'Barry' isn't his real name but he values his privacy as does everyone else. Barry is 2 generations younger than me. That says a lot about his age and a lot more about mine. Interestingly, his age doesn't bother him much when it comes to bike riding. I learned some time ago cyclists come in 2 categories. A competing cycle club member is a 'bike rider'. Everyone else is a 'civilian'. A totally unofficial designation of course. Barry is a good bike rider and becoming an even better one.

Barry is a young man who has had to deal with some health issues for a long time. Even at his age, any adult would call it a chronic condition. But belonging to a club where other bike riders chat with him about the mysteries of bike racing and bike equipment etc has changed his life.

Barry didn't appear overwhelmed by older competitors in his event. What impressed me so much was that Barry rode his own race, rode it well and would not quit. I have seen hundreds of adult bike riders compete on this course who couldn't do that...with inevitable consequences. After his race he said to me, "I love this course." I hid a little smile when I asked him about going up the big hill and the downhill run to the finish. He said he handled the hill okay and checked his computer to confirm his downhill speed at a bit over 50kph. All very matter-of-fact. Yet the sense of I did that was satisfyingly evident.  He did his best with the energy, experience and strength he had on the day. Excellence. Nobody in their right mind could ask for more. Good on you Barry. Do it again and have the time of your life! You encourage me more than you know.