They Said It Was Impossible............

to beat the No. 31.

It took me 9 years.............but today I did it--I beat the No. 31.

The No. 31 is the COTA Worthington Express. It only makes 3 or 4 stops between Worthington and downtown and reaches speeds of 45-50 mph on its route down High Street. No bicyclist has ever beat the No. 31.........until today.

I've beat every other bus on High Street over the past 9 years I've been biking to work. The No. 2 is no match because it must stop at every bus stop to pick up riders.  Other buses have given me a match, but ultimately I was able to best them all.............except the legendary No. 31.

I came close a month or so ago............(http://douglasmorgan.typepad.com/two_wheeling/2010/03/almost.html), but the No. 31 edged me out by a half a block.

This morning I had an appointment at 8 am with Larry Lewellyn,  the head of OSU HR, at 1590 N. High St. for Larry to sign the "2 By 2012" Pledge on behalf of OSU. A very important mission, indeed. I left home around 7:30 am  to make sure I arrived on time. But somewhere along High Street, my plan changed.

Just south of Arcadia I caught the No. 31. I drafted for a couple of blocks and swung into the passing lane when the No. 31 made a stop just south of Hudson. I allowed the thought to percolate into my mind............could today be the day?

Nah..........I've been dreaming about beating the No. 31 for almost 9 years. Besides, I have an important appointment on campus at 8 am, so I have no business chasing rainbows........and buses.

But when did that ever stop me. :)

I caught a couple of lights and, when I looked back, I had a 3 block lead on the No. 31. I passed two No. 2's and hoped they might slow the No. 31 down a bit. As I passed my meeting destination I was doing 25+ mph and decided to keep going--I might never have another chance. And besides, at this speed I could make it downtown and back to campus and only be 15-20 minutes late for my important appointment.

Less than 10 minutes later (which seemed like an eternity), I crossed the finish line (Nationwide Blvd.) first, with the No. 31 about 2 blocks behind. I thrust my arms skyward and yelled victorious!

Comments

[stephen]

Congrats! I climb hills against the clock if I am alone. The buses and hills are opponents, albeit unwittingly. While these "games" aren't TdeF stages... they still offer us a chance to excel in our own arena, even if we are only competing in our minds.

[Mike Beaumont]

Hahaha. That's awesome! Congrats, Doug!!

[Jeff Stephens]

I just read of your accomplishment in the latest edition of VeloNews. The praise heaped on you by Phil Ligget & Bob Roll are well-deserved.

Although, I just got a phone call from Floyd Landis indicating you might have slipped a few hundred to Bill Lhota to "buy off" the #31 driver and "let" you take the world stage.

As your Manager....and in light of this seemingly major cycling accomplishment, I'll be entertaining offers from those European teams...seeking to buy out your contract with Consider Biking.

Shall we meet soon to discuss how we proceed?

Jeff, the Skeptic, Stephens