Guest Article: Tattoo You
Things just land on our desk in the V-Bunker. This is one of them. Not really knowing what to do with it, it seemed best to share it with our fellow Velominati. @del loves his cycling and @del gets “misty”. Though I don’t know what that means I hope I never get that misty. I’d have to get highly misty to end up with my first tattoo, beside the greasy chainring tattoo I rarely put on my right calf.
VLVV, Gianni
After a great ride out I conform to the Rules to the best of my ability, however on this one occasion I appear to have misinterpreted these Rules slightly. What should of been Rule #93 seems to have joined forces with Rule #47 resulting in me not conforming to Rule #52. As you can imagine things started to get a little misty, I have always wanted some more ink (tattoo for those not down with the kids) and I have always struggled with what to have done. I didn’t want the normal stuff you see, I wanted it to be bike related.
It was during the misty moment that I had my flash of inspiration. The Rules book caught my eye. That cool orange glow got me. I wanted the V and the cog on my leg. However I wanted to take it one rotation further, so the following day I knew I had to follow Rule #81. I went to my fellow cyclist who also happens to be a tattoo artist and set him this challenge. I explained that my legs were my machines for cycling and that I wanted the V and the orange cog incorporated into the design.
After six hours of me repeating Rule #5 to myself in my head I was done, All I need to say is Rule #72.
Cycling has always been an enjoyable sport and social event for me which inspired me to not only get a tattoo but to also set up my own website for cyclists. Unfortunately though there are those out there who consider themselves to be better than everyone else and is happy to criticise about all other cyclists who don’t conform to their standards. Its these cyclists who wont ride with someone because of a piercing or body markings. Some people use tattoos to cover scars they would like to forget.
Rather than discriminate against what you don’t like try to chill out a bit and be happy theres more cyclists out there, ok they may not be old school but thats simply it accept the variety and share the knowledge rather than judge because they have some body markings.
Like I said I don’t care if you like it or not but one day you’ll realise your group is slowly getting smaller because nobody wants to ride with a moaner.
Lets move on and enjoy cycling and the things related to it.
This thread is a good illustration of why I’ve stayed away for a while and continue to do so.
Too many personal comments, too little respect and I don’t see the site owners doing anything about it.
@SamV
Agree. I’m 51, don’t have a tattoo, will never have one. Not for me. However, the day I start thinking “I won’t ride with SamV because he’s tattooed” is the day *I’ve* lost my moral compass.
(Apart from anything else that’ll scupper any chance of meeting ChrisO at any future UK Cogal………)
@ChrisO
Rule #43 everyone. There are enough wankers in the world without being wankers to each other.
Remember that the written word does not convey irony and humour in the same way speech does, and what might seem like friendly banter to you might be an insult to someone else.
@ChrisO
that’s off-putting – I hadn’t seen your comment when I mentioned you. Scary………
I’m brand new around here. I absolutely love this site, the ideas, the humor, the knowledge, the passion, the dedication, and the effort to create something like this to enhance the love the cycling lifestyle. I admit it, I’m training for iron man and only bought by first bike as an adult last year as I began training (I’m 40 years old). I quickly fell in love with cycling and finding this site put a huge smile on my face. I’ve read through tons of articles, the rules, the lexicon, etc. And while I’m too new to cycling to understand or appreciate all of the references, I’m honestly a little surprised that members here would be the type to insult other members. Teasing is one thing, it’s fun, it’s done with a smile or at least a good nature; Insulting someone is different, it is simply classless – “Classless” isn’t a word that comes to my mind when I think of this website, or the culture of cycling. Can’t we do a better job?
-Ted
@Oli
You’re the bloke started calling people rude pricks, so maybe you should have wound your neck in from the start. Reading your statement was the point I felt compelled to write a comment and express displeasure. I had no issue with the tattoo and still don’t. I have issue with the whole cool kid schtick about not liking ink means you are square and can’t be down. It’s schoolyard pissing contests in an adult environment. It’s not what I come here for. It will be challenged because of that reason.
I was going to ignore the response you made, but then I realised how wrong you are. Its not like balding hair or squinty eyes or even race, or hair colour or anything else that people are born with and can’t choose….that sort of piss taking is bullying and that’s what you are insinuating so it’s better to set you straight than have an idiot put words in my mouth. People with tattoos have a choice. Don’t expect me to like it.
I think that’s fair and won’t comment on this again. It’s seriously the first time I have been here and seen such division. And in my opinion it’s because people started calling people pricks and questioning their right to have an opinion. That’s never been the way here.
@frank – methinks we need another article quickly!
@Teocalli
Lol everyone will be afraid to send bits in mow in fear of causing another debate, life’s to short. Move on no harm no foul. Lets just get on with something else.
@ChrisO
We never have moderated this site unless people totally lose their minds. The community does a very nice job of doing it for us and that is the way it should be.
Tattoos are a very personal thing so I’m not surprised it has stirred up some controversy. I hope @del does not take it to heart. And if one does not like tattoos I think one can say that too without being too much of a dick. If you are going to be a dick, at least be a funny one…I think there is a Rule about that.
@Chipomarc, I believe the term you’re looking for is that you’re “past” the age…
@Uncle V, as with @barracuda, I question your math… unless I’m in the 1%? (whoo hoo!)
and finally, @Velonail, I was going along with you right up until you pulled out the line “Don’t bitch like a little girl”. Just in case the context isn’t clear or the efforts of this community to give voice to Women’s cycling have been overlooked, I leave the following;
#LikeAGirl
Sincerely, the very proud father of a “little” girl.
We all learn our lessons the hard way. Some will not learn. Others are too hard. Don’t allow this stuff to get in the way.
and I’m thankful that I have not been voted off the island by now
Wait… unless this is what you were talking about??
The world’s a more interesting (that means better btw) place with us all not being cut from the same cloth that’s for damn sure !! Cheers all.
Does the overspray below the knee suggest that this is a temporary tat and that the collective chain is being pulled per Rule #43?
@Del
so you’re aiming to ride 250mi per week ?? May 2015 ?? i have a goal to register a routine 250mi week, but even when i attempted a 200mi one day route last october, i failed to get it going that week. 2016 then ??
@DeKerr
looks like level 300 pain there _ referencing the movie 300
@universo
Lol i have a few planned but the other riders tend to disagree. 2016 will indeed be the year to do the 200 miles in a day. Thanks for checking out the website I hope you enjoyedit. Thanks del
@velominoldy
No its real, well it hasn’t washed off. Thats just to look like a braise around the outside.
@universo
No harm intended, it was all getting a little heavy that’s all. Stay in, ride your bike, drink your own body weight in recovery ales. Who am I to judge?
I like my tattoos with a deep message….
@kixsand
I find this picture a little disturbing. It appears that you have shaved your upper legs and left the lower unshaven, and now instead of having chipmunk shorts you have wookie leggings.
@gilly
+1
@AJ
thats probably a post tattoo session picture. when getting inked, the artist has to shave the area. so @kixsand needs to meditate on Rule #33 if he hasn’t already.
@Teocalli
and another +1
@Velodeluded
no harm done here… except for the harm that i’ve done to the upcoming Pinnacle Mtn II Cogal by changing the start location twice. all is good now though… here and there. where is my mind ??
@JohnB
@Chipomarc
What? Why?
better where is my mind ?? yes
@RedRanger
Being a furry tattooed man myself I fully understand the shaving and tattoo relationship. But, I would like to share some sagely advice from a dime piece that worked at the Hooters in San Diego Gas Lamp district to a young Marine getting a sleeve done… “You can’t shave just one arm or even half. That’s just fucking weird”
@ChrisO
Haven’t been lured away as yet Chris but I’m equally surprised by the silence. Threads like this weren’t here a couple of years back.
@gilly fear not, @brett has saved the day with an insightful, factual and excellently researched article.
Properly shave for this one…
If that was me I’d cover it up with my hat.
(Sorry for the negativity everyone. Again.)
@Del
Del,
I’d like to apologize on behalf of the community and The Keepers here for those who were downright rude and impolite. Normally I’d be monitoring the conversations much more closely but have been occupied with a new dog adoption we’ve been carrying out over the weekend and didn’t catch what was going on.
I have to admit, I feel a bit disappointed by the folks here who have been rude to you, I’d have thought the pups here could stay off the leash for three days without me having to moderate the conversation.
Please accept my apologies on everyone’s behalf.
@all
Settle the fuck down and show some respect for a fellow Cyclist’s choice. If you don’t like tattoos, don’t fucking get one. If you don’t like this particular tattoo, at least have the sense to be funny about how you tease @Del about it. Rule #43 violation demerits.
Let’s talk about motorcycles again!!
@Velodeluded
Thank you for delurking, and for your perspective.
And call this a forum again, and I’ll have your 53T! This is a community, even when we don’t act like it.
Meanwhile in Seattle, a rescue Dobie named Sly is starting to settle into a new life.
@davidlhill
Cheers, Mr. Hill. It’d be a pleasure. I’ve yet to do any intercontinental riding, but I may be in the UK in January. I was there the same time last year and thought frequently of how I’d get in a ride should the opportunity present itself.
This makes me want to get a tattoo.
@frank
makes me want to change my setup to ZIPP
@frank
They both look like they could use a cheeseburger! Cheers
@kixsand
Finally something useful to add to this discussion. My point is, nobody but nobody would get a Shimano Tatoo! A totally non-scientific but true measurement of the awesomeness of Campagnolo!
@SamV
Whilst I may be old enough to be your father, no Mr Hill needed!
Should the precise location in the UK be in the East London / Essex border (Romford, Upminster, Brentwood area) and you fancy a ride I’m free every Sunday barring the 24th. Could ride with my club, or a smaller group ride. Not having exceeded the s – 1 limit I have a spare bike.
I’d have to insist on a rule, though – when you crush me on a hill, make it look as though you’re trying hard!
David
@davidlhill
and ping me too if I’m not off skiing at the time. If you are of slightly smaller stature then I have n+ options too. David – we need to arrange that Surrey Hills trip for you still.
@Teocalli
Sounds like the beginnings of a plan. However, being acutely ware of @ChrisO‘s misfortune last year in that part of the world, also in January, should ice be a feature that day then a plan B will be required. We can’t send another foreign visitor back in a plaster cast!
@davidlhill
I nearly mentioned that too but decided not to tempt fate. This winter, frozen ground denotes a mtb day.
@frank
Congrats on the new canine. Sly looks like a nice guy.
@davidlhill @Teocalli
Thanks Guys. Very generous of you both. I’ll be up towards Manchester for a week of meetings. So there are logistical challenges in my joining you. Should things come together though, and I do get injured, a plaster cast might as well be a body bag. My wife would have my head if I hurt myself while away on a business trip.