The proclamation is heard in the office, on social media, at the bar with friends; “It’s leg day.” When someone utters “it’s leg day” the accompanying tone of resentment and even dread is usually followed by an audible “ugh”. This exasperation belies one fact, the person making the utterance is not a cyclist. It’s likely they are a part of the Crossfit cult or on a fitness regimen to tone up and look good in a swimsuit. My immediate thought is, no shit it’s leg day, isn’t every day leg day?
As Cyclists, we cultivate our legs ritualistically. They provide the power that propels us deep into the pain cave, to freedom and to exaltation. Sure, we can talk about building the engine that is our heart and lungs. We do intervals, hill repeats, and sprints to increase aerobic capacity but the act of pushing on our pedals is what makes us move. It is our guns and our guns only that provide the visual evidence of our deposits into the V-Bank. The following is a simple list of acts the Velominati partake in that demonstrate that Every Day is Leg Day:
The Pros go to great lengths in not using their legs to power anything but their bicycles. Coppi used to have his soigneur carry him up flights of stairs to the hotel room. Hincapie would make sure his phone, remote, and other personal needs were at arms’ length on Recovery Days so he wouldn’t have to get off the couch. I wonder if he looked for apartments in Gerona with the toilet in the living room.
Of course most of us are endomorphs who look to be prepubescent boys with bald legs, baby smooth faces, and farmer’s tans. But our legs, our legs are bronzed and chiseled works of effort that would inspire Michelangelo and be worthy of any swimsuit edition (as long as it focuses on the waist down). So regardless of our buggy-whip arms and pencil-necks, let’s celebrate. The next time you hear someone bemoan their own personal leg day hell, remember that for you as well it is leg day. Take pride in the fact that you are a Velominatus and that for you, Every Day is Leg Day. Because on that day, regardless of the day of the week or where on your training calendar it lands, you have done something to honor your pins.
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@marko
The PDX Cogal. It's how Frank, G'rilla and I became friends.
@The Oracle
I have presented myself as a pretty easy target; I've been to more events like this than anyone else, and so far every single person has been ultra cool - not one nutjob.
Actually, that's not really true. Everyone of us I've met is a nutjob, but in the most delightful way. No serial killers yet. Not even any douchebags.
@ChrisO
You really do get the highest marks possible for that. It should be mentioned more often how strictly you and your family embrace Rule 11.
@wiscot When and where in WI is the Cheesehead Roubaix? Damn, it's 40 F today. Summer has arrived.
@John
well it's safe to say Autumn is still a little way off down here in South Australia, 42 C was the highest temp recorded during yesterday's 120k hangover recovery session...
@wiscot where is this happening at?
All this talk of the Cheesehead Roubaix reminds me that the Dairy Roubaix is coming up soon. April 19th in western WI. Check it out.
@RedRanger
@John
Not Wiscot, but Cheesehead Roubaix info is here
@frank
Absolutely Frank - possibly some sort of permanent Sean Kelly icon just for me, or a little blue plaque.
But while I sense your sarcasm what can I say - Rule #1, Rule #2 and Rule #3 apply here and I am simply instructing them. If people want to come on here complaining about being pussy-whipped into not riding their bikes they really need to either re-think their lives or obey the Masturbation Principle.
Noting of course that strict application of Rule #11 might result in Principally Masturbation.
@Deakus
Nothing wrong with waxing over shaving - did it for around 5 to 7 years, only stopped cause I moved to a workplace without any surrounding beautians. Found it to be quick (35mins after they know you), pain-free (after about 6 months the follicle bulb gets smaller) and lasted around a month.
Develop a relationship with a specific beautician - they get comfotable with you and you get better service. Cyclists make good customers - the muscles (especially if flexed) and low body fat percentage means the skin is much tighter than a womans and the waxing is easier as hair comes out easier with a tighter 'canveas' to come off.
Hope this helps