In 1977, Elvis ceases to be in the public eye. Some say he died, some say otherwise.
Had a little fun on the morning commute. At the 3.5 mile mark (out of 7.8) a guy on a road bike turns in behind me from a side road. It was just at the base of a 0.5 mile gentle to moderate climb. I just kept going not paying attention to him. After I reached the top I went my normal little route of hopping a curb onto a bike path and going through a traffic circle. This adds a little distance but keeps me out of the road for more time, a key factor in my route selection. I caught a look of the other rider still about 100 meters down the hill, head down, looking spent. Sort of just forgot about him. He ends up pretty close to me since he was taking a shorter route.
About 1.5 miles later there is a steep downhill, followed by a nasty 0.3 mile climb. Would be a perfect spot to carry all the downhill momentum; however, at the bottom there is a cross road that is effectively blind in both directions, so you have to lay hard on the binders and be ready. My partner behind me does a nice job of using me as a shield and puts the hammer down, rocketing past me like I was standing still about 50 yards up the hill. I just kept riding my normal pace, figuring I would catch him. I did, about 50 yards from the top. He was working pretty hard, so for payback for the shielding I upshifted once and sped up as best I could still staying comfortable. Left him like he left me.
After this hill there is a long gradual downhill, then another uphill climb in amongst traffic, then finally a final downhill to a stoplight is always red. Always. Since I hadn't seen or heard the other guy I figured he had turned off my route. Well, about 30 seconds after I stopped at the light, holding onto a pole to stay clipped in, here he comes. He skids to a stop, with one foot out of his toeclips, then proceeds to yank the other one out and hop off, all the time huffing and puffing. I thought, oh boy, here it comes, Riis 1997. But he just stood there next to his bike until the light changed. Didn't look too close but maybe his bike is way to big for him or something and he can't keep one foot in. Never could really tell if he was trying to chase me down, or if it was just a normal ride for him.
For those of you who don't know what I meant by Riis 1997, check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFzteK_y1b4[/URL" target="_blank">
Anyway, that was my ride this morning.
Don't be nothin' but a hounddog out there today!
