During CNC 04 I think it was during the long descent down 181 from Boone towards Lenoir, 16 miles of downhill fun, I was trying to keep my speed below 50 mph by feathering my brakes BEFORE the apex of curves when in my mirror a group of about 14 riders (Yes, all young males) began to overtake me.  Only when they flew by me on both sides without a word did I realize how conservatively I was riding.  If you have the nerve to keep leaning the bike over, it is really amazing the speed you can reach on 120psi skinny tires but even the slightest misjudgement can have very painful consequences.

You can't appreciate this fully unless you've had your deeply abraded flesh and fascia scrubbed out with Phisohex and a good stiff brush wielded by a very strong nurse.  (you may get a little hoarse from your uncontrollable screaming)  That grit and gravel has got to come out of the wound before stitching and dressing, you know.

I've "gone down" at 75 mph on a motorcycle in a bad curve but that was with three very thick layers of leather to burn through on elbows, hips, and knees.  Bare legged bicyclists go immediately to the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers before reaching fascia and muscle.

Just a word to the descending wise rider.  These attitudes evolve as a rider ages, usually.  (There are bold riders and old riders but no old, bold riders)

PS The wild flapping of a rain jacket at these speeds still drives me crazy!  But then, some of my friends say "that's such a short trip for you!"