There’s no doubt I live La Vie Velominatus. Sometimes I think I live it maybe a little too much, as I’ve been told by independent observers that bicycles and all associated with them dominates my very existence. And it’s true; I work in the industry, dividing my time between editing Spoke magazine, writing (not nearly enough lately) here, and a couple of days a week in the shop. Whenever there’s a spare moment, it’s usually spent surfing the web, and nine out of ten sites I’ll view are in some way bike related. To end the day I’ll settle down with a book or a magazine in bed. No need to tell you the subject matter. (It’s not porn… really.)
Is this healthy? Cycling is by definition a healthy activity, but when one becomes all-consumed by a solitary pursuit, it can be seen as unhealthy in itself. An addiction. Addictions are usually construed as being bad things, but surely an addiction to something so pure can’t be harmful?
Well, not if you aren’t actually riding. If the only link to cycling is from sitting in front of a computer, writing about riding, reading other’s articles about riding, and making a magazine about riding, all to the detriment of actually getting on a bike and doing it, that takes its toll, both mentally and physically.
It’s a Catch 22 situation. You don’t ride, and you lose fitness. And when you lose fitness, riding becomes harder. So you shy away from hard rides. Consequently, you lose even more fitness. Then you get to the point when you say fuck it, and just get your ass on the bike. You ride with your usual crew, you lag on the hills, but you feel stronger the farther you go, drawing on the energy from the simple act of being out, turning the legs and breathing fresh air into the lungs. You get caught up in the little sprints and KOMs, and find you still have something in the tank. Deep, buried reserves forged from la vie. You finish the ride feeling rejuvenated, tired but refreshed. You vow to ride again tomorrow. But there’s a deadline to meet, proofing to be done, a last mintute article to write. Life gets in the way. And so it goes.
I know. I have ridden my bikes probably on average twice a week for the last six weeks. I was supposed to be doing a race this weekend. I’m glad I’m not. The principle reason for not doing it was money, the very coin I’d spent on getting a bike to race on conspired against actually racing. That, coupled with a grand in dentist fees, a visit from an Aussie friend which helped drain the bank account, then an ensuing illness and my race fitness, which was well on track those six weeks ago, has now all but disappeared in a cloud of debt and lethargy.
Yep, life gets in the way of having a life. A life of riding. But I still have a life of cycling, it’s just being lived through other means right now. And that’s better than not having a life at all. I will be back. Vive la vie Velominatus.
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I think this post rings clear for all who work and have family obligations. As a long-time rider and racer of 25 years(gulp), I,too, the bike and tell my wife that the only affair I will ever have is with my bike! Luckily, she loves to ride too so that eases the crunch to ride. With my work schedule I spend significant time travelling in my car to and from work. My bike is like American Express, I don't leave home with out it! I eek out a ride at lunch everyday to allow me to spend time with family. I always long for those long rides of epic proportion but the lunch rides and occasional weekend long rides will make due.
@Jeff in PetroMetro
Might have to make Stubbs the Sat night gathering for the Cogal, eh? Sounds like it just might work.
@Buck Rogers
You know, upon further reflection, and a peek at the menu's, I have to throw my cycling cap in for Shady Grove. That place will please all comers. But, your call, man.
@Buck Rogers
I have it on my radar. I've got Threadgill's on my shortlist as well. I am consulting old Austin friends who can shed some light on the subject. Trying to keep it family friendly and Austin local.
Very nice piece Brett. Articulated in a way that, judging by the following posts, has resonated in a very sweet spot for all here in Velominati-land.
Some parts I was reading thinking, "can't see a problem?", others "lucky fucker" and the rest "I hear you". Spot on mate.
@Buck Rogers
+1
He's such an imposing figure. Whenever I look at a photo of him where he's looking down the barrel of the lens, its like walking into the Headmaster's office.
OK, another confession. I maintain my VMH's Cervelo. She looks fabulous on it. But I also secretly feel like I am playing with a barbie doll when I'm doing so. "Ohh...what kind of new accessories can my VHM have this week that will make her look like Kirsten/Amber/Judith/Marianne/Nichole?"
@eightzero
We need pictures, man!
@Ron
We've got a mutt and a Great Dane (well, a moderate to fair one anyway) - she was into the vet recently for a bike frame, and before that she bloated and cost me a very nice full carbon bike on that one, since it was also an emergency visit. She has had various other episodes that have, over her life, cost us a small bike stable.
But I'm happy with the bikes I have, and how can you say "No, I'm going let you suffer while I'm off to buy a new bike?"
Look at that poonum!
And here's the rockstar mutt who has cost us almost zero dollars ever:
@Ron
Firstly, $2k p.a. on dog shots?? Console yourself that at least you are indirectly spending money on your veterinarian's bike needs.
@frank
Let me think: very tall person, very tall bike and a great dane. There is a circus somewhere screaming out for an act like you.