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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@thom
Nice mileage thom. I live on the edge of the Peak District near Alfreton and like to go out that way to get some fresh air round Hathersage and most places between. I commute into work near Derby 5 days a week doin around 115 miles then hopefully gettin in a few extra miles on club runs when my work rota allows me to fit it in.
I'll use this thread to say hello to everyone as this is my first post. I am in awe of this site and the rules. My bike is my only transport and I love to ride it whatever the weather.
@jen
Just ribbing you and reminding you of Rule #42! :)
@frank
Perfect summation. And, if you do not ind sharing, exactly what does Pedale Forchetta mean?
@BigSoy
Thankfully, that only the case for the first week or two you're off the bike, otherwise it would take a three lifetimes to get into shape. But true enough, just like gaining weight - it's much harder to lose it than to put it on.
Thank Merckx we're not professionals and can afford to be a bit behind our training schedules.
@CFADave
Ha!! This has happened several times: VMH catches me starting at a car with a beautiful bike on the roof and a pretty woman behind the wheel. "I saw you checking that girl out, you know." "There was a girl?" And the killer is, I'm serious - never saw her, too busy checking out the specs on the bike.
I also have a busy work schedule with travel and, if I head to the office, a long commute. Thankfully, I'm working at home alot and I use the commute time to ride my bike instead. A very nice tradeoff for being overworked and underpaid.
@Marcus
You know I can read what you write, right? I mean, I'm right here.
@jen
First off, welcome. Many of us come to the sport through other means and for most of us, we end up more connected to the bike for whatever reason. Don't rush away from the other sports if you're not ready, but I'm guessing that the bike will eventually squeeze out all others. Vive la Vie Velominatus.
@Buck Rogers
As @Pedale.Forchetta pointed out many moons ago (no way I can find the specific post), it is the name of the oldest cycling club in Italy and, strictly translated, means "Pedal and Fork" - but the meaning behind it is to imply the balance between sport and life. It's beautiful and should have gone into the Language of the Peloton piece.
@nige
Welcome to both you and @thom. I think as our lives get busier and busier, commuting is the cure to this problem. It may not be the pathway to La Volupte, but it gives you a chance to ride your bike. I recently retired my favorite bike ever, and have been trying to decide what to do with her to best honor her. I think making her my #1 commuting machine may be the answer; that way she's still ridden and loved, if not trained on anymore.
Cheers and, again, welcome.
@Buck Rogers
All good. Hence why I was honest in the first place. The ribbing is what makes for the interesting reading and friendly banter is what makes it fun.