I freely admit that I had a certain advantage (Or several) but this was fun!
Cycling back from work yesterday on the fixer and having suffered
massively reduced mileage recently (Getting podgy!) I thought I'd add a
few miles and a hill climb as apposed to the "straight up Leith Walk"
route. So a quick detour and the route over Arthur's Seat. As I
approached the base of the climb, I picked up another cyclist on a road
bike coming from the other direction and I started the climb slightly
ahead of him (~4 metres). As I climbed I realised that he was on my
wheel and when (With the sound of heavy breathing) he passed me, I
figured that there was no way in hell I was staying with him. I'd have
guessed late 30s, slim build (not carrying any obvious excess weight),
on a Dura-Ace equipped Trek OCLV and we were just approaching the
steepest bit. I was already standing up in a comfortable rhythm but did
see myself going any quicker until the crest. As he had passed, I pulled
my cap down so that I wouldn't see where he was and try and sit on his
wheel, but could continue at my own pace. About half-way up the steep
bit I noticed a rear wheel creeping into view. I matched him at the
crest and he looked over and smiled so I suggested that his problem was
too many gears. Part in jest, and partly as he appeared to be
crosschaining big-big.
We chatted about his bike (Which was very Bling!) and riding and he
suggested that I come along to the ERC club runs. We rode together and
chatted until the start of the descent where I said goodbye and went
hell for leather (32mph on a 72" fixed gear!) down the hill!
In his defence, this was a final hill at the end of a ride of unknown
length, and a new bike that he was still getting used to.
I was riding the fixer (Which is looking increasingly shabby) and in
practical mode. One pannier, battery pack for headlight, mudguards etc.
I actually felt for the guy (Sorry if you're reading this), as I know
how I'd feel.
Anyway, smug mode off. Back to coding!
Jon