Ftrain, by Paul Ford

Four times around the park. On the second go on the hill a man came up beside me with a purple sweater tied around his middle. You have a good pace, he said.

Thank you, I said.

Especially given that you have a heavy bike, he said.

I have a heavy me, I said.

Me too, he said. I just got this bike. I got it used.

That is a nice, I said.

I don't like long rides, he said. I don't go on sightseeing tours. I just ride around the park for an hour for exercise.

It was taking all of my energy to carry off this conversation and keep my pace. Finally we reached the top.

Well, I enjoyed talking to you, he said.

Likewise, I said.

He shot ahead but I quickly caught up. But then I stopped and put on my gloves. I didn't want to have another conversation after we'd said goodbye.

I wonder how many times people have done that--backed away or slowed down to avoid talking to me? Oh God, he's nice enough but I just don't want to banter. I wonder how many people see me and walk the other direction? Not many, but I'm sure there are some. That's fine.

15 miles total.