Hardcore cycling

"Cycling is unique. No other sport lets you go like that - where there's only the bike left to hold you up. If you ran as hard, you'd fall over. Your legs wouldn't support you."
-Steve Johnson

The lead motorcycles roar by.
The spectators cheer as the cyclists approach.
Two or three cyclists in the break race past.Cowbells in the crowd jingle.
The bridge sprints forward, hoping to catch the leaders.
Pedals clatter as they spin.The group flies by.
Hearts flutter as the bikes swerve.Gears shift as they conquer the hill.
Wheels crack as they spin faster.A wall of air rushes through the crowd.
Amazement overwhelms Rob, as he watches his dream come true.

The symphony repeats itself every minute and fifteen seconds.

Over and over again. For 80 laps.

Until at last, at top speed, one competitor pulls forward and over the finish line.
Hurrah!

Twilight Criterium 2009: Athens, Georgia.