Mitch, Chris and I broke off on an Allaire TM a bunch of years back. Chris and I tackled and repaired a consistently muddy section of Tiger, by the golf course, while Mitch insisted in going up the trail and hack away at a downed tree with a swiss army knife or something. I think of it every time I pass the section where, after seasons of floods and droughts, the section remains repaired and rideable....and Mitch's tree still lies.
I also think of the newbie Chris, always lining up behind me; the older, more experienced rider in the train, and the look of humble excitement on his face as he started getting stronger, faster and started passing me. I'd sort of roll my eyes, smiling, seeing his newbie exuberance.
Then I think of a few years later, riding one of the CR Thursday rides where, on a flat section, I actually caught and passed Chris! I was so shocked and excited. I actually thought he had a mechanical and asked if he was OK. He calmly said "No problem man, you got it." I can just imagine the look on his face as he rolled his eyes, smiling seeing this old man's exuberance!
A few more years later now. I'll continue trying to keep his tire in sight.