Good ride w/short rant!

[bcipam]

Hey Biker... I'm sortof with you on the passing thing... I started this hilltraining class Tuesday nights. I ride with two buddies. We are the slowest in class (and the oldest and heaviest - especially me!). We start 15 minutes earlier than anyone and eventualy the crew catches up with us on a long, steep climb and passes all saying things like "Looking good" [no I don't My cheeks are bright red, I'm a sweat ball and I look like hell warmed over!], "Just alittle further to the top!" [like i need to know - sides' been up this road before - I know you are lying!], "Great job" [yeah for an old, fat lady I guess], "Way to hang in there!" [like you are surprised I didnt quit on the last hill]. And nothing worse than I'm counting the tire rotation just hoping to reach the top someday... and two people come flying by carrying on a conversation. A conversation! I'm just having trouble taking in a breathe much less talking. Or the nice person who comes by and starts to engage you in conversation... all I can do is grunt in response. Yeah that's attractive!

Anyway it used to bother me but know I figure hey it's my ride, I'm enjoying it, and I figure they all mean well so OK "Thank's for the encouragment. now move along and let me suffer in peace..."

BTW I always ask anyone stopped along the road if they need anything (not are you OK, or need help). I figure that's just polite. If they do need help they can say so, if not, I did good by asking. And I have stopped and helped out men as much as I helped out women. I do have one good skill - I can change a flat in less than 5 minutes. Had lots of practice!