Around this time of year, the wind starts. I am always surprised. At first I think I am just weak, tired. Then I realize how hard the wind is blowing in my face. Stubbornly I press on, in my normal gear, struggling and slowing, a dying fly trapped in hardening amber. Survival takes over from pride. Change up, way up the cluster. Get down in the drops, elbows bent, mash mash. Look at that guy, he's all crouched and pretending to be a racer, and not even going 15 mph ha ha ha poseur. Said from inside a car, windows shut, immune to the wind. It is good for you, I lecture myself, work harder, you could use the exercise, too bad you're so fat and non-aero. F-- OFF, I whimper back, too out of breath to say more. Fall is here.

P.S. Checked weather. Today was east wind (yup, right in my face) at 22 mph, gusting to 33 mph. Whimper, indeed.