Riding with mountain goats

Today was my first day back at real training after my recovery week from the Bala middle distance triathlon.  Having had an easy week I did have to force myself out the door as the lure of a BBQ in the sunshine was tempting.  As you know most of my ironman training is done on my own because that is how it will be on August 15th in Copenhagen.  But today I went out with Stewart (ironman) and Jacques (mental cyclist) who are both in training for the Mont Ventoux in September - the equivalent of climbing Everest and something most sane people wouldn't attempt in a car.
So I spent 3 hrs 10 mins chasing them over 75 km.  When we reached the slightest incline, never mind hill, they pulled away and I then tried to catch them up on the downhill while they rested.  They could have left me for dead but encouraged me to "keep up".  Looking at the positive side it was a good exercise in mental strength which is so important when I will be competing for up to 15 hours - ride your own race and ignore the others.  I think I will be doing more cycling on my own as our goals and abilities are different although the banter is fun.