I went yesterday and visited an old friend. I revisited my very first bicycle rally yesterday. This is the 3rd year I have done it. Something keeps taking me there and I had a great ride.

So, my question is, what do you think of, or where does your memory take you on the bike.

Yesterday, my mind took me back to the first time I did that rally. My goal was 35 miles (my longest ride to that point) and I was doing it on my $200 mountain bike. At that time I was riding with a team. I remember how the coaches were so supportive of me, how they would ride beside me, giving me advise or just distracting me so that I would keep going even though I was dog tired. I truely earned a great deal of respect for these people and will never forget what they did for me. Then, I started thinking about how the bicycle has always been my escape from life. When I am on my bike, I have no problems. They just disappear into thin air. I don't know where they go, but for that time, they are not running through my head. The whole day after that, I was in a great mood. Not only did I have a great ride time wise, but mentally also. DH also seemed to have a great time. He doesn't ride, he meets me at the rest stops and makes sure that I don't need anything. I think that the old friend did exactly what old friend's are mean't to do. Help us to remember.