"Meyrueis, Lozere, June 26, 1977. Hot and overcast. I take my gear out of the car and put my bike together. Tourists and locals are watching from sidewalk cafes. Non Racers. The emptiness of those lives shocks me." Cary "The Bike Professor" shared this book with me at last night's ride. Thanks. Wasn't long, six sentences, and I was struck by this statement, 'The emptiness of those lives shocks me.' The hours of investment we make just to suffer like animals, to subject ourselves to the level of pain few outside of our sport can imagine. But how does this equate to a sense that those not in our sport live empty lives? I'm not sure, what's your take?

Last night despite another bleak landscape the quality of the ride was the best of the season to date. Everyone is getting more fit and experimenting with different tactics, trying new things. More wind always = more difficult, a pattern so far that is sticking with us. It has got to change soon... right?

Until next week men.