1 June, 2008: Chasing Cement Trucks
112 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing today, via the Western Wheelers Sequoia Century ride from Palo Alto to Santa Cruz and back. Felt great. Led a paceline of about 40 riders for 4 miles. Met some cool people. Ate a ton of peanuts and M&M's. Drafted a house down HWY 1. (Disclaimer and Pun: Do not try this at home).
When the large vehicle came by, I was the only one who managed (wanted?) to jump into it's slipstream. I have Rick, and all those days of chasing cement trucks out on Old Nacogdoches Road, to thank for the instinct that overwrote hesitation with impulse.
Sometimes, things click. Everything seems to work. I know that the tide will turn, and I'll hit rough spots. That's part of the lesson of Rick's Ride--enjoy the tailwinds (or passing mobile homes traveling at just the ride speed), and pray that your training, preparation, friends, and guardian angels will get you through the hard times.
