Page 10 of Bicycle Built for Two

Five

“It feelsweird now that it’s over,” Ben said to Jason as they walked up Eighth Avenue after the ride’s closing ceremonies and after-party. It was a clear, mild fall afternoon in Manhattan. People enjoyed a late brunch outside at the many restaurants along the avenue, and pedestrians jammed the sidewalks as everyone wanted to enjoy the weather.

Jason and Ben each had backpacks on, the extent of their luggage from the weekend, and walked their bikes while dodging the foot traffic.

“Yeah. It’s odd when you end up back in the real world after three amazing days of the physical challenge and camaraderie.”

“So the letdown is inevitable?”

“I’m afraid so. It’s like vacation afterglow, only the ride’s is more intense and much harder to hold on to.”

Ben made a squinty, frowny face.

“Awwww. None of that. It’s only been a couple hours. I can help you keep it going, at least through tonight.”

That instantly brightened Ben’s expression.

“So, we’re in my neighborhood. Do you want to come to my place? We can clean up and then go eat. Or do you have things you need to do before we go out?”

“I’m starving. The little bit of food at the party only made me hungrier. Your plan sounds perfect.”

“Great.” Jason stepped off the sidewalk, mounted his bike, and strapped on the helmet that had hung off the handlebars. “We’re six blocks away. Up to Twenty-Fifth Street and then a left to the middle of the block. Race you there!”

Jason took off before Ben knew what had happened.

“Shit. Not fair!” Ben moved quickly to secure his helmet and get going.

Jason had a half-block head start by the time Ben got going. He pedaled with everything he had. A car making a turn cut him off, and Jason’s lead opened up. Jason stole a look back and saw Ben pushing to catch up.

“Come on, slowpoke!” Jason called back as he widened his lead.

“Jerk!” Ben grinned as he shouted.

Jason glanced toward Ben again and saw the determined expression. He’d guessed right that Ben wouldn’t be pissed about the impromptu race.

“I’m coming for you!” Sure enough Ben had closed some of the gap.

Jason stood to push harder to increase the distance, but his legs weren’t having it. He added the slightest amount of speed, and it was all he had. That was okay. He didn’t mind if he got caught.

At Twenty-Third Street, Ben called out from just behind Jason. “Told you I’d catch you. Now you need to be taught that it’s not nice to unfairly start a race.”

Jason looked at Ben as he shifted gears and passed him.

“See you at your place.” Ben pulled into the lead.

“Oh, no you don’t!” Jason struggled to find the extra speed, as Ben stayed out front. This stayed close enough that as they turned on to Twenty-Fifth Street, they could’ve been on a bicycle built for two.

Jason pulled even with Ben in time to announce they’d arrived at their destination.

“And the winner is Ben Stewart.” Jason sounded winded. “Well done.”

“I couldn’t let you win after that sneaky start.” Ben took off his helmet and wiped sweat from his forehead.

“All in good fun, of course. Come on in. You can bring your bike up. There’s plenty of room for it.” Jason took Ben through the outer door of the building and unlocked the inner one. “The only problem is that we get to walk up three flights of stairs with all this stuff.”

“I just won a race. I’m sure I can do that,” Ben said with a trace of snarkiness that made Jason laugh.

After the stairs, Jason used his keys on the door to his apartment. Inside it was a juxtaposition of warm colors on the walls, mostly browns, and sharp, clean lines of modern furniture. From the front door, you could see the entire apartment—the galley kitchen, the living room, and, through a doorway, the bedroom.