Cycling Champion by Jake Maddox Page B

road bike that’s on sale,” Austin said. “You were going to hold it for me.” He couldn’t wait to see the bike in person.
    The old man’s eyes lit up with recognition. “You must be Austin!” he said, holding out his hand to shake Austin’s. “I’m Charlie Barker, the owner. I remember talking to you this morning. The bike is in the back room. I’ll go grab it and bring it right out to you.”
    The shop owner disappeared back behind the curtained doorway. Austin could hear things being moved around in the back room.
    At last the curtain swished open, and Mr. Barker wheeled the bike around the counter. It looked even better than it had online.
    â€œHere it is,” Mr. Barker said. “Good thing you called when you did. This is the last one we have in stock.”
    Austin studied the bike, from the front handlebars to the back tire. He reached out and ran his hand over the metal frame. He knew from his research that the frame was made of aluminum, which meant it was stiff, strong, and as lightweight as possible.
    â€œThe most important thing to look for in a racing bicycle is weight and stiffness,” Mr. Barker was telling him. “That effects how well your pedal strokes move the wheels. It might not be the most comfortable bike you’ve ever owned, but it’ll be the fastest.”

    Austin nodded as he continued to inspect the bike. The front and back wheels were closer together than on a regular bike.
    â€œWhy are wheels so close together?” he asked.
    â€œThat makes for quicker handling,” the shopkeeper replied. “And see how the handlebars are positioned lower than the seat of the bike? That puts you in a more aerodynamic position when you’re racing — you’ll cut through the wind better.”
    Austin smiled. He could already imagine himself hunched low over the drop handlebars as he raced. This is exactly what I need , he thought.
    â€œSo, what do you think?” Mr. Barker asked.
    â€œIt’s perfect,” Austin replied. “I’ll take it.”

CHAPTER 3
A NEW FRIEND
    â€œAre you sure you don’t want a ride home?” Austin’s dad called out through the open window of the SUV. “We could wrap your new bike in a blanket behind the front seats to keep it from getting scratched.”
    Austin shook his head. “No thanks!” he said. “I want to ride home and get a feel for the bike. I need to start practicing right away if I want to be ready for the race in a month.”
    â€œOkay,” his dad said. “Be careful, and don’t be late. Remember, your brothers have another basketball game tonight, and Mom and I expect you to be there.”
    Austin nodded, only half-listening. All of his attention was focused on his new racing bike. He couldn’t wait to try it out.
    Austin swung his right leg over the new bike and eased himself onto the seat. He gripped the handlebars and smiled. It was a perfect fit. Looking left and right for traffic, Austin put his feet on the pedals and took off down the street.
    He headed for the bike path that ran from downtown River City to his neighborhood. The bike path was familiar. He’d ridden it a million times. But Austin couldn’t wait to try it out with his new bike.
    Hedges, trees, and storefronts flew by as Austin pedaled steadily, building speed. The wheels on the new bike turned smoothly. He shifted gears as he went around a tight corner and leaned into the curve. Austin hunched over the handlebars as he sped up coming out of the turn.
    A yellow traffic light glowed up ahead. Austin slowed to a stop as the light changed to red. He could see the entrance to the bike path up ahead.
    â€œHey, cool bike,” a voice called from behind him.
    Austin glanced over his shoulder and saw Dylan Benson, a guy from his history class. He and Dylan had gone to school together since middle school, but they’d never really been