I recently wrote how long solo rides create a meditative environment for me allow me to experience a timeless internal state of relaxed awareness. The wind blowing in my ears, my steady breathing, automatic shifting of the gears, steady pumping of the legs all contribute to creating that environment for me.
Yesterday was a group ride and there is clearly too much going on at one of these to get that meditative experience. That isn't a bad thing because these rides are great for the social side of things. I got a chance to talk to Jules about his Philosophy instruction business while riding down the road at 20 miles an hour. Jules is one of those interesting guys on these rides - he rides a sturdy (heavy) touring bike - no cleats - cotton T-shirt - sneakers, etc., yet somehow manages to hang with a pretty fast pack of riders in the latest cycling technology known to man. He is a Dutchman that takes multi-day cross country international cycling tours with his family, including children and wife.
We also had a few flats in the group yesterday. Everyone pitched in to help - no complaining even though it was raining and cool. 14 riders all patiently helping or waiting for the task to finish so we can get on with things.
When we got to the 10 mile stretch down 282, 6 of us took off and moved at ungodly speeds, pushing our bodies to the limit. My legs were fried.
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