Two quick experiences in the last week helped me I realized what a novice cyclist I am.
Last Tuesday I was headed home from what I thought was a fairly good ride and as I crossed 13th street on the bike path I came up on another geared-out biker. (You can tell the seriousness or bankroll of a biker by the fabrics they wear. This guy was all spandex and polyester, not a thread of cotton to be found).
He fooled me at first because he was a bit, (quite a bit), older and he struggled to get his shoe clipped in as he crossed the street. I thought “novice.” Then I realized he was wearing a “Ride the Rockies” jersey. Poser? Or accomplished cyclist?
As he came up behind me and then pushed me all the way around the path, I realized the answer was “accomplished.” I kept thinking I was riding at a good effort and would loo
k over my shoulder to see him right on my rear wheel. We were on a section where passing is nearly impossible (along Zoo Blvd and starting down Westdale) so I would push and speed up for him only to find him right behind me again.
As I crossed over to the other side of the street he zoomed on by, shouted out “good ride!” and waved. I was amazed as his piston-like legs propelled him forward, all sinewy and muscular. He has spent many hours in the saddle.
Then as I was leaving Fayetteville, AR this weekend I caught the glimpse of another biker headed toward Mt Sequoyah. He rode quickly up and down the hilly-ness that is Fayetteville, in the pouring rain. Yes, pouring rain.
I’m not worthy.
Last Tuesday I was headed home from what I thought was a fairly good ride and as I crossed 13th street on the bike path I came up on another geared-out biker. (You can tell the seriousness or bankroll of a biker by the fabrics they wear. This guy was all spandex and polyester, not a thread of cotton to be found).
He fooled me at first because he was a bit, (quite a bit), older and he struggled to get his shoe clipped in as he crossed the street. I thought “novice.” Then I realized he was wearing a “Ride the Rockies” jersey. Poser? Or accomplished cyclist?
As he came up behind me and then pushed me all the way around the path, I realized the answer was “accomplished.” I kept thinking I was riding at a good effort and would loo
k over my shoulder to see him right on my rear wheel. We were on a section where passing is nearly impossible (along Zoo Blvd and starting down Westdale) so I would push and speed up for him only to find him right behind me again.As I crossed over to the other side of the street he zoomed on by, shouted out “good ride!” and waved. I was amazed as his piston-like legs propelled him forward, all sinewy and muscular. He has spent many hours in the saddle.
Then as I was leaving Fayetteville, AR this weekend I caught the glimpse of another biker headed toward Mt Sequoyah. He rode quickly up and down the hilly-ness that is Fayetteville, in the pouring rain. Yes, pouring rain.
I’m not worthy.
4 comments:
I want piston-like legs! I'm all about intellectual endeavors, but I have to admit nothing shouts accomplishment to me like a set of highly muscled calves.
I have mulled becoming a cyclist for a couple of years now. I've even gone to the local shops and sat on bikes and shot the breeze with the sales guys and all. It's an expensive hobby, especially the initial outlay, but it's not the money that has kept me from biting the bullet so much as fear that I might just be incompetent at the sport (plus look funny in the tight little outfits)! Oh well, I guess at this age I shouldn't let embarrassment keep me from doing something I'd probably enjoy. The Bike Across Kansas event has always really appealed to me.
109 miles in one day is a terrific goal! I'll definitely donate to the cause, and maybe reading about your training will give me the impetus to get a bike.
What did you think of Fayetteville, by the way?
Ah, but see YOU are the one who gets to define competency. My definition consists of actually riding a few times a week (as opposed to having a great bike that sits in the garage) and not falling off. At least not very often.
It can be a spendy hobby, especially as compared to running. My family and close friends can relate how much time they had to spend encouraging me to actually buy the $700 bike I had wanted for 3 years. But it’s really an investment in a healthy life.
I like the little of Fayetteville I have seen. Slightly Lawrence-like being a college town.
One thing I don't like is how close it is to the HQ of the evil empire (aka Wal-mart). That gives me the shakes.
There's a historic hotel in Fayetteville I'd like to visit.
I vote YES on the bicycle bell!
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