Physics tells us that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The conservation law extend beyond the physical world and into mystical where the V and Anti-V are also in a constant fight for balance. The Ancients on Mount Velomis understood this well, and taught that the Anti-V expresses itself within the universe as two principle kinds of weakness and that in response there are two fundamental Fives to counter them.
The first is weakness of the mind; this sort of weakness is expressed through pain as it the weakness is converted into muscular and mental strength through Training Properly and quieting the signals that tell you to stop as you learn to use your mind to drive your body beyond its perceived limits. This is the First Five, and the most commonly recognized form of The V.
The second weakness requires introspection and discipline: it is recognition of the flaws in our technical skills. To be a complete rider, we must be skilled in all aspects of Cycling, we must find areas where we need to improve our skills and work hard at them until they become a strength. These weaknesses can be difficult to recognize and usually requires a Sensei for guidance. It takes humility, practice, and a willingness to fail time and again until finally we break through and conquer them. The willingness to shed our pride and fail in pursuit of perfection is the Second Five; it is never ending – as we improve in one area, we must find another weakness and work to raise our skill in that area. It is only through total commitment to always recognize our flaws that we will continue to improve to become a better Velominatus.
May 5th approaches, V.V. The Ancients called it Die Congnoscentus, or the Day of the Five. It is the Velominati New Year and a chance for reflection, a chance to celebrate the convergence of the Two Fives. We must always remember that we are all Pedalwans, that we all have much more to learn, and that improvement is a journey with no end. It is a day to renew our resolve to work at our weaknesses until they become strengths.
Go with Merckx fellow Pedalwans; Vive la Vie Velominatus.
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@wiscot For all the bollocks of regular clothes, the 70's and 80's set a high water mark for cycling fashion.
And agreed, even over cooking a corner (no doubt because he always rode balls to the walls) le Blaireau is in fine form in that photo.
@wiscot
Ah...now this would explain why he looks so slim! He's just a yungsta.
@Haldy
Who's name is Quint.
@unversio
"Hrmmmm...There is no Try...Do or Do Not...there is only the V"
@Al__S
No, that was pretty hard core. Dope didn't make him do that shit. That was some class bike handling right there and proof that despite what a twat he is, he was a well-rounded Cyclist with excellent bike-handling skills. I mean, the fucker didn't ever crash during any of the Tours he won. Including this incident.
@unversio
@Ccos
I'm never quite sure if the tone of my message is coming through. Thank you both for communicating in the most perfect way that it did. Both of you deserve the +1 badge for that, but @Ccos gets it on account of the explicit mention of light sabers. Everything is better with a lightsaber.
Which, now that I think of it, makes it remarkably similar to bacon.
@frank
Actually he did crash....Stage 15, 2003 tour..he was taken out by a spectator.
@Haldy
Merckx. I was even there that day. Fook me.
@frank -
It's okay...you are forgiven missing a small detail here or there...the amount of badass of his off-road adventure makes us kinda forget he did crash the one time. What was it someone said yesterday about crashing...i think it rhymes with "Clucking Bell"...
@frank Thanks for this. I am looking forward to May 5. This is also the 125th day of the year. V.V.V. The convergence of a third V? Along with weakness of mind and lack of skill, I humbly submit that we reflect on our spiritual weakness on this day as well. Strength of mind and abundant skill are not enough to carry us through the suffering we must endure to become a better Velominatus. Let us also renew and celebrate our strength of spirit on May 5. This will lead us to victory and true glory on Mount Velomis.