No, this isn’t about the election. It’s about well. . . finishing strong.
When shooting hoops, always end with a swish from downtown. Backing up, holding the release, palming your face, and yelling “face” to no one in particular is optional.
When putting before teeing off, always end with a made putt. Pumping your fist ala Tiger is optional.
When retiring for the evening, always end with hugs, kisses, and rubs for the kids, partner, and dog. Stories, prayers, and tuckies are optional.
When swimming the 500 free, always save a little sumthin’ sumthin’ for the last 100. Hoping out and dressing before your opponents touch is optional.
When eating Thanksgiving dinner, always end with warm pie and cold ice cream. Pretending to be European and lingering at the table for hours on end is optional.
When putting a wrap on a cycling season, always end with an epic ride in a beautiful setting with good friends. Using the brakes on the icy sections is optional.
Rainier—Descending Sunrise—photo credit "T"
Pressing Pause 
Great entry! Poetic and memorable.
Love the entry and the return to the old format. You also could have included how you not only finished the season strong, but more specifically, how you finished this particular ride very strong; leading out a select group for over a mile on the steepest section near the end of the third and final climb of the day. You had us all on the rivets! Epic performance and ride.
Or I could have included how Gordon dropped all of us like a bad habit despite not riding hard and having to stop for a motorcycle accident. Hey I just realized we forgot to test him afterwards.
Was an epic day which inspired a strong finish. By the way, I’m clean unless you consider chips & Chips-Ahoy performance enhancing…