The Dentist

I did the Tuesday night race ride again last night, 42 miles total. The pace was fast again, like I felt as if I was going to faint fast. I attacked the front a few times trying to bridge up to one of the fastest cyclist I've ever been around....he's a dentist. I can't believe that the group doesn't refer to him as The Dentist to all the new cyclist that come along like me. Instead they refer to him by his first name. Gary. That's a fine name I suppose, but The Dentist cast some unusual mystery to the figure. His reputation precedes him - known as the most dominant alpha cyclist in the group -but without a nickname? What a missed opportunity.

It's exciting racing these guys, in a training type setting. They want to win. Whenever I attacked they immediately got my wheel, but would never overtake me, just sit there and draft letting me do all the work. So, I'd fall back, regroup, and then attack again. Not the smartest riding, but it kept things interesting. This type of cycling is all about the wind, your position in it, being able to 'read' the reactions of the group, and being able to hit it all out to the point of collapse...and then hitting like that again almost immediately. Otherwise, your dropped.

One of the guys questioned my background, said "looks like you've done this before"..."you've got the engine". I told him I was a swimmer, softly, not to raise any eyebrows, and he said "Oh, that explains it". Swimming does develop a good cardiovascular base.

Tonight I ran four miles, easy does it. With the dog. I got home from work tonight and somehow he had managed to turn the water spicket on outside. Amazing yes? The hose wasn't attached. No one was home, as the kids had Little League practice. The dog stood, covered in mud, digging a big soupy hole in the yard. His nickname is The Menace.