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.
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
@Ccos If thats the case, I go to 12.
@rfreese888
What a amazing picture. He looks like he burn his name with his eyes.
I think we should talk about Coppi more. Alpe d'Huze climb times:
38:37 - Ulrich 2004 (ITT)
37:36 - Armstrong 2004 (ITT)
39:06 - Mayo 2003
38:01 - Armstrong 2001
39:02 - Virenque 1997
38:23 - Ullrich 1997
37:35 - Pantani 1997 (current record)
39:30 - Riis 1995
39:28 - Indurain/Zulle 1995
38:04 - Pantani 1995
38:00 - Pantani 1994
39:45 - Indurain, 1991
41:50 - Fignon 1989
48:00 - Hinault/Lemond 1986
45:22 - Coppi 1952
Coppi was on dirt roads, and they hadn't invented EPO or blood bags. His bike was a bit heavier than modern ones, too.
Permanent reminder on my top tube from the bikes from Mount Fuji, just down the road frm Mount V I believe
@Barracuda That is a beefy top tube you got there.
@RedRanger
The Fuji SST has a "beefy" top tube and an even bigger bottom bracket area. I do like the lines of the overall bike however and having a dirty great V under the clear coat doesnt hurt in moments of weak mind and body either. Its a " nuggety " little bastard
@The Grande Fondue
That is pretty amazing. Though I wonder if he had much in the way of his own teeth left after all the speed-grinding.
Further research (reading 'Pedalare Pedalare') reveals that an inverted W or M signifies the casting of anti-V aspersions e.g. ''Fans, journalists and others were furious and they took out their frustration on Fiorenzo Magni ( for allegedly getting an organised push up a climb in the Giro 1947 causing Coppi to withdraw in protest). Alongside 'Viva Coppi' and 'Viva Bartali' now appeared 'Abbasso Magni' (down with Magni, usually written with an upside-down W'.
you can't get more Newtonian cause and effect than that!
@RedRanger You will need to say that with a vapid sense of complete earnestness for the full effect to work.
And true about the limp pharm bastards sullying the good name of the V.
@Francisco
Righto. Isn't the conservation of momentum ultimately built upon the conservation of energy? The energy required to overcome friction to move or slow down a mass etc?
@The Grande Fondue
Thats amazing. Of course, Hinault/LeMond slowed quite a bit near the top but nevertheless its incredible how close his time is.