I don't care who thinks my 11.5 MPH average is slow. I'm still happy with it (proud of it, even), because it's better than my average walking speed - 2.8 MPH!

I don't care when chicks like Lenusik blow by me - I'm glad to let 'em. I don't care when guys in team kits give me snotty looks on the bike trail - I smile at them anyways and sometimes feel a little sorry for them because I'm having a nice time and can smile and ride at the same time. I don't care if climbing that last little hump of hill is done on foot or on the sidewalk at 1 MPH - and if you have a problem with that, then it's your problem and not mine. I feel joy and pride in being out on my bike and refuse to let the opinions of others affect this.

I'd like to improve my average speed, sure - it means that I'm growing as a cyclist and getting fitter. But that only matters to ME in the long run; there's no sponsors, no bettors with money riding on my performance. I use my average only to mark my own progress and growth. I also use my distance and TITS for the same purpose - judging myself, and not others.

And, for the record, I prefer beer to liquor and wine. BeerFest this year was a scream - my friend and I got to taste a huge variety of brews. My dream vacation would be a cycling tour in Germany that would allow us to go to Oktoberfest!