If I were a pessimist, or a realist for that matter, I wonder if I might have started any of the various activities which have brought me the most pleasure and satisfaction. Though I have Cycling in my mind when I make that statement, this principle expands beyond the vast and il-defined borders of La Vie Velominatus: everything worth doing takes time, work, and commitment in equal measure, and that fact can be daunting and intimidating.
Invariably, it is my poor estimation of effort combined with my vague memory of pain and discomfort which affords me the greatest character trait I possess: optimism. In the face of all reasonable likelihood of failure, in spite of the hopeless amount of work something might prove to be, I invariably believe that success is not only possible, but inevitable. (This trait might also be classified as arrogance or stupidity, but I don’t like the sounds of those as much because they would require more introspection, and that sounds like work.)
It is with this frame of mind that I cheerfully tackle most any activity, in my life and on the bicycle. While I haven’t conducted a poll of any kind, I have informally received sufficient unsolicited and often shouted feedback to allow me to surmise that this approach is not always as liberating for those participating in the activity as it is for me. Be that as it may, and as has oft been observed in these archives, our chosen sport is one rife with suffering afforded by long days in the saddle which allow us to suffer more intensely and for longer days in the saddle in the future. Every element of this sport revolves about axes of sacrifice, dedication, and patience. Training, certainly. Diet and weight loss as well. Even learning the subtleties of maintaining our equipment properly takes years in the tutelage of a Cycling Sensei. These are long journeys that build on small gains over time; there is no magic potion that one can imbibe to be transformed from portly oaf into elite cyclist – much less so a Velominatus.
If, on a winter morning, I had the slightest appreciation of the intensity of the cold I would feel eight or ten hours into the ride, I might never set out on it; it is my optimism that I will enjoy the ride that allows me to experience the insular nothingness of The Tunnel.
If, as I point my bicycle towards the hills instead of the plains, I had a clear memory of the suffering it caused me previously, I might never become a better climber; it is my optimism that I can overcome my size and weight to master the terrain I love the most and am comprehensively il-suited to travel.
If, at eight years old, I’d had the slightest idea that I would be almost 30 years into my journey and only just beginning to develop some of the most rudimentary elements of experience, strength, knowledge and passion that Cycling delivers to us, I would perhaps never had started. Yet it was my optimism that these things would come that has allowed me to experience this wonderful journey.
Optimism is what allows the mortal to start down the path laid by the immortal. Vive la Vie Velominatus.
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@frank
Didn't have to say a word. I hope my name doesn't pop into your head every time you think about sex.
Another tip is a forceful exhalation, or emphasizing the exhalation, then letting your body draw in the breath it needs. I try and empty the lower parts of my lungs, may not be scientifically accurate but that is how I think about it. Try t for 20 breaths, relax, try it again a couple of minutes later.
No true cyclist ever entered a race at 100%. Bruises, cut's, callouses and sore muscles are a mark of a good training regimen. A cyclist's lifestyle is not an easy one, it is full of constant pain, suffering and training, to think otherwise is a mistake and a sign of a weak cyclist wannabe.
(adapted from a quote of a friend of mine about Warriors)
@farzani
I feel the same way and now feel unqualified to speak on the subject based on this.
@seemunkee
I know what you mean; those first few rides. Depending on the length of the break - for whatever reason - I like to just wait for that natural pushing of the limits to start, to find that sneaky powerful feeling in your legs and then hit it hard again. In some ways, the progress - and anticipating it - is enjoyable in and of itself.
@farzani
This has been amazing for me. As a lifelong outdoor athlete, I simply HATE working out inside, whether its the trainer, the gym, whatever. But I've started working on my core for various reasons, and its amazing how much it helps the pedaling. For one thing, I can drop into the Phantom Aero bars without loading my arms very much, just by using my core. And then still get full engagement from the pedals as you can still push even though you're way down.
Similarly, just riding along normally, it almost feels like you can start engaging the pedals when its 10 or so degrees behind the normal plane of engagement.
I do the most intense work in winter, but I've been keeping up with it over the summer, and it has really helped.
This is good news. My parents are in their 70's and going strong...and don't seem to be losing much strength. Forces to be reckoned with, those two.
The final sentance of this piece is a quotation for the ages: "Optimism is what allows the mortal to start down the path laid by the immortal."
It is also what allows most of us to continue to move forward...
@frank
I too can't stand going to the gym, even if it is with some friends. It feels like such a waste of an hour, and I stick out like a stick against all the meatheads in there. Even at home I haven't gone out to the weight machine deal, I did do a tiny amount of core work. One thing I find is that I tend to rely too much on my core and not enough on my arms to support my weight, especially climbing on the tops. I tried running two winters ago, I got up to doing 5k every other day, but my form was terrible and I got shin splints all the time.
@frank
Frank - more awesomeness! Thanks again. Yes, this mission is simple too - if I put in the hours, a bit of focus, and some effort and creativity, I'll be done! A huge hurdle cleared.
My mantra for the next few weeks - stop being such a pussy, show the monkey Rule #5!
@frank
Core is core!
My experience with back pain when I was first racing many years ago, I believe was as the result of woeful core strength. It limited me in so many ways. Chronic pain in lower back, unable to spend any period of time in the drops, etc.
My riding and racing renaissance has coincided with a strong focus on core and upper body strength and flexibility. All of this is done at home with push ups, sit ups, crunches, oblique crunches, etc. It only takes 30mins of an evening in front of the telly.
Now, 20 years after my first riding career, I have no back pain, I have a greater saddle to bar drop and live in the drops. Also, I've found that with the core stability, I have quiet upper body in hard efforts as my legs have something solid to push against..
@frank
Honey badger don't give a shit (look two memes in one, how clever):
@mouse
While I get what you're saying about core, it's weird that I've had a different experience with the back pain. I wrecked my low back pretty bad in my 20's in a high speed downhill ski accident. Really fast and my race bindings were cranked way too high so my skis didn't release. Anyway, the only thing that makes that pain go away (besides drugs, and that's not a real, long term solution) is riding. Sound's counterintuitive, but it works for me.
Agreed, core strength is vital, or more importantly, sore endurance
Just got yet another Swiss ball yesterday (kids love playing football with them - slice, hawthorn bush, new ball required again)
My legs are definitely stronger this year, but my performance is only the same as last year, and I think it is because I have been neglecting my core workouts - Sky, and especially Wiggo do masses of work in this area
Favorite exercise is kneeling on the ball, straight back, arms out and rotating arms from one side to the other, holding for 15 secs at either side - that hurts, but boy does it sort your balance out!
@Marcus
superb