Same conversation with me in his place...

Q: "Is that ride really that hard? I mean, I saw the jersey you're wearing and I was thinking I might want to do it. But is it really that hard?"

M: "Um, yeah. Have you done any double centuries?"

Q: "How far is that? I've ridden almost 50 miles once but it about killed me."

M: "Okay - great talking to you! BTW - if you try that ride you will die."