Vanishing Act

Doc overslept but Peter was already at Peet's, sipping coffee and trading jokes in a relaxed manner as only a confident athlete can. Jeff rolled in on his Giant Defy, a bike that slices brutal Crissy field headwinds like butter. Myself, I've been sprinting straight shot commutes so my legs are tired. After a sprint with Wheel Destroyer the other day, and another day of hanging close to Jeff's wheel up to the bridge I was ready for some pain.

As we morphed into a larger group through Sausalito, I lead the way to the infamous climb to Vista Point. The first two hills are nothing but an opportunity for everyone to measure each other up. Myself not completely decided, knew immediately that Jeff would take the day.  So I hung back and let the others slide forward. Half way up Jeff unhinged his tag along for good. But tag along and another rider were still in front of me. Seizing the moment of demoralization, I quickly passed the rider in front of me. As I chased the next rider on his cross bike, he stopped pedaling and looked down as if he lost his water bottle. A signal that he has no intention of leading. So off I went and he grabs my wheel effortlessly. 

No problem I have a few tricks of my own. As we turn I to the last climb I ramp up a bit and rise out if the saddle. A sure sign of weakness and usually means you will crack in a minute. Delighted, my new tag along clutches my rear wheel in glee ready to pounce. But it was not to be. At the moment where others would crack I dug deep and was gone. Popped him for good.

But where was Peter? Jeff and I rode in circles at Vista Point for about two minutes and then decided to go back and look for him. Around every turn he was no where to be seen. So I'm thinking what the heck happened to him and omg, I will need to climb this hill again with light foot Jeff. Fantastic.

At the bottom of the hill in Sausalito we phone Peter.  "Mister Mo", he answered on the phone. " I flatted, and jumped on the bus. Actually, I'm uh already across the bridge and in the city. Sorry my friend :-)"

Jeff and I were dying. How did he vanish so quickly onto a bus? We suspect he saw the bus coming and raced us ahead to battle with the other riders while he jumped on the bus to relax. We can't prove it of course. But if there's anyone I know that can pull some magic out of a bike ride, that would be Peter.