Wow...I never even though of that till you mentioned it. At 30mph on a bumpy surface I couldn't even think of removing a hand from the bars. And I have to admit I was kinda in shock when he just blew up like that. I kept thinking that I gave him too much of a head start all the time I was chasing.

As I passed I just let off the gas, looked over at him, and told him "That was fast!'' to which, white wires hanging from his ears, he responded by keeping his eyes forward as if I weren't even there.

Anytime someone scalps me (it has happened three times this year so far) I offer them a fist bump and a "nice job" as they pass. All of them accepted the gesture graciously and with a smile. He was taking it pretty seriously for a non-sanctioned "race" before a picnic.