Just Another Day Older

So I decided for my birthday today I would celebrate with a ride up flagstaff. Nothing to hard, just a steady pace up the mountain. Just past the Flagstaff House restaurant I pass one of these Boulder guys -- you know the type -- long hair, beat up bike, packs on the front of the bike, etc., and he jumps on my wheel and sits on for the entire ride up. Every once in a while he pulls up next to me as to say, "here I am...", and then falls back behind me. Now this is OK and all, but after awhile is starting getting on my nerves. I just wanted to relax and reflect and this guy won't do his own thing. So the last part of the ride before the amphitheater turn off I put in some extra effort and ride him off my wheel and pull over to turn around. He catches up and points up the mountain. I smile and say I need to get back to the office. Just another day in twenty square miles surrounded by reality.