Categories: Accessories and GearNostalgiaReverenceThe Bikes

La Bicyclette

I love the shape of it. Aroma of it. The way it feels to be around it. It will catch my eye from across the way; I will be powerless to resist taking in its form and perhaps allow my hand to graze its surface. The source of such beauty and harmony, it is a fountain of unspeakable happiness.

It offers me companionship when I need it, solitude when I want to be alone. It distracts me when I’m trying to focus and focuses me when I am trying not to be distracted. It inspires me to take chances, and reminds me to be patient.

It breaks me down when I’m overconfident, it builds me up when I’m insecure. It brings me pain to remind me I should become a stronger man.

I love it when it’s flawless, but I love it more when it shows signs of wear; our time together has changed us both indelibly for the better.

It is no wonder the French and Italians refer to the bicycle in the feminine form, for all these things embody what it means to be a strong woman.

Women are made to be loved, not understood. -Oscar Wilde

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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versio says:

May 29 2012 at 9:06 am

@Cyclops

This year has been a test of my love of the bike. Instead of riding in the Master's class like a fat old cow should I have been getting my ass handed to me by the Cat 4"²s. Three weekends in a row of being cast down in "off the back" shame had me feeling rather indifferent toward la bicyclette.

After taking almost two weeks off the bike I spent the weekend getting rained and hailed on whilst slogging up 14% grades and watching my buddy's wheel disappear in the mist. But I had a big smile on my face that not even a crotchety, rain-soaked drive train could remove. The muscles are sore from thousands of meters of climbing but the mind is refreshed. I can't wait for the next race.

Good! Yes! Always remember that chasing off the back is always strong, sanctioned training to go off the front. Your time will come (as you already know this to be true) with patience. Already loving your story Cyclops and hearing about this phase of your racing years. I'm a 44 year old Cat 4 that likes the heat of just being part of a race. Would love to sit in with you -- and attack!
versio says:

May 29 2012 at 9:32 am

@ChrisO

@brett

I don't think it would make a difference TBH - as I said, I appreciate the beauty of certain design. My Ridley is a beautiful fast thing, my Colnago Master is a beautiful classic thing and my Roberts is a beautiful handmade thing. I sometimes look at other bikes and think how beautiful they are.

But do I love it/them ? I love what it allows me to do and I love some of the experiences I have on it. But the experiences are mine and I have them on it, not with it, and I could probably have them with another 'it'.

I love cycling, not bikes.

Love surfing, but not the surf board. Love skate boarding, but not the skate board. Love cycling, but not the beautifully fast and handmade bike.
versio says:

May 29 2012 at 9:38 am

@versio
Dissension among the ranks.
The Oracle says:

May 29 2012 at 9:47 am

I love my bikes, without reservation. I personify them and whisper sweet nothings to them, and when it is very quiet in the house, they whisper back. I bring them upstairs for photo sessions by the fire. Sometimes, I'll go down to the basement freezer to get something, and I'll catch myself lingering to gaze at my freshly cleaned and oiled machines for minutes on end.

I don't love all bikes I have ever owned, but I do love my current road machine and my current CX rig. They are more than just machines to me.
scaler911 says:

May 29 2012 at 9:55 am

@Xyverz

@RedRanger
Dude. Needs. An. Intervention. (and a woman (or man))

@thelastkilometer
Great photos!

@scaler911

Each of the 50 states has one.

Agreed. But I do think (and I'll catch all kinds of hell for this from the one guy from there that doesn't watch NASCAR) there's a higher concentration of them in the south. Kentucky in particular.

Obviously, you've never been to Berkeley, CA. Lots of wackos in that town. (@Nate excluded!) But if you want wacky rednecks, go just about anywhere in the central valley - the farming towns out there are full of 'em. (I should know - I had the misfortune of growing up in Modesto!)

I grew up in Yreka CA. 'Nuff said.
Xyverz says:

May 29 2012 at 10:01 am

@scaler911

I grew up in Yreka CA. 'Nuff said.

Yeah, you win. =)
Ron says:

May 29 2012 at 10:06 am

Woah, Frank! That was a nice one. Well done.

I was just thinking about la bicyclette(s) that I have crammed into my small place. Lots of family coming to town in a few weeks & I got to thinking how I'd explain the bikes, why I have so many, and why I love to ride.

This provides an excellent array of ponderings on why the bicycle is so awesome, and so much more than just a bike...thanks!
RedRanger says:

May 29 2012 at 10:08 am

I love the picture of the bike.
snoov says:

May 29 2012 at 10:15 am

Bikes are awesome, I'm with Frank on the smells, and I'm with Oracle on the love, some bikes, you just can't stop staring at. Unlovable bikes have good things about them too.
Nate says:

May 29 2012 at 10:35 am

@Xyverz
Yeah, we have more than our share of crazies in Berzerkeley.