The midday sun pressed down. We were moving in small packs as if the road belonged to us alone.

I manoeuvred from one to another, discreetly taking up the last wheel like a nameless guest.

I stayed at the head longer than I should when the pace slackened. My pride deflates, hissing like a punctured tube.

The pace is too fast, I hang on, short of breath. The lesson in humility is decidedly quick.

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