... where was I?

Oh right, Madona guy as far as I know did every mile where as your's truly did not.

I hit the spin class, weights, learn from TE gals and sign up for next year. Day one and guess who's back? Madona guy (I'm horrid at names, he is too.

He called me "Mermaid gal" for the mermaid on my helmet ).

He's fitter, trimmer and now he's clipless and he's got bike shorts and gear.

The bike still does not fit well, his shop obviously just went "here's shoes and pedals" and did not make adjustments for the fit.

Last year at least it fit, didn't know where the brakes are but it fit.

We talk in the back of the pack, that's where the fun is. He wears pictures on his helmet of three family members he's lost.

I'm faster now and stronger then, but so is he!

I ride every mile but 10 .... and I bet he did every mile.

I don't know how he did last year, but I saw him at registration and he looked great.

So guess I'm saying there's no telling.

I lead training rides last year and it's very tough to get people from "where's the brakes " to "shift now, no not now, not the front brake use both, lean here, scoot back, point your knee, clip out early, drink more, eat now...." in a few months.

It's best for all including the safety of others if they take more time and get lots of miles in.

Just because it can and has been done with less for the safety of the ride I have to say I feel he should get more experience.

"Madona guy" was riding for his family, he would never give up.

I'm not sure that seeing Logos movie* 7 days to End AIDS film would take you through that.

* I take it that's what he saw.