TONIGHT I SHOWED UP FOR THE DOCENT MTB RIDE.  My first time, didn't know a soul.  Always weird.  On my gravel bike.  Which make me extra weird, and super self-conscious.

Everybody seems to know each other, know their spot in the group and know I don't belong.  It's not that cyclists are unfriendly or cliquey it's just human nature.  I get it.

But, if there's one thing I know about group rides and newbs it's that sooner or later there will be a separation and I'd be riding with a handful or just one rider. 

Bingo... I've found my spot.  Atop a breathless climb we stop.

Heckuva climb.

Yep.

That first steep pitch had me concerned.

That small talk turns into... You going down Centipede?

I guess.  How steep is it?

He looks at my bike, I can tell he's hoping from some cheap entertainment.

I look at him and think Let's go friend.