Today's ride involves a shout out to the posse, Harry, Karen, Ira and Alec. Notice I never refer to them as the Dalton Gang since the Dalton gang was really nothing more that a bunch of thugs robbing people. However a posse is after the "bad guy" so as they chased me across several states I was in the "bad guy" mode. On today's ride, after about 25 miles of a 42 mile trip, I noticed two riders a couple miles in front of me. I decided to "reel them in" as the posse had done to me many times. Since I was riding into the wind I knew I needed to increase my speed from my usual 16-17 mph to at least the 18-20 mph level to see if I could catch them. About a half mile from where I normally turn onto a different road, I finally caught them. In an homage to Ira, as I passed, after wishing them a "good afternoon", I announced "I come in peace". We all had a good laugh and I was off. Oddly enough they took the same road as me and after I got about three hundred yards ahead I noticed I was not increasing the distance between us. It then became apparent they were in chase mode. I know the feeling well. I still had over five miles to the end of the ride and I was not about to be caught. Since there was no wind in my face I rode the last five miles at 20+ mph. rate. They were not up to the challenge. By the end of the ride they were no where to be found. The 42 mile ride was accomplished with an average speed of 19.2 mph. Now, while that might not seem especially fast for many, for me, that was a personal best.
But, now here is a problem. I conceded long ago I am not a racehorse. If I continue with that type of behavior I will lose my Clydesdale status and get embarrassed by the real racehorses. Therefore, so I won't have to surrender my Clydesdale card, I will attempt to never again engage in that type of unseemly behavior. To the other Clydesdale's out there, I apologize seeking forgiveness and place the blame squarely on the posse. Ha!