Anatomy Of A Photo: Where Do We Go From Here?

Hincapie, Kaufman, Armstrong, McRae, Julich. 1989

A great unknown awaits the young men, bound by a common entity of steel, flesh and passion rolled together. Do they contemplate the future, or are they so encapsulated in the here and now that anything beyond the finish line seems like it could only be for old people? Have they any inkling which path they will take, or be guided towards? Maybe the only thing on their mind is just how badass their eyewear is.

What ambition burns within, do they believe they will be, or even seek to be, a cycling superstar; which of them knows it? Maybe ambition isn’t considered, not part of the equation. The simple act of pedalling a bicycle may remain one of joy, of freedom, or become a mistress so harsh that she is eventually despised, and thrown aside, banished to but a bitter memory of a time better forgotten. Who will be remembered, and who will even want to remember?

When a pastime becomes a job a certain element, that of detachment, is lost forever. Making your passion your profession is fraught with risk, and the balance of work/play becomes ever more critical to cultivating satisfaction within, lest you be eternally damned to harming the very thing once loved more than anything else. Keeping things Casually Deliberate is a failsafe, a safety net below the trapeze on which the real world swings precariously.

Stay passionate. Rock cool shit and ride your bike like it’s your lover. Everything will be alright.

Brett

Don't blame me

View Comments

  • @Teocalli

    @wiscot

    Every once in a while at an organized charity ride I'm doing, some tri-chicks (yes, I know I'll get into trouble for using that kinda language, but it's way better than some terms that have been bandied about on this site), show up. Man, they scare me. They also ride bikes and gear I could never afford. Mind you, I take solace in the fact that I'm better dressed than they are . . .

    An amusing one of these I experienced last summer was a guy probably half my age in a sportive with TT bars, aero-helmet and polka dot jersey. He must also have been doing the short route as I passed him twice, ironically both times going uphill.

    I refuse to ride/near with someone with tri bars and/or without socks

  • @Teocalli

    @Buck Rogers

    @frank

    Come on guys (and gals) if it wasn't for @Bret ranting about the length of posts (and lack of pictures) and @Buck Rogers just ranting this place would be lacking a certain je ne sais pas.

    Eh what? Did I miss something?

  • @brett

    @Teocalli

    @Buck Rogers

    @frank

    Come on guys (and gals) if it wasn't for @Bret ranting about the length of posts (and lack of pictures) and @Buck Rogers just ranting this place would be lacking a certain je ne sais pas.

    Eh what? Did I miss something?

    Je ne sais pas either!

  • @Teocalli

    @Buck Rogers

    @frank Sorry man, but it's not my fault. A Try-wad made me do it!

    Come on guys (and gals) if it wasn't for @Bret ranting about the length of posts (and lack of pictures) and @Buck Rogers just ranting this place would be lacking a certain je ne sais pas.

    Don't forget @Gianni testing the limits of Rules compliance... and posting pics of that saddle of his.

  • @brett

    @Teocalli

    @Buck Rogers

    @frank

    Come on guys (and gals) if it wasn't for @Bret ranting about the length of posts (and lack of pictures) and @Buck Rogers just ranting this place would be lacking a certain je ne sais pas.

    Eh what? Did I miss something?

    My point exactly?  Damn I nearly added some punctuation there.

  • @ChrisO

    @girl

    The whole 'hate on triathtes' is becoming like the helmet/not helmet discussion.

    Oh come on... there are two valid sides to the helmet debate.

    Snap to you! :)

  • @frank

    Ok, its tired but this also doesn't help the case.

    No, it doesn't. At least the spectators know it, why do you think they are all standing at transition? Purely to watch the carnage.

  • @VeloVita

    I can certainly forgive the helmets as this was 1989, but for fuck's sake, who was responsible (or irresponsible) for that kit design? And why doesn't Pharmy have to wear team shorts?

    I have never understood USA kit... It's always hideous.

  • Ok, I can't remember what the original article is about but I'm enjoying the @Girl coment - snap back at @ChisO and as usual @Buck you kill me. That little cadidiot should be tied to a link of the old chain that spanned the Hudson and thrown in for a swim!

    If I have to comment on RR vs Tri they are both hard but one has a mental side and has tactics that dictate whether or not you kill yourself to stay in the race. Guess which one? Also and then I'll shut up, it's not like your bike handling like Cavendish in a Tri. Legal drafting in a Tri race does not change the equation because there is no sprint for the line for places... First through one hundred are just trying to stay in the pack - whoopee! Yes they swim and run and it's the training that is harder but once in the race, any leg, it's just a matter of not red lining like the kid mentioned above.

    Oh ya I remember, I'm so glad I stopped racing before those helmet and the guy to the right is Bill Woodhall (?) I think. He was a fabulous mechanic who wrenched at the Red Zinger races and national team events, home and abroad. He worked out of a loaded station wagon with all campy tool, with the Campy logo and Italian colors covering the whole thing. Steve Tilfords web page has a picture of it and Bill back in the day.

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