Page 7 of Bicycle Built for Two

“Come on,” Jason nudged Ben in the shoulder. “Finish up and we’ll head out. We’ll meet you by your bike.”

“All right. I’ll do my best to not let you all down.”

“You won’t. No matter what happens. We’ll ride until we’re at the hotel or until we’re picked up because the route closed.”

“Okay. Thanks. I’ll just be a minute.”

Jason left Ben with the power bar and went to gather his stuff.

“How’s he doing?” Kyle asked when Jason joined the team.

“Exhausted, but he seemed relieved that he’d keep going.”

“I keep saying, team matters,” Diane chimed in.

By the time helmets and gloves were on, Ben arrived already on his bike and ready. Jason caught the spark of energy in his eyes that hadn’t been there just moments before.

Everyone fell into their normal positions as they departed the rest stop—Diane and Kyle in front, then Drew.

“Fall in behind Drew and I’ll bring up the rear.” Jason gave Ben the instruction so he wouldn’t have to guess where to put himself in the lineup. Plus, Jason wanted to be in a position to offer encouragement if it was needed.

As they hit the road, the final closing announcement came. There were still some riders getting on their bikes, and Jason liked that they weren’t going to be at the very end of the line.

By the time they were halfway to the hotel, they’d passed a half-dozen riders. Jason knew Ben would feel better that there were even more cyclists between them and the rider who served as the caboose for the ride. That meant even less chance they’d end up in a van.

“Okay, this isn’t so bad.” Ben drank while they were stopped at a signal light.

“Right? At this pace, we’ll be done in a half hour or so.”

Drew and Diane kept the pace at the front. Ben got closer to Kyle as they rode, and Jason stayed near enough to Ben that they could talk if they wanted to.

As they approached their destination, riders who’d come in earlier and crew members were on the roadside pointing the way. With it getting dark, this helped ensure no one missed turns.

“Whoo-hoo! Yay Diane!” Michele stood at one of the corners, directing riders. “Take the next right and you’re in the hotel driveway.”

“Next stop, a hot shower.” Kyle was loud enough Jason heard him.

Jason smiled and blew a kiss at Michele as he’d passed. They’d made it, and it had taken them only about seventy-five minutes to cover the miles. A huge crowd of riders stood outside, cheering the arrivals. Jason usually stood in this crowd since the team tended to move faster, but today it felt good to be one of the welcomed at the end of the longest day of the ride. Members of the crew greeted them to whisk their bikes away to the storage area for the evening.

“See, we made it,” Jason said as he and Ben went into the hotel to get their room keys.

“Yes, we did.” Ben put his arm around Jason’s shoulders. Diane, Drew, and Kyle fell in step with them. “Thanks. I couldn’t have finished without you guys.”

“You’re more than welcome.” Jason enjoyed Ben’s arm on him. “You’ve got a spot with us at dinner, if you want it.”

“I’d like that. I do owe you a drink after all.” Ben smiled and Jason loved that it was directed at him.