How Was Your Commute Today?

[7rider]

I've become quite comfortable with my tottering, slow rides home in the afternoon. I see what flowers are blooming and where. I listen for new birds back from their winter away and calling out to welcome spring and a mate.
With the return of afternoon light, I'm rarely in a rush to get home.
Today, waiting at a light, a young woman pulled up beside me. She was on an old yellow 3-speed of undetemined lineage. Asking where I worked (we were right outside my office) she immediately recognized me as the keeper of our agency's bike team mailing list and administrator of our commuter incentive program.
She was positively bubbling with enthusiasm at meeting me because we share some of the same ride home, and I had asked her about the details where our paths diverged. Now was her chance to show me the route! She talked non-stop and her legs spun the pedals on that old bike like an egg beater. She flew up the hill, glancing over her shoulder as this old geezer behind her stood on the pedals and huffed and puffed to get up the hill with her. A conversation was not going to happen until the joyous respite at a red light!
We flew through her neighborhood - again, her talking nonstop - and I was thankful my Garmin was locked onto satellites so I could see just where we went later!
It was pleasant to meet her - you'd never have such an opportunity in a car - but I was also glad when we parted ways so I could resume my comfortable slow, tottering ride home!