How cool! Glad to hear about your encounter!

On my very first day of riding, one of the local road warriors was kind enough to slow down and ride with me for the last couple of miles. I only rode about 7 miles, but I was huffing and puffing so hard that I could barely talk to him, but he was patient with me. It was really a treat for me to have someone to talk to. Another rider later told me that he is the kind of rider who goes up hills at 18 mph...faster than I usually ride on the flats!! Anyway, we had a pleasant (if one sided!) conversation untill it was time for me to turn off, and he easily accelerated away from me. A nice experience.

And, I know that you will get better, too. I know I have improved a lot since that day in April. I did 20 miles this morning, the last 10 of it into a headwind, and was in a lot better condition than I was at the end of that first ride!!