Some of my best days on the bike begin with the worst promise of a good day. A number of times I've begun the day with leaden legs as I watch the rest of the bike club disappear into the distance. My first thought at those times is "Oh no. Today is gonna hurt". Fortunately, my ancestors passed on to me a certain amount of stubbornness. I put my head down and just turn the pedals. Three quarters of an hour later, the day looks less bleak. I notice puffy white clouds overhead and wildflowers along the road and there seems to be a point to life after all.

At this point I'm nicely warmed up, I'm beginning to see other riders and when I press on the pedals while climbing I feel the bike accelerate and of course, I'm faster on the flats also. Above 16-17 mph the bike seems to wake up or maybe the rider is the one who wakes up. I call these times The Rapture. These moments focus our attention on the present, as any sporting activity will, such as golf, tennis or skiing and is the most alive one can be.

This past Sunday was such a day. It began awful but ended on a high note. Near the end, while completing a 30 mile loop, the peloton of younger riders, who were completing a 50 mile loop, passed me like I was standing still. I was riding at 17 mph (rare for me) and about 40 cyclists passed doing 25 mph. I know how fast they were going because the did the 50 miles in two hours. In amongst that group was a woman who I frequently see riding with them. She is absolutely tiny; maybe 5' tall and 95 pounds and I have no idea how she produces so much power. This is an aspect of cycling I like very much. That an old man, me, and there are many my age in the club, and a small woman can go out and be athletic and have a rich and rewarding experience.