Today was proof I am better than I used to be. After 50 miles of relentlessly battling against wind, I was pooped. Then a fast rider came past and he was going at some speed. Clearly a road nazi out training. He looked the part too, very skinny. As he passed, we said a couple of word of pleasantries and I was coasting alone eating and drinking. I put the water bottle back in the cage and the chase was on. It wasn't a race and when I started the chase he was already about 300 yards ahead and only just within sight in the winding lanes. I just wanted to see if I can keep up with his regular training pace. He was going faster than I would have been going on my own but I wasn't pushing hard or feeling uncomfortable. I realed him in over a good long chase and somehow by the end when he turned off, he knew what i was doing. He waved and left. I think I'm a lot better than I used to be.