Many mornings when I ride south I pass 3 to 5 guys about my age riding together from the Pinery, north along the trail to McDonalds, which is also right on the trail. They ride about 10-12 mph and talk and just totally enjoy themselves. At McD's, they have some coffee and shoot the bull for about 1/2 hour, then head on back.

I have overtaken them several times, They all ride road bikes, some with platforms, some with cages, some with clipins.

They ride from a sort of hilly area - which means they go up some pretty good hills at the last part of the trail on their return. The ride is about 10+ miles each way, so they get a 20+ mile ride in most days all season long.

Totally relaxed, no bravado, no chutzpah, no competition - just a group of friends out for some exercise and camaraderie.

I think that is great.