Anatomy of a Photo: The Shoulders of Giants

The question tackled here is of carrying the bicycle, should it require carrying. The non-cyclist is perhaps more inclined to consider carrying their bicycle than is the Cyclist. Examples that come to mind include the navigation of a giant mud pit or a steep twisty narrow snowy descent, where the uninitiated may erroneously contemplate the likelihood of survival between riding the bike as opposed to walking or carrying it. Other examples might be bunny-hopping a 1 meter vertical wall where a slight miscalculation may result in going from being Awesome to merely being OK.

But if one thing is certain, should matters come to carrying the bicycle, it is the shoulder that should be employed for this task, as time-tested by cyclocross riders for well over a century. No further research is required to resolve this matter. And, should the question of leather handles come up, I put it to you thusly: are you a giant hipster douche nozzle, or are you a hardman with Ultimate Rule #5 Leg and balls so big you could wear a sun visor with a gauze stocking cap?

Thanks to KRX10 for making me aware of this abomination of a leather handle.

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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  • @frank

    @Nate

    It's only August 10.  Summer is still in full swing.  Why are we talking about cyclocross?

    For the same reason I talk about anything here: its on my mind (I'm building my cx bike). You didn't think this site was about you guys, did you?

    Excellent news.  I wondered if that might be the backstory.  Much edified that my snark smoked out the truth.

  • @The Oracle

    For road cycling?  The only time you should be carrying your bike on your shoulder is if you lauch off the road on the descent of some Alpe in France after overcooking one of the hairpin turns.  Otherwise, what the fuck are you doing off the bike?

    You've obviously never been to the Koppenberg in the wet.

    I'm not saying you should go about carrying your bike. I'm saying that should some tragic turn of events conspire to cause you to need to carry your bike, do it Properly. Frame over the shoulder, holding the handlebar.

  • Some interesting sartorial issues with the lead picture. Shorts look good, but after that . . . .

    The cap looks a bit big in the brim.

    The half sleeve jersey certainly predates Cav's awful effort in last year's WC road race..

    The gloves seem a bit "wintery" for a race which is clearly being ridden by hardmen.

    Other than that:

    That's a single speed bike he's riding!

    What's the gradient of that hill? 50%?

  • @Nate

    It's only August 10.  Summer is still in full swing.  Why are we talking about cyclocross?

    I don't know. On my ride yesterday, I saw the first leaves changing colour. And the temperature had dropped enough to bring about the first chills on some of the steeper descents. Not trying to be a downer here, just saying...

    By the way, that photograph is great! I love the range of expressions on the faces of the spectators.

  • @Duende

    @Nate

    It's only August 10.  Summer is still in full swing.  Why are we talking about cyclocross?

    I don't know. On my ride yesterday, I saw the first leaves changing colour. And the temperature had dropped enough to bring about the first chills on some of the steeper descents. Not trying to be a downer here, just saying...

    By the way, that photograph is great! I love the range of expressions on the faces of the spectators.

    Maybe up there in Canuckia, but not here.  Then again, thinking about the end of summer has always made sad.

  • @Duende

    By the way, that photograph is great! I love the range of expressions on the faces of the spectators.

    I really like the spectator on the far left.  Everyone else seems to be concerned about the rider, he is obviously wondering where he can get a pair of those awesome cycling shoes.

  • @itburns

    @Duende

    By the way, that photograph is great! I love the range of expressions on the faces of the spectators.

    I really like the spectator on the far left.  Everyone else seems to be concerned about the rider, he is obviously wondering where he can get a pair of those awesome cycling shoes.

    He reminds me of the "Nat'zi" Third Reich character from Inglorious Bastards

  • @unversio

    @itburns

    @Duende

    By the way, that photograph is great! I love the range of expressions on the faces of the spectators.

    I really like the spectator on the far left.  Everyone else seems to be concerned about the rider, he is obviously wondering where he can get a pair of those awesome cycling shoes.

    He reminds me of the "Nat'zi" Third Reich character from Inglorious Bastards

    Meaning my other far left. The guy cleaning his rifle or something.
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