironman 5 0r 6 times or more.) I rode with him and the Saturday group from the local bike shop a few years ago.