Almost!

I often race buses when I ride on High Street.  With most of them it's not much of a contest because they make frequent stops to pick up passengers. Every bus has its route number displayed proudly on its front and back--I don't know all the buses "by name", but the No. 2 "local" is the bus I see, and beat routinely, on my trips up and down High Street. But there are lots of other buses on High Street, and I've beaten them all........except one. The No. 31.

The No. 31 is the express bus that runs from Worthington to downtown. It makes infrequent stops (only 2 or 3 stops between North Broadway and downtown) and builds up a huge head of steam as it barrels down High Street. I'm at a huge disadvantage when it comes to racing the No. 31. The speed limit on most of High Street is 35 mph and I'm convinced the No. 31 cruises mostly at 40+mph. I can comfortably ride 20-23 mph on flat terrain and 25-28 mph over short distances. At stoplights, I can get off the line quicker than the No. 31, but this puny advantage isn't enough.

No bicyclist has ever beaten the No. 31. But today was almost my day.......

I pulled onto High Street at the Park of Roses and headed south. There was no wind. At Broadway, the No. 31 passed me like a freight train. "Should I give chase? Nah, why waste the energy--he always kicks my butt." But then a light turned red and the No. 31 stopped and I pulled even. I beat him off the line and it took 2 blocks for him to catch me. We played "cat and mouse" like this for several miles and then the No. 31 slowed for his last stop. My heart lept--there were 6 passengers waiting to board! I got up on my pedals and sprinted until the lactic acid forced me back onto my seat. "If I can just get out in front enough, he might catch a red light and I'll be gone for good." But, no such luck. I built a 5 block lead, but the No. 31 made all the lights and reeled me back in. I caught him at a light in the Short North, but having no more stops he pulled ahead and beat me to Nationwide Blvd (the finish line) by 1/2 block. (I can beat the No. 31 to Broad and High since he turns into a local when he gets downtown, but I want to beat him on his own turf--the wide open plains of High Street where he's the king.) 

I didn't beat the No. 31 today, but I came damn close. At least I think I've earned his respect and I bet he'll be watching a bit more closely in his rear view mirror. Someday, with just a little luck, I'll get him.

Comments

[Mike Beaumont]

Ha! I find myself doing this all the time as well!

[Boog Powell]

I think we have the makings of a new Real Men of Genius beer commercial - Mr. Overly Competitive Bicycle Blogger.

Just be Careful!

[Eric]

Try the #4 Indianola sometime. You may find it a better match-up. A bit faster than the #2, but not as ambitious as the #31