hadnt been on my bike for about 2 weeks, and rode the carbon steed on the trail.

let us fast forward a bit...

I am approaching a moderately sharp left turn. there are 2 slower riders in front of me, and i hear and see the shadow of a rider behind me that also wants to go a little faster.

the couple are on the outer section and i am basically in the middle of the bike lane for our side.

just the couple and i lightly brake before cornering/turning, the magnificent beast behind me blurts out "on your left" and passes while cornering. this feat was accomplished with several riders in the oncoming bike lane also cornering. the magnificent beast brilliantly rode in the middle of the lanes, and forced everyone to rider further out.

he disappears. i maintain my pace and about 5 minutes later i pass him and never see him again.

it is a hot day, and i am quite parched, and out of water. i refill and head back.

i offer a girl help with a flat and even one of my precious co2s, but she rejects and i carry along.

as i head back, i notice a club (fully kitted, coed) stopped on the side of the trail.

about 10 minutes later, i am going through a section with frequent moderately sharp and weaving corners. a fat man is in diesel mode as he tries to catch up to a rider in front of him. i would like to pass both, but alas the oncoming lanes have frequent traffic, and there a good number of kids, families, and the occasional deer next to the trail.

i have significantly slowed down, as the diesel has burned it reserves and the same has happened for the other rider.

with the grace of zeus and the efficiency of heinrich himmler, the club shouts out "on your left" and their hands shoot out to signal for the paceline that there are other riders in the lane. not a problem, they force them to the outside of the trail.

the majesty of their outstretched wiggling fingers flying by unsuspecting riders truly showcases the triumphant spirit and skill of the peloton.

i am towards the inside of the lane as i corner and the 2 in front of me have slowed down and moved outside, and the noble nomads seem angered that i have not gone to the side.

after the 300 blaze by, i have to wait another 30 seconds to pass, as the diesel exits the trail, and the other maintains the slower pace on the outside.

i am then about 50ft behind their paceline for a few miles, and the back rider keeps shooting glances over his shoulder at me. my cycling shape is mediocre right now, and they gradually disappear into the horizon.

granted, i did a stupid move on a sharp corner while riding back. i should have waited to pass but the sun was in my face and i accidentally went into the other lane as someone approached.

venting done.