Cogswell

I appreciate the comment in the OP about being humbled by being passed by a coach or other rider that's two up, or on a small bike, etc.  That happened to me - I had some time at a local track and thought I was cutting a pretty good line until one of the coaches blew past me on another G6 VFR, disappearing through the next turn before I could get there . . .  I felt like the slack-jawed Coyote watching the Roadrunner disappear.  It was a lot to process in the moment as my stupid ego deflated - I had to process that I'm not even close to as good as I think I am and that I have a lot of development that needs to be done.  (I recall thinking "how is that even possible??")   I couldn't rationalize that he was on a better / lighter / more powerful (pick the adjective) bike than mine - it was the SAME!! - it was NOT at all about the bike, but WAS about my lack of skill.   I haven't done any track time since, but have not forgotten that experience and often think of it prior to departing on a ride to remind myself to stay within my abilities.  Riding on the road is not a race - the only prize is to pull the bike back in the garage with it as nice as it was when I left.  If only we all had the time / money / facilities available to get to that next level.  One other thing I took from that was that good ride leaders don't tell everyone to "keep up" - they rather tell them that "we'll wait for you at such and such a junction / landmark - whatever.  Ride your own ride and be safe." 

Great write up - thanks for sharing.