The Rules

We are the Keepers of the Cog. In so being, we also maintain the sacred text wherein lie the simple truths of cycling etiquette known as The Rules. It is in our trust to maintain and endorse this list.

The Rules lie at the beginning of The Path to La Vie Velominatus, not at the end; learning to balance them against one another and to welcome them all into your life as a Velominatus is a never-ending struggle waged between form and function as we continue along The Path towards transcension.

See also The Prophet’s Prayer.

  1. // Obey The Rules.
  2. // Lead by example.It is forbidden for someone familiar with The Rules to knowingly assist another person to breach them.1
  3. // Guide the uninitiated.No matter how good you think your reason is to knowingly breach The Rules, it is never good enough.
  4. // It’s all about the bike. It is, absolutely, without question, unequivocally, about the bike. Anyone who says otherwise is obviously a twatwaffle.
  5. // Harden The Fuck Up. 2,20
  6. // Free your mind and your legs will follow.Your mind is your worst enemy. Do all your thinking before you start riding your bike.  Once the pedals start to turn, wrap yourself in the sensations of the ride – the smell of the air, the sound of the tires, the feeling of flight as the bicycle rolls over the road.
  7. // Tan lines should be cultivated and kept razor sharp.Under no circumstances should one be rolling up their sleeves or shorts in an effort to somehow diminish one’s tan lines. Sleeveless jerseys are under no circumstances to be employed.
  8. // Saddles, bars, and tires shall be carefully matched.3Valid options are:

    Match the saddle to the bars and the tires to black; or

    Match the bars to the color of the frame at the top of the head tube and the saddle to the color of the frame at the top of the seat tube and the tires to the color where they come closest to the frame; or

    Match the saddle and the bars to the frame decals; or

    Black, black, black

  9. // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.Fair-weather riding is a luxury reserved for Sunday afternoons and wide boulevards. Those who ride in foul weather – be it cold, wet, or inordinately hot – are members of a special club of riders who, on the morning of a big ride, pull back the curtain to check the weather and, upon seeing rain falling from the skies, allow a wry smile to spread across their face. This is a rider who loves the work.
  10. // It never gets easier, you just go faster.As this famous quote by Greg LeMan tells us, training, climbing, and racing is hard. It stays hard. To put it another way, per Greg Henderson: “Training is like fighting with a gorilla. You don’t stop when you’re tired. You stop when the gorilla is tired.” Sur la Plaque, fucktards.4
  11. // Family does not come first. The bike does.Sean Kelly, being interviewed after the ’84 Amstel Gold Race, spots his wife leaning against his Citroën AX. He interrupts the interview to tell her to get off the paintwork, to which she shrugs, “In your life the car comes first, then the bike, then me.” Instinctively, he snaps back, “You got the order wrong. The bike comes first.”21
  12. // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner.
  13. // If you draw race number 13, turn it upside down.Paradoxically, the same mind that holds such control over the body is also woefully fragile and prone to superstitious thought. It fills easily with doubt and is distracted by ancillary details. This is why the tape must always be perfect, the machine silent, the kit spotless. And, if you draw the unlucky Number 13, turn it upside down to counter-act its negative energy.
  14. // Shorts should be black.Team-issue shorts should be black, with the possible exception of side-panels, which may match the rest of the team kit.
  15. // Black shorts should also be worn with leader’s jerseys.Black shorts, or at least standard team-kit shorts, must be worn with Championship jerseys and race leadership jerseys. Don’t over-match your kit, or accept that you will look like a douche.
  16. // Respect the jersey.Championship and race leader jerseys must only be worn if you’ve won the championship or led the race.
  17. // Team kit is for members of the team.Wearing Pro team kit is also questionable if you’re not paid to wear it.  If you must fly the colors of Pro teams, all garments should match perfectly, i.e no Mapei jersey with Kelme shorts and Telekom socks.
  18. // Know what to wear. Don’t suffer kit confusion.No baggy shorts and jerseys while riding the road bike. No lycra when riding the mountain bike (unless racing XC). Skin suits only for cyclocross.
  19. // Introduce Yourself.If you deem it appropriate to join a group of riders who are not part of an open group ride and who are not your mates, it is customary and courteous to announce your presence. Introduce yourself and ask if you may join the group. If you have been passed by a group, wait for an invitation, introduce yourself, or let them go. The silent joiner is viewed as ill-mannered and Anti-V. Conversely, the joiner who can’t shut their cakehole is no better and should be dropped from the group at first opportunity.
  20. // There are only three remedies for pain.These are:

    If your quads start to burn, shift forward to use your hamstrings and calves, or

    If your calves or hamstrings start to burn, shift back to use your quads, or

    If you feel wimpy and weak, meditate on  Rule #5 and train more!

  21. // Cold weather gear is for cold weather.Knickers, vests, arm warmers, shoe covers, and caps beneath your helmet can all make you look like a hardman, when the weather warrants their use. If it isn’t wet or cold, save your Flandrian Best for Flemish weather.
  22. // Cycling caps are for cycling.Cycling caps can be worn under helmets, but never when not riding, no matter how hip you think you look. This will render one a douche, and should result in public berating or beating. The only time it is acceptable to wear a cycling cap is while directly engaged in cycling activities and while clad in cycling kit. This includes activities taking place prior to and immediately after the ride such as machine tuning and tire pumping.  Also included are cafe appearances for pre-ride espressi and post-ride pub appearances for body-refueling ales (provided said pub has sunny, outdoor patio – do not stray inside a pub wearing kit or risk being ceremoniously beaten by leather-clad biker chicks).   Under these conditions, having your cap skull-side tipped jauntily at a rakish angle is, one might say, de rigueur. All good things must be taken in measure, however, and as such it is critical that we let sanity and good taste prevail: as long as the first sip of the relevant caffeine or hop-based beverage is taken whilst beads of sweat, snow, or rain are still evident on one’s brow then it is legitimate for the cap to be worn. However, once all that remains in the cranial furrows is salt, it is then time to shower, throw on some suitable aprés-ride attire (a woollen Molteni Arcore training top circa ’73 comes to mind) and return to the bar, folded copy of pastel-coloured news publication in hand, ready for formal fluid replacement. It is also helpful if you are a Giant of the Road, as demonstrated here, rather than a giant douchebag. 5
  23. // Tuck only after reaching Escape Velocity.You may only employ the aerodynamic tuck after you have spun out your 53 x 11; the tuck is to be engaged only when your legs can no longer keep up. Your legs make you go fast, and trying to keep your fat ass out of the wind only serves to keep you from slowing down once you reach escape velocity. Thus, the tuck is only to be employed to prevent you slowing down when your legs have wrung the top end out of your block. Tucking prematurely while descending is the antithesis of Casually Deliberate. For more on riding fast downhill see Rule #64 and Rule #85.
  24. // Speeds and distances shall be referred to and measured in kilometers. This includes while discussing cycling in the workplace with your non-cycling coworkers, serving to further mystify our sport in the web of their Neanderthalic cognitive capabilities. As the confused expression spreads across their unibrowed faces, casually mention your shaved legs. All of cycling’s monuments are measured in the metric system and as such the English system is forbidden.
  25. // The bikes on top of your car should be worth more than the car. Or at least be relatively more expensive.  Basically, if you’re putting your Huffy on your Rolls, you’re in trouble, mister. Remember what Sean said.
  26. // Make your bike photogenic.When photographing your bike, gussy her up properly for the camera. Some parameters are firm: valve stems at 6 o’clock. Cranks never at 90 or 180 degrees. Others are at your discretion, though the accepted practices include putting the chain on the big dog, and no bidons in the cages.
  27. // Shorts and socks should be like Goldilocks.Not too long and not too short. (Disclaimer: despite Sean Yates’ horrible choice in shorts length, he is a quintessential hard man of cycling and is deeply admired by the Velominati. Whereas Armstrong’s short and sock lengths are just plain wrong.) No socks is a no-no, as are those ankle-length ones that should only be worn by female tennis players.
  28. // Socks can be any damn colour you like.White is old school cool. Black is cool too, but were given a bad image by a Texan whose were too long.  If you feel you must go colored, make sure they damn well match your kit. Tip: DeFeet Wool-E-Ators rule.
  29. // No European Posterior Man-Satchels.Saddle bags have no place on a road bike, and are only acceptable on mountain bikes in extreme cases.
  30. // No frame-mounted pumps.Either Co2 cannisters or mini-pumps should be carried in jersey pockets (See Rule #31). The only exception to this rule is to mount a Silca brand frame pump in the rear triangle of the frame, with the rear wheel skewer as the pump mount nob, as demonstrated by members of the 7-Eleven and Ariostea pro cycling teams. As such, a frame pump mounted upside-down and along the left (skewer lever side) seat stay is both old skool and Euro and thus acceptable. We restate at this time that said pump may under no circumstances be a Zefal and must be made by Silca. Said Silca pump must be fitted with a Campagnolo head. It is acceptable to gaffer-tape a mini-pump to your frame when no C02 cannisters are available and your pockets are full of spare kit and energy gels. However, the rider should expect to be stopped and questioned and may be required to empty pockets to prove there is no room in them for the pump.
  31. // Spare tubes, multi-tools and repair kits should be stored in jersey pockets.If absolutely necessary, in a converted bidon in a cage on bike. Or, use one of these.
  32. // Humps are for camels: no hydration packs.Hydration packs are never to be seen on a road rider’s body. No argument will be entered into on this. For MTB, they are cool.
  33. // Shave your guns.Legs are to be carefully shaved at all times. If, for some reason, your legs are to be left hairy, make sure you can dish out plenty of hurt to shaved riders, or be considered a hippie douche on your way to a Critical Mass. Whether you use a straight razor or a Bowie knife, use Baxter to keep them smooth.
  34. // Mountain bike shoes and pedals have their place.On a mountain bike.
  35. // No visors on the road.Road helmets can be worn on mountain bikes, but never the other way around. If you want shade, see Rule #22.
  36. // Eyewear shall be cycling specific.No Aviator shades, blueblockers, or clip-on covers for eye glasses.
  37. // The arms of the eyewear shall always be placed over the helmet straps.No exceptions. This is for various reasons that may or may not matter; it’s just the way it is.
  38. // Don’t Play Leap Frog.Train Properly: if you get passed by someone, it is nothing personal, just accept that on the day/effort/ride they were stronger than you. If you can’t deal, work harder. But don’t go playing leap frog to get in front only to be taken over again (multiple times) because you can’t keep up the pace. Especially don’t do this just because the person overtaking you is a woman. Seriously. Get over it.
  39. // Never ride without your eyewear.You should not make a habit of riding without eyewear, although approved extenuating circumstances include fog, overheating, and lighting condition. When not worn over the eyes, they should be neatly tucked into the vents of your helmet.  If they don’t fit, buy a new helmet. In the meantime you can wear them backwards on the back of your head or carefully tuck them into your jersey pocket, making sure not to scratch them on your tools (see item 31).
  40. // Tires are to be mounted with the label centered over the valve stem.Pro mechanics do it because it makes it easier to find the valve. You do this because that’s the way pro mechanics do it. This will save you precious seconds while your fat ass sits on the roadside fumbling with your CO2 after a flat. It also looks better for photo opportunities. Note: This obviously only applies to clinchers as tubulars don’t give you a choice.
  41. // Quick-release levers are to be carefully positioned.Quick release angle on the front skewer shall be an upward angle which tightens just aft of the fork and the rear quick release shall tighten at an angle that bisects angle between the seat and chain stays. It is acceptable, however, to have the rear quick release tighten upward, just aft of the seat stay, when the construction of the frame or its dropouts will not allow the preferred positioning. For Time Trial bikes only, quick releases may be in the horizontal position facing towards the rear of the bike. This is for maximum aero effect.9
  42. // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.If it’s preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run, it is not called a bike race, it is called duathlon or a triathlon. Neither of which is a bike race. Also keep in mind that one should only swim in order to prevent drowning, and should only run if being chased. And even then, one should only run fast enough to prevent capture.
  43. // Don’t be a jackass.But if you absolutely must be a jackass, be a funny jackass. Always remember, we’re all brothers and sisters on the road.
  44. // Position matters.In order to find the V-Locus, a rider’s handlebars on their road bike must always be lower than their saddle. The only exception to this is if you’re revolutionizing the sport, in which case you must also be prepared to break the World Hour Record. The minimum allowable tolerance is 4cm; there is no maximum, but people may berate you if they feel you have them too low.
  45. // Slam your stem.A maximum stack height of 2cm is allowed below the stem and a single 5mm spacer must always – always – be stacked above. A “slammed down” stack height is preferable; meaning that the stem is positioned directly on the top race of the headset.
  46. // Keep your bars level.Handlebars will be mounted parallel to the ground or angled slightly upward. While they may never be pointed down at all, they may be angled up slightly; allowed handlebar tilt is to be between 180 and 175 degrees with respect to the level road. The brake levers will preferably be mounted such that the end of the brake lever is even with the bottom of the bar.  Modern bars, however, dictate that this may not always be possible, so tolerances are permitted within reason. Brake hoods should not approach anything near 45 degrees, as some riders with poor taste have been insisting on doing.
  47. // Drink Tripels, don’t ride triples.Cycling and beer are so intertwined we may never understand the full relationship. Beer is a recovery drink, an elixir for post-ride trash talking and a just plain excellent thing to pour down the neck. We train to drink so don’t fool around. Drink quality beer from real breweries. If it is brewed with rice instead of malted barley or requires a lime, you are off the path. Know your bittering units like you know your gear length. Life is short, don’t waste it on piss beer.
  48. // Saddles must be level and pushed back.The seating area of a saddle is to be visually level, with the base measurement made using a spirit level. Based on subtleties of saddle design and requirements of comfort, the saddle may then be pitched slightly forward or backward to reach a position that offers stability, power, and comfort. If the tilt of the saddle exceeds two degrees, you need to go get one of those saddles with springs and a thick gel pad because you are obviously a big pussy. The midpoint of the saddle as measured from tip to tail shall fall well behind and may not be positioned forward of the line made by extending the seat tube through the top of the saddle. (Also see Rule #44.)
  49. // Keep the rubber side down.It is completely unacceptable to intentionally turn one’s steed upside down for any reason under any circumstances. Besides the risk of scratching the saddle, levers and stem, it is unprofessional and a disgrace to your loyal steed. The risk of the bike falling over is increased, wheel removal/replacement is made more difficult and your bidons will leak. The only reason a bicycle should ever be in an upside down position is during mid-rotation while crashing. This Rule also applies to upside down saddle-mount roof bars.23
  50. // Facial hair is to be carefully regulated.No full beards, no moustaches. Goatees are permitted only if your name starts with “Marco” and ends with “Pantani”, or if your head is intentionally or unintentionally bald. One may never shave on the morning of an important race, as it saps your virility, and you need that to kick ass.
  51. // Livestrong wristbands are cockrings for your arms.While we hate cancer, isn’t it better to just donate some money and not have to advertise the fact for the next five years? You may as well get “tryhard wanker” tattooed on your forehead. Or you may well be a bogan.
  52. // Drink in Moderation.Bidons are to be small in size. 500-610ml maximum, no extra large vessels are to be seen on one’s machine. Two cages can be mounted, but only one bidon on rides under two hours is to be employed. Said solo bidon must be placed in the downtube cage only. You may only ride with a bidon in the rear cage if you have a front bidon, or you just handed your front bidon to a fan at the roadside and you are too busy crushing everyone to move it forward until you take your next drink. Bidons should match each other and preferably your bike and/or kit. The obvious exception is the classic Coca-Cola bidon which by default matches any bike and/or kit due to its heritage. Coca-Cola should only be consumed flat and near the end of a long ride or all-day solo breakaway on the roads of France.
  53. // Keep your kit clean and new.As a courtesy to those around you, your kit should always be freshly laundered, and, under no circumstances should the crackal region of your shorts be worn out or see-through.
  54. // No aerobars on road bikes.Aerobars or other clip-on attachments are under no circumstances to be employed on your road bike. The only exception to this is if you are competing in a mountain timetrial.
  55. // Earn your turns.If you are riding down a mountain, you must first have ridden up the mountain. It is forbidden to employ powered transportation simply for the cheap thrill of descending. The only exception to this is if you are doing intervals on Alpe d’Huez or the Plan de Corones and you park your car up top before doing 20 repeats of the climb.
  56. // Espresso or macchiato only.When wearing cycling kit and enjoying a pre or post ride coffee, it is only appropriate to drink espresso or macchiato. If the word soy/skim latte is heard to be used by a member wearing cycling apparel, then that person must be ceremonially beaten with Co2 canisters or mini pumps by others within the community.6
  57. // No stickers.Nobody gives a shit what causes you support, what war you’re against, what gear you buy, or what year you rode RAGBRAI.  See Rule #5 and ride your bike. Decals, on the other hand, are not only permissible, but extremely Pro.
  58. // Support your local bike shop.Never buy bikes, parts or accessories online. Going into your local shop, asking myriad inane questions, tying up the staff’s time, then going online to buy is akin to sleeping with your best friend’s wife, then having a beer with him after. If you do purchase parts online, be prepared to mount and maintain them yourself. If you enter a shop with parts you have bought online and expect them to fit them, be prepared to be told to see your online seller for fitting and warranty help.
  59. // Hold your line.Ride predictably, and don’t make sudden movements. And, under no circumstances, are you to deviate from your line.
  60. // Ditch the washer-nut and valve-stem cap.You are not, under any circumstances, to employ the use of the washer-nut and valve-stem cap that come with your inner-tubes or tubulars. They are only supplied to meet shipping regulations. They are useless when it comes to tubes and tires.
  61. // Like your guns, saddles should be smooth and hard.Under no circumstances may your saddle have more than 3mm of padding. Special allowances will be made for stage racing when physical pain caused by subcutaneous cysts and the like (“saddle sores”) are present. Under those conditions, up to 5mm of padding will be allowed – it should be noted that this exception is only temporary until the condition has passed or been excised. A hardman would not change their saddle at all but instead cut a hole in it to relieve pressure on the delicate area. It is noted that if Rule #48 and/or Rule #5 is observed then any “padding” is superfluous.7
  62. // You shall not ride with earphones.Cycling is about getting outside and into the elements and you don’t need to be listening to Queen or Slayer in order to experience that. Immerse yourself in the rhythm and pain, not in whatever 80’s hair band you call “music”.   See Rule #5 and ride your bike.8
  63. // Point in the direction you’re turning.Signal a left turn by pointing your left arm to the left. To signal a right turn, simply point with your right arm to the right. This one is, presumably, mostly for Americans: that right-turn signal that Americans are taught to make with your left arm elbow-out and your forearm pointing upwards was developed for motor-vehicles prior to the invention of the electric turn signal since it was rather difficult to reach from the driver-side all the way out the passenger-side window to signal a right turn. On a bicycle, however, we don’t have this limitation and it is actually quite easy to point your right arm in the direction you are turning. The American right-turn signal just makes you look like you’re waving “hello” to traffic.
  64. // Cornering confidence increases with time and experience.This pattern continues until it falls sharply and suddenly.
  65. // Maintain and respect your machine.Bicycles must adhere to the Principle of Silence and as such must be meticulously maintained. It must be cherished, and when leaning it against a wall, must be leaned carefully such that only the bars, saddle, or tires come in contact with the wall or post.  This is true even when dismounting prior to collapsing after the World Championship Time Trial. No squeaks, creaks, or chain noise allowed. Only the soothing hum of your tires upon the tarmac and the rhythm of your breathing may be audible when riding. When riding the Pave, the sound of chain slap is acceptable. The Principle of Silence can be extended to say that if you are suffering such that your breathing begins to adversely affect the enjoyment of the other riders in the bunch, you are to summarily sit up and allow yourself to be dropped.10
  66. // No  mirrors.Mirrors are allowed on your (aptly named) Surly Big Dummy or your Surly Long Haul Trucker. Not on your road steed. Not on your Mountain bike. Not on your helmet. If someone familiar with The Rules has sold you such an abomination, return the mirror and demand a refund, plus interest and damages.
  67. // Do your time in the wind.Nobody likes a wheel sucker. You might think you’re playing a smart tactical game by letting everyone else do the work while you sit on, but races (even Town Sign Sprints) are won through cooperation and spending time on the rivet, flogging yourself and taking risks. Riding wheels and jumping past at the end is one thing and one thing only: poor sportsmanship.
  68. // Rides are to be measured by quality, not quantity.Rides are to be measured by the quality of their distance and never by distance alone. For climbing rides, distances should be referred to by the amount of vertical covered; flat and rolling rides should be referred to by their distance and average speed. For example, declaring “We rode 4km” would assert that 4000m were climbed during the ride, with the distance being irrelevant. Conversely, a flat ride of 150km at 23kmh is not something that should be discussed in an open forum and Rule #5 must be reviewed at once.7
  69. // Cycling shoes and bicycles are made for riding.Any walking conducted while wearing cycling shoes must be strictly limited. When taking a slash or filling bidons during a 200km ride (at 38kmh, see Rule #68) one is to carefully stow one’s bicycle at the nearest point navigable by bike and walk the remaining distance. It is strictly prohibited that under any circumstances a cyclist should walk up a steep incline, with the obvious exception being when said incline is blocked by riders who crashed because you are on the Koppenberg. For clarification, see Rule #5.7
  70. // The purpose of competing is to win.End of. Any reference to not achieving this should be referred immediately to Rule #5.11
  71. // Train Properly.Know how to train properly and stick to your training plan. Ignore other cyclists with whom you are not intentionally riding. The time for being competitive is not during your training rides, but during competition.
  72. // Legs speak louder than words.Unless you routinely demonstrate your riding superiority and the smoothness of your Stroke, refrain from discussing your power meter, heartrate, or any other riding data.  Also see Rule #74.
  73. // Gear and brake cables should be cut to optimum length.Cables should create a perfect arc around the headtube and, whenever possible, cross under the downtube. Right shifter cable should go to the left cable stop and vice versa.
  74. // V Meters or small computers only.Forego the data and ride on feel; little compares to the pleasure of riding as hard as your mind will allow. Learn to read your body, meditate on Rule #5, and learn to push yourself to your limit. Power meters, heart rate monitors and GPS are bulky, ugly and superfluous. Any cycle computer, if deemed necessary, should be simple, small, mounted on the stem and wireless.
  75. // Race numbers are for races.Remove it from your frame before the next training ride because no matter how cool you think it looks, it does not look cool. Unless you are in a race. In which case it looks cool.
  76. // Helmets are to be hung from your stem.When not worn, helmets are to be clipped to the stem and draped over your handlebars thusly.
  77. // Respect the earth; don’t litter.Cycling is not an excuse to litter. Do not throw your empty gel packets, energy bar wrappers or punctured tubes on the road or in the bush. Stuff em in your jersey pockets, and repair that tube when you get home.12
  78. // Remove unnecessary gear.When racing in a criterium of 60 minutes or less the second (unused) water bottle cage must be removed in order to preserve the aesthetic of the racing machine.13
  79. // Fight for your town lines.Town lines must be contested or at least faked if you’re not in to it or too shagged to do anything but pedal the bike.
  80. // Always be Casually Deliberate.Waiting for others pre-ride or at the start line pre-race, you must be tranquilo, resting on your top tube thusly. This may be extended to any time one is aboard the bike, but not riding it, such as at stop lights.15
  81. // Don’t talk it up.Rides and crashes may only be discussed and recounted in detail when the rider required external assistance in recovery or recuperation. Otherwise refer to Rule #5.
  82. // Close the gap.Whilst riding in cold and/or  Rule #9 conditions replete with arm warmers, under no circumstances is there to be any exposed skin between the hems of your kit and the hems of your arm warmers. If this occurs, you either need to wear a kit that fits you properly or increase the size of your guns. Arm warmers may, however, be shoved to the wrists in Five and Dime scenarios, particularly those involving Rule #9 conditions. The No-Gap Principle also applies to knee and leg warmers with the variation that these are under no circumstances to be scrunched down around the ankles; Merckx have mercy on whomever is caught in such a sad, sorry state. It is important to note that while one can wear arm warmers without wearing knee or leg warmers, one cannot wear knee or leg warmers without wearing arm warmers (or a long sleeve jersey). It is completely inappropriate to have uncovered arms, while covering the knees, with the exception of brief periods of time when the arm warmers may be shoved to the wrists while going uphill in a Five and Dime situation. If the weather changes and one must remove a layer, the knee/leg coverings must go before the arm coverings. If that means that said rider must take off his knee or leg warmers while racing, then this is a skill he must be accomplished in. The single exception would be before an event in which someone plans on wearing neither arm or leg warmers while racing, but would like to keep the legs warm before the event starts; though wearing a long sleeve jersey over the racing kit at this time is also advised. One must not forget to remove said leg warmers. 16
  83. // Be self-sufficient.Unless you are followed by a team car, you will repair your own punctures. You will do so expediently, employing your own skills, using your own equipment, and without complaining that your expensive tyres are too tight for your puny thumbs to fit over your expensive rim. The fate of a rider who has failed to equip himself pursuant to Rule #31, or who knows not how to use said equipment, shall be determined at the discretion of any accompanying or approaching rider in accordance with Rule #84.17
  84. // Follow the Code.Consistently with The Code Of The Domestique, the announcement of a flat tyre in a training ride entitles – but does not oblige – all riders then present in the bunch to cease riding without fear of being labelled Pussies. All stopped riders are thereupon entitled – but not obliged – to lend assistance, instruction and/or stringent criticism of the tyre mender’s technique. The duration of a Rule #84 stop is entirely discretionary, but is generally inversely proportional to the duration of the remaining time available for post-ride espresso.17
  85. // Descend like a Pro.All descents shall be undertaken at speeds commonly regarded as “ludicrous” or “insane” by those less talented. In addition all corners will be traversed in an outside-inside-outside trajectory, with the outer leg extended and the inner leg canted appropriately (but not too far as to replicate a motorcycle racer, for you are not one), to assist in balance and creation of an appealing aesthetic. Brakes are generally not to be employed, but if absolutely necessary, only just prior to the corner. Also see Rule #64.18
  86. // Don’t half-wheel.Never half-wheel your riding partners; it’s terrible form – it is always the other guy who sets the pace. Unless, of course, you are on the rivet, in which case it’s an excellent intimidation technique.22
  87. // The Ride Starts on Time. No exceptions.The upside of always leaving on time is considerable. Others will be late exactly once. You signal that the sanctity of this ride, like all rides, is not something with which you should muck. You demonstrate, not with words but with actions, your commitment. As a bonus, you make more time for post-ride espresso. “On Time”, of course, is taken to mean at V past the hour or half hour.
  88. // Don’t surge.When rolling onto the front to take your turn in the wind, see Rule #67, do not suddenly lift the pace unless trying to establish a break. The key to maintaining a high average speed is to work with your companions and allow no gaps to form in the line. It is permissible to lift the pace gradually and if this results in people being dropped then they have been ridden off your wheel and are of no use to the bunch anyway. If you are behind someone who jumps on the pedals when they hit the front do not reprimand the offender with cries of ‘Don’t Surge’ unless the offender is a Frenchman named Serge.
  89. // Pronounce it Correctly.All races shall be referred to by the name given in its country of origin, and care shall be taken to pronounce the name as well as possible. For Belgian Races, it is preferable to choose the name given in its region of origin, though it is at the speaker’s discretion to use either the Flemish or Wallonian pronunciation. This principle shall also be extended to apply to riders’ names, bicycle and component marquees, and cycling accoutrements.
  90. // Never Get Out of the Big Ring.If it gets steeper, just push harder on the pedals. When pressed on the matter, the Apostle Johan Museeuw simply replied, “Yes, why would you slow down?” It is, of course, acceptable to momentarily shift into the inner ring when scaling the 20% ramps of the Kapelmuur.
  91. // No Food On Training Rides Under Four Hours.This one also comes from the Apostle, Johan Museeuw, who said to @frank: “Yes, no food on rides under four hours. You need to lose some weight.” Or, as Fignon put it, sometimes, when we train, we simply have to go out to meet the Man with the Hammer. The exception is, of course, hard rides over two hours and races. Also, if you’re planning on being out for more than four hours, start eating before you get hungry. This also applies to energy drink supplements.
  92. // No Sprinting From the HoodsThe only exception is riders whose name starts with Guiseppe and ends with Saronni. See the Goodwood Worlds in 82.24
  93. // Descents are not for recovery. Recovery Ales are for RecoveryDescents are meant to be as hard and demanding as – and much more dangerous than – the climbs. Climb hard, descend to close a gap or open one. Descents should hurt, not be a time for recovery. Recovery is designated only for the pub and for shit-talking.25
  94. // Use the correct tool for the job, and use the tool correctly.Bicycle maintenance is an art; tools are designed to serve specific purposes, and it is essential that the Velominatus learns to use each tool properly when working on their loyal machine.
  95. // Never lift your bike over your head.Under no circumstances is it acceptable to raise one’s machine above your head. The only exception is when placing it onto a car’s roof-rack.

Posts related to The Rules may be found here.

Submit your suggestions in the posts, or via email here.

Credits

1 Thanks to Geof for this submission.
2 Stijn Devolder on Rule #5, in defense of staying in Belgium when his teammates went off to train in sunny Spain: “It is not so cold that you freeze on to your bike. You go from a temperature of zero (Celsius) to minus one and you’re not dead; It hardens your character.”
3 It is possible for experts to mix these matching guidelines successfully without breaking The Rules.  This is a very risky undertaking and can yield unpredictable results.  Proceed carefully and, if in doubt, run your configuration by the Keepers for approval.
4 Famous quote by Greg LeMond, hardman and American Cycling legend. Greg Henderson quote courtesy of Neil. (Incidentally, it does not matter how fast you go, but you may never give up.)
5 Thanks to James for his sound input on modifying this submission from it’s original draft which read, “An exception to wearing a cap when not riding is: If you have a soigneur (you don’t) and he places the cap on your head after you’ve just won a mountain top finish or soloed into the velodrome (you haven’t).”
6 Thanks to Rob for this submission.
7 Thanks to Rob (different from Rob in 6) for this submission.
8 Thanks to Saul at Speedy Reedy for this submission.
9 Thanks to BarryRoubaix for the astute observation regarding Time Trial Bikes.
10Thanks to Souleur for the astute observation regarding the Principle of Silence.
11 Thanks to Charlie for this addition.
12 Thanks to Jarvis and Steampunk for their tidy ways.
13 Thanks to Cyclops for this sensibly aesthetic addition.
15 Thanks to SupermanSam via our friends at CyclingTipsBlog.
16 Thanks to Rusty Tool Shed and Reid Beloni for assistance in helping craft the language of this Rule.
17 Thanks to Karim for this most accurate contribution.
18 Thanks to SterlingMatt for this most accurate contribution.
21 There are variants of this story, including one which is more likely to be the actual way this story unfolded, which goes that Sean Kelly is met by his wife after a the ’84 Amstel Gold Race and they get in his Citroen AX: “Ah, Sean” says his beloved wife, “in your life the car comes first, then the bike, then me.” “You got the order wrong,” Kelly scowls, “the bike comes first.” Thanks to Oli Brooke-White for helping sort out the details of the story.
22 Thanks to David Ezzy for this excellent contribution and fantastic ride out to Kaupo and back.
23 Thanks to Donnie Bugno for this most accurate contribution.
24 Thanks to Robert Millar – yes the Robert Millar for filling this most glaring omission.
25 Thanks to @urbanwhitetrash for the submission.

12,462 Replies to “The Rules”

  2. Pingback: Italian Thoroughbred, Hand Built with Care in China › Velominati

  5. @joe
    Did you intend to post this video? If not, please just post the link to the vid and I’ll get it embedded for you (must work on embedding capabilities for readers…)

  7. I think…
    you should probably go race in France or Belgium, and see how closely these rules are followed.

  8. @shakes
    Do club races at Crystal Palace or Eastway Marsh count? Its about Tude dude not about what you think is right or wrong.

  10. @Jarvis
    You know this one is the most emotional of all The Rules. I have a small but treasured collection of caps either from a race with killer memories or a trade cap (Campy) that is now old and beautiful. I would love to wear them but unlike the n+1, s-1 Rule #12 there is no equation for staying married if you look like a dilbert.

  14. If Rule #65 is adopted, the following rules must be expunged due to inconsistency with Rule #5: 8, 17, 21, 22, 26, 27, 30, 31, 37, 38, and 56. They have been written by Big Pussies. Harden the fuck up. Take Rule #8. Who gives a shit about color matching? Does color matched tape, tires, and frame make you go harder, faster, longer? If not, who gives a shit. See Rule #5. Rule #17. Wearing team kit is “questionable” if you are not paid to wear it??? If you are not on the team, don’t wear the fucking team kit. How hard is that? See Rule #5. Rule #21. Who cares what you look like? Appearances are for Big Pussies. See Rule #5. Rule #22: Jesus Christ, if wearing a cap or not wearing a cap makes no difference to whether you go faster, harder, longer, then don’t make any fastidious fucking rules about wearing a cap. LIve Rule #5. Rule #26: “There is definitely an optimal angle the pedals should be at when photographing a cyclist.” I’m about to give up on the rules. See Rule #5. Rule #27: A prescribed sock length?!? What douche bag wrote this? See Rule #5. Rule #29: No frame pumps?? So, when someone violates Rule #56, you are going to pummel him with a mini-pump or CO2 cartridge and not a three foot long Zefal pump, which can do some damage? Oh, that will look hard for sure. Why not just spray the CO2 in his face like you’re a bitch with pepper spray. Rule #31: obviously written by some fastidious Big Pussy. See Rule #5. Rule #37, and 38: Harden the Fuck Up. Rule #56: Does Espresso make you go faster, longer, harder than plain coffee? No. See Rule #5. Without serious revisions to this list, it is clear that it is a list for Big Pussies.

  15. SGW you are on a freakin rampage, go baby, go! I’m fairly new here (only one Rule – not on your list) and I do not know what the Velominatus reaction will be but I like the 65 thing… as to the rest (its just too boring to go through them all) it seems to me that to one group this Rule would be sacrosanct and to another that Rule would be untouchable. So the bottom line is it is best to institute Rule #65 and then chill on the rest because you may be fightin a losing battle?

    On second thought Rule #65 might be redundant because Rule #5 by its very existence is what Rule #65 would be? I don’t know, smarter folks than I will have to wrestle with that one.

  16. @SGW

    Without serious revisions to this list, it is clear that it is a list for Big Pussies.

    That is some very funny shit. I am the proud contributor of Rule #5 so I’m reading you loud and clear and thrilled to hear someone embrace HTFU with proper emotion. And yet I’m a Big Pussy too so go figure.
    SGW, check in often and don’t hold back, we enjoy a rant more than most and need to be called out as often as possible.

  17. @Rob
    Well, Rob. It sure does seem to me that Rule #5 is inconsistent with all the rules I mentioned. Ergo, the statement of Rule #5 is not identical to the statement of my proposed rule, #65, which gives primary place to Rule #5.

  19. @SGW
    I have to say, I echo John’s sentiment. I love your enthusiasm and your harsh, black-and-white interpretation of Rule #5. There is a place among the Velominati for a Fundamentalist Sect who interprets this fundamental Rule with such rigidness. I envision you founding and leading this movement.

    Rule #5 is subordinate only to Rule #1, #2, #3, and 4 (in the Fight Club Sense) and is the foundational Rule upon which the other Rules are laid. We must first and foremost conquer Rule #5. Only through the pain and suffering that comes through the path of observance of this Rule, does one truly become a Velominatus. However, in a phenomenon not unlike Stockholm Syndrome, through that process, we may find ourselves inextricably tied to – and bonded with – with our captor, which in this case is Cycling.

    For we are not sane. We are not of “the norm”. During the long hours upon our machines, we have also come to appreciate the beauty of our sport. We have become a cycling aesthete.

    After all, if we observe Rule #5, there is no harm in also riding a bicycle which has it’s bar tape carefully matched to it’s saddle. Eddy Merckx refused to start a race without spotless handlebar tape. There is beauty in that; and so long as Rule #5 is observed, there is no harm in it, either.

    May it also be said that the Velominati Kit bears one detail not revealed in the design on the Gear page: the right thigh bears three Rules: Rule #1, Rule #5, and Rule #10.

  20. Good grief! You leave the country for 24 hours, all interpretational hell breaks loose and you return to a world of fundamentalists and schismatics and revisionists and who knows what else and it’s starting to feel like a convention of Talmudic scholars has just invited a bunch of Jesuit scholars over for a few rounds in the ring.

    There are few things we lawyers relish more than a good scrap over matters of interpretation, so chapeau, SGW (= “Sagacious, Great and Wise”? “Starter of General Warfare”? “Some Great Writing”? “Seriously Good Wit”?)

    For my part, while I am attracted to Frank’s Sufist take on the Rules, I wonder whether it pays sufficient regard to the connection between the minutiae of the “Pussy Laws” and what we might call “Eddy’s Law” (i.e. Rule #5). It is not just that the Pussy Laws can co-exist with Eddy’s Law (as per Sufi Frank). They can. But they do more than that. They make Eddy’s Law all the more challenging. We are required not only to be hard, but to do it in accordance with the Pussy Laws. In that way, they truly test our mettle, or nerve, our devotion, and our sheer hardness. To be (and be seen as) hard when your legs are smooth, your lycra is white, your bar tape is matched to your saddle, your bike is pristine, etc is a truly awesome achievement. The Pussy Laws do not conflict with Eddy’s Law, they don’t merely co-exist with Eddy’s Law, they don’t merely augment Eddy’s Law – they help to make complying with Eddy’s Law the achievement that it is. They are integral to the Rules, including Eddy’s Law.

    At least, that’s my philosophy. I like to think of it as Rule Holism. Doubtless there’s another sect which considers this a deep heresy. I certainly hope so. Bring it on.

  21. First, my complements to the chef, great site and a great list of rules.

    @Geof, whereas I am no lawyer, I am a cyclist, and have a fair enough miles in the saddle to be aptly qualified to offer my observations in here.

    In regard to Rule Holism, there indeed is another sect as you elude to, one of Rule Maximus-cannibalus(Mc). Maximus-cannibalus explains an interesting role between that of Pussy Law abiders and Eddy Law abiders, in which is outside of the realm of Holism which you posit.

    Indeed, the peloton can be mutually Ruled by Holism and Maximus-cannibalus(Mc), but they are separate entities as well, mutually exclusive; which is a most interesting dynamic. Eddy-likeness does not regard nor recognize that of Pussies until ‘Eddy’ wants to, then they cannibalize the Pussy. But the Pussy is not done, it may indeed change, morph and evolve. It may be rather fluid if you will, and in the most interesting of circumstance, the roles may even reverse on the next days ride/race.

    My observation has been that one only climbs into the ranks of Eddy-likeness by having mastered that of Pussies, with profeciency of skill in Rule #5. One may begin as Pussy, in fact…all have, then to have implemented Rule #5 and enjoyed Pussy at others liesure or dissatisfaction, it matters none. As ones legs gain milage/strength and stamina it is commensurate hardness, mettle, nerve as you put it. It is a sort of mastery akin to that of Maslows hierarchy, with the highest affirmation of ones self-actualization, in cycling, a penultimate that only few of ours enjoy in legendary permanence. I particularly am still working on this one, and on some days am Pussy, some days I enjoy Pussy. Truthfully, I can never seem to get enough Pussy.

    Its a harsh reality, that of the hierarchy of the peloton, the group ride, the local race. Partly because there is only one Eddy, truly, at any given ride on any given day. The rest of us on any given day are simply Pussies. Its because, as you eloquently posit, those hard riders who enjoy sheer hardness in and of itself, also love taking advantage of Pussy Law abiders. Those who never elevate themselves above such, rather submit themselves humbly in the ole ministerial position to Eddy, are thus cannibablized, sometimes repeatedly. This then lends Pussy to either tend to be avoid that of Eddy, conquer Eddy-which then would flip the roles, or enjoy a self-mutilating existance as Pussy incarnate forever.

    Eddy’s do indeed exist because of Pussies, but Pussies do not exist because of Eddy, they exist in an of themselve because that is who they utterly are and yes, I have seen entire groups of Pussies riding without a single Eddy amongst them. Its a beautiful thing to see.

  25. Dear Sirs,

    Fantastic exposition. I am happy to note I am compliant with most of the rules with only a handful of adjustments to make. My recent delivery of Bic, Brooklyn and Campag caps will resolve one failure.

    However, what is the List’s view of BikePure spacers? Do they fall into Rule #51? I would aver that for the moment they are covered by Rule #5 (“Drugs? HTFU!”) until they are adopted by the Fixie (it’s FIXED!) courier brigade at which point they may fall into Rule #51.

    p.s. Can I suggest an addition (maybe as part of Rule #8) that there should never be more than three colours to a bike’s build-up (excluding silver hardware), i.e. a maximum of two colours to a frame, plus decals, with finishing kit to match*. This will obviously automatically exclude a number of Pinarello’s, but as they are now falling into Serrotta territory that’s not such a bad thing.

    * Colnago Mapei colour schemes excepted.

  27. @Terry Tafi Bikepure spacers are wrong and although will never be as bad as Cockbands, I think you sumise correctly re: Rules #5 and #51. Besides, I’m not convinced by what Bikepure are doing.

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  30. New here, but I’ve only ever counted on one rule and one (related) question:

    Rule #5 & What would Jens do? After that, it doesn’t matter anymore.

  31. @Geof I confess that Geof’s Rule Holism caught me off guard. Geof’s says that “To be (and be seen as) hard when your legs are smooth, your lycra is white, your bar tape is matched to your saddle, your bike is pristine, etc is a truly awesome achievement.” I.e., to comply with the Pussy Rules, and then to somehow mange to be hard, is an awesome achievement. We all have Big Pussy in us. All of us are fallen, corrupted. Who has not scheduled five brutal climbing repeats only to fold after three and ride home like a pussy? I take great pride in the fact that during the Winter I’ve ridden once on an indoor trainer for only, and precisely, 17 minutes. I ride in the cold and the rain and relish it. But how many times on a December or January morning have I pulled aside the shades, only to be cowed by the grey, wet cold of the Winter. “No way; I’m not ridding today.” Who here has not collapsed as fast as Marcus Sommers on the last lap of a crit or on an uphill finish? Who am I then to come before the Velominati and declaim that the Keepers of the Cog must harden the fuck up, when my own nature is so corrupted with Big Pussy?? I read Geof’s Rule Holism like this. By complying with the Pussy Rules we are showing to everyone that we are honestly embracing our fallen, corrupted Big Pussy nature. Escape from our nature is impossible. But, if God willing, we nevertheless somehow manage to harden the fuck up and win from a break, or we find the sheer hardness to win a field sprint, or we destroy our rivals on a climb, we will have achieved something even so much more truly beautiful, truly awesome.
    Oh, but why do I resist this so? The recognition that we are not perfectly hard every moment is not a reason for embracing Big Pussy rules. Frankly, I believe the Pussy Rules are promulgated and enforced by “men” who pretend to be bicycle racers. Pretending to be a bicycle racer is easy enough. You just have to finish mid-pack. Those who cannot do anything more than finish mid-pack set up rules, norms, and customs which they have mastered, and they can abide by, in order to intimidate any new initiates into the sport. The Big Pussies gain a sense of power from this. No frame pumps. No saddle bags. Color matched bar taped. No salt-stains on your helmet straps. But face the fact. When a real man has a goal, the only thing that matters is achieving that goal. Fuck appearances. Does X contribute or not to you achieving your goal? If not, X means nothing. The goal of a bicycle racer is to win. Whatever does not contribute to winning is nothing. Rule #5 is the ultimate expression of that fact. “Harden the fuck up.” That can only mean, You MUST do whatever it takes to achieve your goal.
    After some unmanly wobbling, I reassert the proposed rule, Rule #65. If the Velomaniti have the courage to adopt it, then, as I asserted, Rules #8, #17, #21, #22, #26, 27, 30, 31, 37, 38, and 56, at least, must be expunged from The Rules.

  32. @SGW, I understand where you’re coming from but I am against the adoption of Rule #65. Surely these rules are about attitude and as such that covers mental attitude (ie. Rule #5) and physical attitude (the ones about style). so although they may seem to go against Rule #5 some of these “Pussy Rules” are a necessity. Failure to adhere to the “pussy rules” means that you need to carry off the “hardman rules” x10 and that still might not be enough.

    Still you got me thinking and I propose the following changes to The Rules:

    Remove Rules #21, #22, #26:
    Rule #21 makes no sense as the weather always dictates appropriate clothing and so making the rule redundant. For instance, unless racing, wearing shorts in the middle of winter is not hard, it is disrespecting the body and determines that you have no style. Equally wearing Belgian Hardman get-up in the summer is equally wrong.
    Rule #22 Is there a wrong time to wear a cycling cap. For justification see ‘White Men Can’t Jump’
    Rule #26 Being photographed is out of a riders control and so this rule should be removed forthwith. Surely these rules are about how to look and behave while conducting cycling-related activities.

    Amendments to rules #30 & 31:
    Rule #30 requires the ‘Oscarito Principle’whereby gaffer-taping a mini-pump to your frame is perfectly acceptable.
    Rule #31 This can be simplified to, “Thou shalt never fit a saddlebag to your bike.

    Combine Rules #37, #38 & 39:
    Thou shalt never leave the house without sunglasses. These shall always be worn over the helmet straps. If not worn over the eyes shall be placed in the helmet vents on the back of the neck or tucked into the back of the jersey (a la Cuddles, st.7 Giro 2010). They should never be put in your pocket as then others will assume you have left the home without them and so have broken the rule.

  33. There doesn’t seem to be a rule about riding deep dish carbon tubulars on group training rides?. If you need them to be there you shouldn’t be there. Build yourself up a set of triple cross clinchers with 25mm invulnerable tyres and take a training ride to Rule #5.

  34. All this debate over The Rules just underscores what a true world religion cycling is:
    – Practised worldwide? Check
    – Numerous different sects? Check
    – Followers range from mildly observant to fanatical? Check
    – Numerous annual celebrations an festivals, of varying significance? Check
    – Saints? Check
    – Fallen ones? Check
    – Followers regularly endure great physical pain in its service? Check
    – Iconic text which sets out the fundamental doctrines? Check (i.e. The Rules)
    – Endless possibities for disputed interpretation of that sacred canon? Check

    Finding myself to be of a “broad church” disposition when it comes to this particular religion, I say Live and Let Live – embrace and observe The Rules as you see fit, worship (i.e. ride) wherever and whenever feels right for you, and celebrate the things which all followers have in common over those which set us apart from each other.

    And, of course, if in doubt, ask what Eddy would do.

  35. I bet when you have finished to apply all your rules and spent:
    all your day with your penis on a razor sharp saddle
    all your money on bikes you don’t have time to ride
    you can’t even slap that penis back to life for a friendly hand job, never mind to “ride” your women!

    P.S. you know deep down I am right….

  36. @GIO

    @Geof

    Not until Jesus Christ himself appears out of the mist and says to me, “Verily, I am the Son” will I believe it. Likewise, not until Eddy Merckx himself pulls me aside before my local training ride and says, “Son, a Zefal frame pump? Really?” will I take it off.

  37. @Rainbow I would second that. Box rims only for training. Deep dish carbon only for racing. And proper racing, Elite/1/(maybe 2) races only. Not cats 3 or 4.

  38. SGW :@Geof I confess that Geof’s Rule Holism caught me off guard. Geof’s says that “To be (and be seen as) hard when your legs are smooth, your lycra is white, your bar tape is matched to your saddle, your bike is pristine, etc is a truly awesome achievement.” I.e., to comply with the Pussy Rules, and then to somehow mange to be hard, is an awesome achievement. We all have Big Pussy in us. All of us are fallen, corrupted. Who has not scheduled five brutal climbing repeats only to fold after three and ride home like a pussy? I take great pride in the fact that during the Winter I’ve ridden once on an indoor trainer for only, and precisely, 17 minutes. I ride in the cold and the rain and relish it. But how many times on a December or January morning have I pulled aside the shades, only to be cowed by the grey, wet cold of the Winter. “No way; I’m not ridding today.” Who here has not collapsed as fast as Marcus Sommers on the last lap of a crit or on an uphill finish? Who am I then to come before the Velominati and declaim that the Keepers of the Cog must harden the fuck up, when my own nature is so corrupted with Big Pussy?? I read Geof’s Rule Holism like this. By complying with the Pussy Rules we are showing to everyone that we are honestly embracing our fallen, corrupted Big Pussy nature. Escape from our nature is impossible. But, if God willing, we nevertheless somehow manage to harden the fuck up and win from a break, or we find the sheer hardness to win a field sprint, or we destroy our rivals on a climb, we will have achieved something even so much more truly beautiful, truly awesome.
    Oh, but why do I resist this so? The recognition that we are not perfectly hard every moment is not a reason for embracing Big Pussy rules. Frankly, I believe the Pussy Rules are promulgated and enforced by “men” who pretend to be bicycle racers. Pretending to be a bicycle racer is easy enough. You just have to finish mid-pack. Those who cannot do anything more than finish mid-pack set up rules, norms, and customs which they have mastered, and they can abide by, in order to intimidate any new initiates into the sport. The Big Pussies gain a sense of power from this. No frame pumps. No saddle bags. Color matched bar taped. No salt-stains on your helmet straps. But face the fact. When a real man has a goal, the only thing that matters is achieving that goal. Fuck appearances. Does X contribute or not to you achieving your goal? If not, X means nothing. The goal of a bicycle racer is to win. Whatever does not contribute to winning is nothing. Rule #5 is the ultimate expression of that fact. “Harden the fuck up.” That can only mean, You MUST do whatever it takes to achieve your goal.
    After some unmanly wobbling, I reassert the proposed rule, Rule #65. If the Velomaniti have the courage to adopt it, then, as I asserted, Rules #8, #17, #21, #22, #26, 27, 30, 31, 37, 38, and 56, at least, must be expunged from The Rules.

    Oh man, your first paragraph is so on the mark and then you just nose-dive right back into the shite. And there is only one word for Zefal “NO”.
    Don’t you see the sublime beauty in Silica???

    Really you are so close just let go.

    You say, “Frankly, I believe the Pussy Rules are promulgated and enforced by “men” who pretend to be bicycle racers.” And this shows how you are either delusional or high because I believe 99% of the Veliminatus are, or have been, Hardmen. This is so obvious that it brings into question your “Palmeres”? Don’t get me wrong your dedication and seriousness come through loud and clear but you just have to see the light.

    “Not until Jesus Christ himself appears out of the mist and says to me, “Verily, I am the Son” will I believe it. Likewise, not until Eddy Merckx himself pulls me aside before my local training ride and says, “Son, a Zefal frame pump? Really?” will I take it off.” This statement illuminates the blindness of your situation – you have so crossed the line – putting a god in the same sentence with a mere son of god???

    Honestly, I do not have the brain power of the Geofs, Johns, and Franks here to debate with you but I love hearing the arguments (yours included) and I come from an intuitive sense of bike right and wrong that has come from years in the saddle, so carry on and I will enjoy the back and forth, but deep down I look forward to your true conversion to The Rules.

    That is not to say they can not be improved, refined and expanded on (I am currently struggling with a new one I hope to have approved soon) and given your obvious love and knowledge I am sure I am not alone in hoping that you will see the light and maybe even contribute to the beauty and power of them, both Pussie and Hard!

  39. @Rob
    “Mere son of god” Heh. (Is there a godhead of cycling?) I was making no accusation against the Velominati. I feel drawn to The Rules. But something about the Rules is clashing terribly with my entire world-view. My palmeres? Well, you may have hit on something. I am relatively new to racing. I’ve only a handful of top-ten placings, 5th, 6th, 5th, etc. Certainly the thought has occurred to me that a breakthrough to the podium may require a sincere embrace of The Rules.

  40. @SGW breaking through to the podium requires ignoring The Rules. Do you see anything about performance or competition in The Rules, other than Rules #5 and #6? No, and this is for a good reason – Rule #6.

    Fully embracing The Rules can wait until you have retired from, or are winding down your racing. Because fully embracing The Rules will mean spending more time sitting in cafes drinking coffee, admiring your perfectly Rule Adherent bike and discussing the finer points of The Rules. After all, I imagine that is how and when they came to be written in the first place.

  42. @rainbow

    There doesn’t seem to be a rule about riding deep dish carbon tubulars on group training rides?. If you need them to be there you shouldn’t be there. Build yourself up a set of triple cross clinchers with 25mm invulnerable tyres and take a training ride to Rule #5.

    @rainbow, @Terry Tafi
    Indeed. We here certainly value the good old-fashioned three-cross pattern spoked wheels with boxed rims; we’ll take this to committee and see where it goes. Thanks.

  43. @Jarvis

    Rule #21 makes no sense as the weather always dictates appropriate clothing and so making the rule redundant.

    To a Velomanatus such as yourself, this is indeed obvious. To the douchebag wanker whom I saw riding down Greenwood Ave yesterday in 65°F in full tights and long-sleeve jersey, apparently it’s not so obvious.

    Rule #22 Is there a wrong time to wear a cycling cap. For justification see ‘White Men Can’t Jump’

    The answer is “Yes”. For clarificaiton, check here.

    Rule #26 Being photographed is out of a riders control and so this rule should be removed forthwith. Surely these rules are about how to look and behave while conducting cycling-related activities.

    This one is more for the photographer, whom we assume is also a cyclist (for why else would they be photographing the cyclist?); all photos which do not show optimal pedal angles must be summarily expunged, never shown or spoken of again.

    Rule #30 requires the ‘Oscarito Principle’whereby gaffer-taping a mini-pump to your frame is perfectly acceptable.

    Agreed. The Rule will be amended as such.

    Rule #31 This can be simplified to, “Thou shalt never fit a saddlebag to your bike.

    A saddlebag is acceptable on 12 hour + rides in the wilderness on a Mountain bike. While this Rule falls outside the road rider’s purview, it does not hurt to maintain the superfluous information for those who might otherwise be confused.

    Combine Rules #37, #38 & 39:
    Thou shalt never leave the house without sunglasses. These shall always be worn over the helmet straps. If not worn over the eyes shall be placed in the helmet vents on the back of the neck or tucked into the back of the jersey (a la Cuddles, st.7 Giro 2010). They should never be put in your pocket as then others will assume you have left the home without them and so have broken the rule.

    Interesting suggestion. This will be taken to committee and discussed.

  44. @Jarvis

    Fully embracing The Rules can wait until you have retired from, or are winding down your racing. Because fully embracing The Rules will mean spending more time sitting in cafes drinking coffee, admiring your perfectly Rule Adherent bike and discussing the finer points of The Rules. After all, I imagine that is how and when they came to be written in the first place.

    This is only partially true. The Rules (or, the Cog – the metaphorical “Truth” of cycling) was in fact laid down by the Gods of Cycling. However, it was the Velominati who, though deep meditation at said Cafe – peacefully sipping our espresso – discovered this Truth. As such, we are the Keepers of the Cog. For we did not create these Rules. We have merely recorded them.

  45. @SGW
    Young and ambitious Velominatus: May your journey to (the top step of) the podium be eased by the secrets revealed within these Rules, which are ever growing and expanding.

    I see your interpretation and conflict to be reminiscent of a kind of Opus Dei of the Velominati; harsh, black and white – perhaps fueled by youthful enthusiasm which cannot be tempered by reason. Only through your own quest will you find your way to the Rules. Until then, we admire your fire and hope to see more of it laid upon these pages.

  46. @Frank: May I propose an addition to The Rules: Thou shalt not ride your bike in a group when when it sounds like a gillopy, rattling…creaking…popping. I find this kind of behavior highly disruptive as nearly every other rider then starts looking at their own steeds chains and drivetrain to make sure they haven’t been found to be in neglect. If we rode at a standstill, this may be acceptable, but when spinning down the road at 40k, this may not always end well.

  47. @Souleur
    My God, man! You are indeed a Velominatus!! I cannot believe we missed this one. Bicycles must be meticulously maintained. No squeaks, creaks, or chain noise allowed. Only the soothing hum of your tires upon the tarmac and the rhythm of your breathing may be audible when riding a bike. In fact, this can be extended to say that if you are suffering such that your breathing begins to adversely effect the enjoyment of the other riders in the bunch, are are to summarily sit up and allow yourself to be dropped.

    Rule #65 added.

  48. @SGW
    Ah, there is much hope for you, my guess is that, like many here – no sorry – like all here, you do not like rules in the non-HTFU world and this might be where the conflict comes in?

    I admire your honesty and wit in this struggle and as the big boys above (i.e. the smart ones) are counseling you it seems that you will be “with” the Rules in no time.

    As to Palmares there is no shame in “a handful of top-ten placings, 5th, 6th, 5th”. We all started in the same boat and some ascend to the top of the podium and some will have to be content with lesser glory but there is no shame when you have strictly adhered to Rule #5. Velominatus John was witness to a 5th place I made by a centimeter that to this day is one of the proudest moments of my silly little career…

    As a newbie here I feel strongly that your passion is what the committees here are most hoping to have on board and please keep up the questioning attitude!

    Oh and on the “godhead” thing you’ll have to ask Frank cause I just get too fritzed out when certain words like “god” and “head” get to close to each other…

  50. @Jarvis Can I throw in a congrats on that level 3 promotion, I have enjoyed and been wowed by your steady insights

    Jarvis :@SGW breaking through to the podium requires ignoring The Rules. Do you see anything about performance or competition in The Rules, other than Rules #5 and #6? No, and this is for a good reason – Rule #6.

    I especially liked this one!

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