jboyd

I had an acquaintance send me an email yesterday and asked me if I wanted to meet him at 6:30 to ride the "Tunnel Hill Trail". I agreed and asked him if he had ever ridden the 20 mile section to the tunnel and back and was he prepared for that. He informed me that he was a RUNNER! and it would be no problem.

When we got there, I commented on his seat. I suggested the he might want to raise it....I don't know....maybe.....6" Good lord, he had his seat set to look like a BMX. His response was "that's the way I like it" Okydokey!

So we took off and I suggested we might want to keep an eye on the sunset and not go all the way to the tunnel as neither of us had lights and I, having ridden this trail over 10 times in the last couple years have a pretty good idea of the time it takes. He was very insistent that there would be no problem making it.

Anyway, I noticed about 3 miles in, that he was no where in site. I stopped and waited and finally he came around a corner. I asked if he was ok? He was huffing and puffing and waved me on because he was too out of wind to talk Off again, cruising at about 13 mph for the next 3 miles (a very slight incline). He kept falling back. At the 7 mile mark I came to the Breeden Trestle and waited again for him to appear. This time, I thought something had happened to him. Finally he appeared. I know I am not much of buddy here, but his attitude was not setting well with me. Also, I need to point out that I was really only riding my normal fat guy pace. When I suggested that we might actually have time to make it another 3 miles to the tunnel and be able to make it back before complete dark, he said "We better go back, your a pretty big guy and I don't want you to push yourself too much

Well, it was now ON!!! I smiled, turned around and we headed back. I have to tell ya, I had the biggest smile on my face as I cruised out of his site. The next 7 miles back to the truck were heaven. My legs and lungs were in perfect harmony as I screamed down this gravel trail. I got back in time to change shirts, check my Blackberry for emails and suck down a Fat Tire before he emerged from the woods on the trail .

I don't do well with Vibrato, real or false, and I know I was petty, but this cat was strummin my nerves from the get-go. Actually, I can't wait to ride with him again.................It was fun to Smoke the Runner and my self-esteem is in much better shape than before the ride. We have a pretty healthy set of hills called "Pine Hills Trail", I am thinking that should be our next ride

EasyEd

As I was reading your post, I thought you were being a litlle hard on him. Untill you got to the part about how he said he didn't want you to push yourself too much. I'm glad you smoked that cocky little %#!@.

jehan60188

running uses different muscles, he probably wasn't expecting that; I would say cut him some slack up until the point that he says to turn around in order to save YOU from losing face . unless he was being sarcastic, or something.

superdex

I'd go ride with him again, and suggest the same tweaks to his fit. Maybe he'll actually listen?

unixpro

I'd say ride with him again, but this time put a chaise lounger, a TV, and a big cooler with a 6-pack in the truck. When you get back, set up the lounger and TV, and have a beer. Try to arrange it so you're taking a nice nap when he finally gets back

Socalcycling

Fat Tire, in ILL?

Sixty Fiver

Great story...

Some folks deserve to get schooled... I have always come at it from the other side where big guys have questioned my ability to do certain physical things and I have always proved them wrong.

I guess the lesson is that you should never assume anything based on a person's appearance.

The lounge chair and tv sounds like a great idea.

jboyd

Sure. It is almost everywhere now, and since I put these on the bike, I feel a duty to drink the Fat Tire (besides its a really good amber ale)

Aleforge

Awesome story, I never really felt bad during the story I gotta admit. He was obviously bragging from the get-go and most likely came to the ride expecting to show you up.

Fat Tire is my go to beverage, that and Sam Adams. We even are getting the "Canned" Fat-Tire here now. (Missouri) Which is awesome when you heading to the park!

couch_incident

Set his house on fire, that'll learn him.

Couch

Mr. Beanz

Love it! Believe me, the skinnies take it for granted, beat their skinny lil arses!

Few years back I was training for a 10,000ft climbing century (doing it again tomorrow). Some coworker said he was into mtb'ing. Invited then said there was no way I could bet him as I outweighed him by 70 lbs. We set out on a 20 mile ride near Idlewild/Herky Creek. First mile was up a dried waterfall . I waited at the top of the climb for 15 minutes...Needless to say his $2000 machine was embarrassed by my $250 Trek 800 rigid.

I don't care what others say, they all compete so savor your victories.

Some riders even race you when you don't know it. I've had forum members post " I blew by Mr. Beanz today". But what they forget to mention is that we were 2 miles warming up into our 50 miler adn had no idea we were racing at the time!

They all do it! Kick butt and enjoy!

tombailey

I can't think of anyone that would post about passing other people who were clearly not racing.

Mr. Beanz

Like I said, we all compete with one another. Races are the funniest guys. I was out on the trail pushing myself for a good workout a few weeks ago. I courteously went around two guys dressed in local race uniforms. I guess they felt threatened about getting passed by a guy in an IN-N-Out Brurger t-shirt. They had to team up and draft one another to try to outrun me.

They pulled off the trail after 3 miles. They are more than likely in another forum posting how some guy in cotton t was thinking that we were racing.

dobber

Why don't you offer to take a nice run with him.

billydonn

I really enjoyed your story a lot, and see why you feel so satified. But you never know, he may raise his saddle or otherwise be better prepared the next time... so don't get too carried away with your accomplishment. Best not to fly too near the sun sometimes. (Again, I did dig it though.)

Also, no biggie, but did you perchance mean "bravado"? Vibrato is something stringed instrument players do.

hendrick81

jboyd

My bad

Spell check didn't catch it, so it slipped through. I am comfortable in my illiteracy and will not even go back and edit

Thanks BD

FLBandit

Hey, racing people who don't know they're racing is how I racked up my impressive string of victories on the MUP!! Good story, I'd ride with him again, Show off the power of the Clyde!!

Missbumble 

OOH Nice title to the post!

jboyd

Yeah, I thought about that after I posted, but it was too late to change

Whatever sells right?

Rhodabike

Ha ha, loved this post. I love those occasions when someone underestimates me because of my size and is completely shocked when I blow by them (usually while swimming rather than cycling, mind you). Savor your victories where and when you get them.

BigUgly

I thought smoking fit guys was illegal in all 50 states? Plus, how did you fit him into the pipe?


(sorry couldn't resist)

jboyd

Oh! So you do know me

d4c4c8

petty cool!!

brandontw

Good times, i love showing off that I'm not a complete slob, even though i'm a bit overweight...