I was planning on not writing up any sort of recap of Saturday’s Spring Series Race in Central Park because unlike snowflakes or all of us in Ms Goodendorf’s third grade class, not every race is special. Saturday’s race was, of course, probably special to the fellow who won it, or maybe even to the guys who finished on the podium; but to those of us who missed the break because of stupidity (me) or plain slowness (me again), the race became very un-special after the breakaway pranced away.

I was chatting with a very established racer after the morning’s events were finished and inquired as to why he didn’t do the master’s races, and he said, "Those guys are too smart." These are wise words, master’s racing is different from racing in other categories. Masters know what they are (and more importantly aren’t) capable of. Years of racing and lesson after (occasionally brutal) lesson have taught them that they won’t be bridging today or that leaving the race to a sprint will be disastrous for their chances at glory. They know themselves, and they race accordingly.

The also race as teammates. Many masters teams have been together for a long time, and they have sorted out their roles within the framework of the team. When a break is up the road, most teams behave suitably. Those without representation chase, those with someone up front let them. It’s all very orderly, even if it does seem a bit preordained.

Once my teammate Pascal made it to the front of the race, there was nothing left for me to do except cover any moves that seemed dangerous. There were efforts from the race (I think Misters Yack and Espitia had frustrating mornings), but none of the moves amounted to much. We eventually settled down and rode at a pace amenable to those of us in the back. Those that wanted a workout for their thirty odd dollars could go to the front and pull a bit (but not too hard, mind you), and the rest of us could roll along and chat. I cannot imagine a more opposite experience to last week’s hectic race at Grant’s Tomb, and if I am to be honest, I’m not sure which experience I prefer.

The head song for the day was "Sunny Side of the Street" by the Pogues. A pleasant song for a pleasant ride.