I had a different kind of ride today. Last night our kids were entertaining friends, and I mentioned my husband and I were gonna ride up to Sandwich this morning (we are summering in woods hole, cape cod), and two of the teenaged boys asked if they could join us. We said sure. They showed up with heavy bikes (one a cyclocross bike, the other had his dad's 20 year old 10 speed) but great spirit. After staying up most of the night like teenagers do, they did their best to hang on for 53 miles! At the end, the one who had the cyclocross bike (and gym shorts, no chamois) told me it was the longest ride he ever did! He had a few issues with nutrition, but we got him to eat a few times during the ride and then he was fine. A good time was had by all. I guess we take the 'cool parent' prize today, how often do kids wanna hang out with their friend's parents?