The 100-milers started at 6 am. We mere metrics started at 8:30.
5 miles from the end of our metric, we're near a place called the Global Transpark, tailwind, feeling good, 21mph.
From behind comes 3 Tarmacs, pass us like we were standing still--the first pack of the century guys.

A mile later, one of them is slowing up with a cramp.
I say "nice bike."
He says "nice bike."
I say, "if I were doing the 100, and I got a cramp at 95 miles, I'd go ahead and get off the bike and walk around."
He says, "I can't, this is a $6000 bike; I'm gonna finish fast or die trying."

I laugh, he laughs.

I say, "good luck, but when you're on a steel bike, you can do whatever you want."
He said, "you know, you got a point there," and he was gone.

Had a beer with him after. He wants an Ironman.

Other than 2 Centurions and a guy on a Colnago who disappeared or simply rode the 31-miler, it was like a Trek/Specialized convention. The Tarmacs were eating the Madones' lunches, but I assume that's the difference between being serious about forking over $6000 for a bike vs. a Madone on sale at $3200.

Speaking of steel warriors, the warship in the background is an exact replica of the C.S.S Neuse, an ironclad built near the end of the Civil War, which never made it into battle.