Don Freeman said:"Bill" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
Quoted message said:My sense of humor is fine but I have grown over the years to not like the
daily blood letting ceremony. I try to only shave when I have actual
business with the suit and tie crowd. I have to laugh at all the Lance
wannabees with their all or nothing approach to cycling. I ride, sometimes
in all out training mode, even though I don't have a good reason, since at
57 I am not going to be competitive in anything except a seniors
tournament. Mostly I just get out to enjoy being out with a mix of riding
fast past the known boring parts and slow where there are good things to
be found, like blackberries right now.
We do need a funny post once in a while, that I agree with.
I gave up on the training aspect a long time ago, but when I did (purely for
my own development, I never had any intention of competing) I used to use
the track around the polo grounds at GG Park. I would get there in my cut
offs and tee shirt, jump on the bike and go around in circles for a couple
hours or more. Very seldom did it fail that while I was doing this a small
(varying) group of bicyclists would show up with their outfits that probably
cost more then my bike did (I never looked close enough to see if their legs
were shaved), and make a big deal of stretching in front of everyone for
longer then they actually rode. They'd get on the track and ride to show
that they could pass me but after a few rounds I would start lapping them as
they tired. At which time they would get off the track. I need a variation
on the Lyndon Johnson quote "all hat and no horse" to describe these type.
Maybe "All Lycra and no pedals"?
Being 56, I'm just happy that I can get out and ride for relaxation and to
save money (and frustration with traffic) on my commute.
I agree 110% with you here but I go out on one of the local roads and
look for as yet undiscovered things to explore. I have ridden all 20
miles or so of the local MUP paved levee tops, and a 10 mile stretch of
old railroad bed but there is still a shortage of bike friendly / safe
places to ride. All Lycra and no pedals sounds about right. I just get
out and ride to stay in reasonable shape, take my kids and grandkids
out, and generally NOT act my age, as my out of shape wife puts it.
I am thinking I am doing something right because I am not only still
alive but have no signs of aging problems found among the sedentary. My
neighbor behind me died a few months back at 53, heavy smoker who gave
up her life rather than her precious cigarettes. My stepdaughter moved
in back there with her totally gray haired boyfriend who just turned 50
this week. I am 57.75?? with black hair and feel like a teenager most of
the time, and I think I have bicycling to thank in large part. The hair
may be genetic, but I have friends both older and younger with all gray
hair, even down to 42, and one is in his 30's and bald.
I feel blessed sometimes to have bikes to ride.
One friend, who was only 49 but never rode a bike, even the half mile to
work, had to have a 5 way heart bypass operation, and I have already
lost friends younger than myself.
The big question becomes, "Will this generation really outlive the
past?". I don't think so, not with remote controls, cell phones you
don't have to get up to answer, and all the 'conveniences' we now have.
Rant off.
Bill Baka
