A1A

Since most of my rides have been of the virtual kind inside the Lavender Palace I always wonder if the acumen I have gained in the CS has any applicability on the open road. After this week I can say that from a tactical point of view like catching some of those imaginary riders we encounter in the periphery of our imagination take on different paradigm. Sorry my readers I guess I have a preponderance to get way too deep in my etchings sometimes.  

One morning this week as I was turning around on my ride I was a bit startled to hear: On your left! Good morning.  Three riders whizzed by as if I was standing still. Within seconds my competitive edge compelled me to start out after them. Not moments before I was admiring to myself just how fit I was and as I was busting my “virtual” buttons these athletes shattered that hypothesis like exploding glass.  

An element of doubt crept in. I said Jack you’re 61 these riders are 30 something don’t be upset its just Father Time reminding you where you are.  That was not sitting well with me and to make matters just a bit more challenging I hit a hill they had just conquered and I miscalculated my gear shifting and I lost 100 yards more between me and them in a flash.  Undaunted I kicked in to a higher gear and gradually, inexorably I started to make up the ground I had lost and within ¾ of a mile I had caught my riders with a considerable amount of huffing and puffing. What I did hear in my minds ear was the Evil Woman telling me to breathe through my nose and out through my mouth and I could feel the extra oxygen aiding me in my pursuit.  

Riding outside is bike of a different color but one thing I do know and that is my Spin Cycle in the CS ain’t no joke on the open road.