René Privat wears yellow as Master Jacques reads a newspaper and tries not to notice.
I’ve never been afraid of imitating my heroes, they always seemed like the best examples available and as a student of life (as every child is) it seemed normal to me to copy every aspect of their lives that I had visibility into. I copied my dad’s handwriting as I was learning to write just as I copied Greg LeMond’s position on the bike as I was learning how to get serious about Cycling. None of my friends recognized my dad’s handwriting; they all thought my handwriting looked different from everyone else so they figured I had “cool” handwriting. All of my friends who rode bikes recognized Greg Lemond’s riding style; they all figured I was a copycat.
It was an early lesson; neither the complement nor the criticism meant terribly much to me; I was busy learning and that was good enough for me. I have to say, though, that as I’ve grown older, I’ve become more fond of my younger self, that version of me who didn’t feel the influence of what others believed so much. As we age, we “know” more and we “believe” less. Preserving the ability to believe is what keeps us young; for that reason alone, I refuse to grow up and insist on believing in everything I find beautiful, however irrational it might be.
Which brings me to Cycling; Cycling is the perfect way to stay in touch with the more delicate aspects of what we love in our lives. Riding in the first place is already enough; breathing the air and indulging in the tension of strength in our muscles and body as we ride brings an awareness that most people don’t have the opportunity to experience. As we develop in the sport, we start to test the limits of our bodies and equipment; testing is the way we experience growth and the development of our skill.
Every time we climb aboard a bicycle, we are testing our limits the same as we did as children; to be a Cyclist is to be young again. Vive la Vie Velominatus.
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@RobSandy
Is there an inverse relationship to Rule #7?
@Rick
I think I meant to say "I should say SO." I'm always embarrassed by the glare from my guns when I first wear shorts.
@w
You could alway go for a Trump Tan - the Orange would match the V colour (with apologies if that is too political - please do not respond with political comments!) but his face tan does seem to be Rule #7 compliant.
When I turned 40 years old, I realized that I had started doing two things regularly again in the year leading up to that birthday- reading books for pleasure and riding a bike. These were two of the main things I did for fun when I was twelve. I would read for hours or go on long rides around my neighborhood for no reason other than to ride. I met the Man with the Hammer for the first time (they called it "head exhaustion"). I walked my bike up hills until I could eventually ride them without dismounting. Just as it did for the Prophet, the bike made me feel free.
Cycling, in particular, was something I had not done in over twenty years. This connection with my younger self was like finding the mainline of happiness that I had lost for many years. When I ride the bike, I still find freedom in each pedal stroke.
@Rick
I think to comply with Rule #7 there has to be the potential for tan lines. It's not a rule I've ever been that worried about, to be honest.
@RobSandy
After 13 minor surgeries to remove Basil Cells, I am constantly covered in 75 SPF sunscreen. As a result, I am in violation of Rule #7 to perpetuity. That is much better than being forced to take 4 weeks off of my bike to prevent scarring on my Pantani like pate.
@Ccos
It just kinda blew my mind. First of all, he was the one being the prick job. Secondly, why be a total asshole to a group of strangers, especially ones that could tear your head off? His buddy also told me to relax. Right. They're the ones punting someone else's ball into the woods but it's crazy to ask them to go find it.
Thankfully I've reached a slightly enlightened place where I realize it's just not worth it to get into a fight with a stranger, as much as I wanted to smash that dude.
@Ccos
My similar story was when one of the rugby boys I had coached was getting married.
He was having drinks at a pub with his work mates and his Dad was there as well. By now his Dad, who was always a little bloke, was getting on in years and a bit frail.
He's at the bar when some of the local lads can't be bothered waiting and basically shove the old bloke out of the way and take up the bar.
Well the son had followed in his father's footsteps. Dad was a Vietnam SAS vet (Aust.), who had gone on to command the regiment. The son was now a senior SAS officer, and his work mates were all SAS.
Suffice to say the local lads learnt a bit about respecting your elders.
@kixsand
Only noticed now, but do you prefer blue cleats? I always use yellow to save my knees (skiing gives them already enough battering and bashing) but I'd be interested in experience whether blue or even red feels better.
@KogaLover
Ya - good question. I used yellow for a long time and then had a pair of blue ones lying about so I threw them on and honestly didn't notice a lot of difference so I've stuck with them. I have observed that my pedal stroke is fairly linear up and down without a lot of wandering knee or ankle movement. I expect that I'd be fine with red cleats too as long as everything was locked in square.