I was talked into the lbs ride yesterday, with the promise of a shortcut back if I wanted. I got dropped right away, more because I was waiting for my friend who had stopped to pick up someone's glasses. Once he got to me, we kept an easy pace, not trying to catch the group, who were soon little fluorescent blips. Another friend came back and asked if I wanted help getting back to the pack (he's a hand on the back when your struggling up a hill kind of guy) but I knew it would hurt and I'd just get dropped again. But instead of going back, he stayed with us, and when the shortcut turn came, we were unanimous in the decision to take it.
It ended up being the best ride I've had in a while. Lots of laughing, nothing hard. The three of us have ridden together before, on a ride when I was strong, and it was so cold and wet and no one else showed up. My other most favorite ride.
I have no idea how far we went, because none of us had a computer. We made it back to the shop just before the rest of the group, who had several miles on us. I wonder if I'll ever get back to where I was? But I'm not complaining. I still had fun.
Real friends push you uphill, and find the shortcuts back.
'02 Eddy Merckx Fuga, Selle An Atomica
'85 Eddy Merckx Professional, Selle An Atomica
'10 Soma Double Cross DC, Selle An Atomica
Slacker on wheels.