To the Cyclist on the Lake Front Path this morning in the Black and Red Lemond jersey...

Let me paint a picture here...

Me: Riding my brand-new-to-me (bought it yesterday) tricked out titanium cyclocross race bike for the first time. Cruising on the Lake Front Path on my way to work. Wearing my lycra team kit, riding fast, enjoying new bike bliss...feeling pretty proud of myself as a cyclist.

You: Riding a well-loved 90's vintage mountain bike with fat knobby tires, Chain and lock wrapped around the seatpost. Bandana on your head, no helmet, Baggy jersey that looked like you had pulled on over a sweatshirt, platform pedals and tennis shoes.

Now, I make no claims about being the fastest rider out there...but I am a strong rider and I rarely get passed by other cyclists on the Lake Front Path...and YOU, Mr. Mountain Biker, were crushing it! I had to fight like crazy to catch up with you after you passed me, and even then I wasn't able to hold your wheel without some serious effort.

I tip my helmet to you. You are awesome. Thank you for the reminder that it isn't (all) about the bike, and it is more important to ride, than to upgrade.

-E