I started out with a trip to Mystic Cycle Center, to get the broken spoke fixed (again).

On the way I got stuck at the drawbridge in downtown Mystic. That bridge is impressive! It's a relatively small bridge (only one lane each way), but to be right up next to it when it opened and closed really gave me a feeling of smallness.

When I finally arrived at MCC, everybody stopped what they were doing to find out what was up. That's one of the reasons I like those guys... every single one of them is a serious rider, and most of them are racers, so when a rider in full gear has a problem serious enough to actually get off of his bike and come into the store, they all want to know what's up.

They felt terrible about it, and actually offered to let me take one of their new bikes to finish my ride, so that I wouldn't cool down. Unfortunately, they didn't have any that would fit me, but I was reminded again that these are some of the only people I know who really understand what "the ride" means to a cyclist. Simply put, "stopping is bad."

So, I cooled down for a second time, and waited 35 minutes for them to fix the wheel again (no charge). Two cooling off periods had the affect we all knew it would, and the rest of my ride was hot and sweaty and slower and later than I'd have liked.

Still, I have to admit that this is about more than just speed. There's an aspect of comaraderie that's easily forgotten when you ride alone, which I've been reminded of in a small way.

(Want to see the understanding between riders really manifest itself? Start talking about how the car-drivers act when passing cyclists, and you'll immediately know who else in the room is a cyclist. Mentioning your toils up some of the local hills will do it, too.)

One last note: this is the ride where I hit 1000 miles for the year. It's the first time I've done that in at least 3 years, maybe longer!