Training for surfing continues through my weekly cycling activities. Today, the morning begins just as most Saturday mornings, with me loading my bike and making my way to Bike Barn for the weekly ride. The air is warm for February, with temps in the 50s. It would get to the mid-70s and, although not technically an Indian Summer, the day did remind me of that "phrase." Because of strong (20+ mph) south winds, the group would definitely bike south to Liverpool/Wee Mart. I have started with the 21 mph group despite lacking a lot of mileage for the year. I find that I pull too long the first time I'm near the front and too often after that. By the time I make it to Alvin, I am beat. I'm still hanging on though, until I pull back to check on someone. My fellow cyclist is feeling weak and has decided to go only the 40 mile distance. By that time, my 60 mile group has pulled away, leaving me to cycle a good portion of the ride alone. Although this seems quite daunting with the strong winds, the warm sun and country scenery make it enjoyable. I know the shortcut and, because of the wind, I decide that I would try to catch them at Wee Mart where they would be stopping for a bathroom break. Just as I get close to one of the turns the group would be taking (me having to take a left where they would be taking a right because of my shortcut), I notice a large group already turning. The chase is on. I follow them for awhile, lose them in some turns, but, eventually, because of the slightly different route they take, I catch them. Wait, these don't look like my guys. It isn't; it's a group from another bike store. They tell me that my group is still at Wee Mart. Aargh! I ride with them awhile and when we make it to Hwy 6, I decide to wait. The other group I join with is going left, where my group will be going right. Eventually, I rejoin my group about 40 miles into a 60 mile ride (56 miles for me with my shortcut). I have already ridden about 18 miles by myself, but at least I can ride the last 16 with a group. I have learned a couple of lessons about today's ride: 1.) enjoy the weather and scenery instead of getting frustrated about being alone; and 2.) don't assume you know what is ahead because it may not be what you think.
"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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