I don't drive in traffic very much. In fact, the only real congestion I face is a possible three kids stacked up in the hall between my bedroom and my office. When I do get out, I always make an effort to be choosy about times and routes and avoid gridlock as much as possible.

Recently, I did get caught in some interstate traffic. It wasn't bumper-to-bumper, or even stop-and-go traffic. It was just a few slower moving vehicles occupying both lanes so that no one could get past. Nothing to get too uptight about, although with many miles ahead of me, I was very intent on working my way through. Through to the the empty road just ahead; out of reach but well within sight.

After about 10 minutes of dangerous following distances and lane changes, I managed to garner pole position and move back to my desired cruising speed. As I took one backward glance in the rear-view mirror to see the pack growing smaller behind me, one word popped into my mind.

It surprised me and made me chuckle. It also reminded me that it was nearing time for the Tour de France.

I thought I would remind you as well...we are just two days away from the start of this amazing race.