On Rule #9: Love the Work
Fitness. The rhythm, the feeling of precision in our movement, the sensations of The Ride. The temptation of knowing we might in some way control our suffering even as we push harder in spite of the searing pain in our legs and lungs. The notion that through suffering, we might learn something rudimentary about ourselves – that we might find a kind of salvation.
Cycling, like Art, is based on the elementary notion that through focussed study, we might better understand ourselves. But to describe Cycling as a an Art does it an injustice. An artist, they say, suffers because they must. A Cyclist, I suggest, suffers because we choose to.
This element of choice, what psychologists refer to as the locus of control, is part of what allows us to feel pleasure through suffering. Through this choice unfolds an avenue of personal discovery by which we uncover the very nature of ourselves. Like Michelangelo wielding his hammer to chip away fragments of stone that obscure a great sculpture, we turn our pedals to chip away at our form, eventually revealing our true selves as a manifestation of hard work, determination, and dedication to our craft.
Having chosen this path, we quickly find that riding a bicycle on warm, dry roads through sunny boulevards is the realm of the recreational cyclist. As winter approaches, the days get shorter and the weather worse. Form tempts us to greater things, but leaves us quickly despite our best intentions. Its taste lingers long upon the tongue and urges us to gain more. Even as life gets in the way, we cannot afford many days away from our craft before we find ourselves struggling to reclaim lost fitness.
To find form in the first place, and to maintain it in the second, is a simple matter of riding your bicycle a lot. This simple task asks of us, however, a year-round commitment to throwing our leg over a toptube in heat, cold, wind, rain, or sleet, lest we spend months fighting to reclaim last year’s lost condition.
But with riding in bad weather is revealed a hidden secret. It is in the rain and the cold, when all the seductive elements of riding a bicycle have vanished, that we are truly able to ensconce ourselves in the elemental qualities of riding a bicycle. Good weather and beautiful scenery, after all, are distractions from the work. Without them, we have only those elements that we ourselves bring to The Ride: the rhythm, harmony between rider and machine, our suffering, and our thoughts. As the rain pours down and all but the most devoted stay indoors, we pull on extra clothing and submit into the deluge.
We are the Few, we are the Committed. We are those who understand that riding in bad weather means you’re a badass, period.
@Dr C
I do most of my training alone, and always have. Too many distractions in a group ride. For one to Train Properly, we have to go out alone; rare is it that we find a partner with identical goals. Group rides are great for certain things, but they are a tool and should be used as such.
I could be wrong, but I think most of the Pros train alone as well. It is The Way.
@Marko, @scaler911
Awesome pictures!
@redranger
You’d think that’s the case, but it’s incredible how poorly the drivers are here in general and in the rain in particular.
So Velominati, what should I look for in a good winter tire? Are slicks still in, or should some tread be used?
Frank, great words, perfectly put. Rule #9, my personal favourite… Not because we have to, as you rightly say, but because we choose to. And since becoming Rule #33 compliant, even better… The almost sensual thrill of rain sluicing off bare guns… Love it so much. And don’t laugh… You are all degenerate animals… Just like me.
@DerHoggz
need a bit of tread when it gets wet. lower pressure but ideally on fatter tires to avoid pinch flats. 28s for me on the rain bike. got a blasphemy to share – gravel roads are still great when the pavement gets slick, + the traffic is typically a non-issue.
@frank
Traffic is more alert in the wet? Man, our countries are more different than I thought. Bad weather here is a chance to drive faster and with less care than ever – they double-park more, run reds more, and if you’ve ever had a blind motorist bearing down on you as they wipe a ten centimetre circle of clear glass from their fogged up windscreen you’d know what I’m talking about…
@mcsqueak , @Oli
What’s with the new Gravatars, gents?
I can’t squeak for anyone else, but for me it was because the old one was getting smelly.
@frank
Driver’s here suck donkey balls. You’d think that rain would be no big deal. And Merckx help us if it snows. Christ, if the weather guy (who is most always wrong) says there’s a 15% chance of a snow flake, the whole town shuts down.
So: nipple lube.
@scaler911
A few years back my little brother got a snow day cause there was ice on a bridge. That’s falling apart. Lol.
@Nate
Oli told me I had to change it.
Good post Frank, and good timing.
We went on a group ride yesterday, which was in windy/stormy conditions. When I got to our start location, I saw a couple of the other guys walking up and down ‘testing’ the weather. I could tell they were ready to cancel the ride. One came up to me and said “…there’s a crosswind and with all the rain it might be dangerous to ride.”
I just shook my head in the affirmative, said ‘yup’, and began unloading the bike, getting it ready for the ride. Ten minutes later we were on the road, riding. In the end it wasn’t as bad as we thought.
It wasn’t a perfect ride, but I felt all the better for finishing what we set out to do.
Here in Melbourne (Aust) the sunny weather lasts for arguably four months of the year. The rest is usually cold, wet and gloomy.
I’m still a newbie, but I commute regularly, except when the forecast is for thuderstorms. And everytime I don’t ride, I regret it because as Frank mentioned, I rarely get La Volupte during a sunny ride. The harder the ride, the greater the La Volupte.
Rain or hail, with the right kit, it’s all sorted!
@DeltaMngo You’ve got those tram tracks in Melbourne too – they must be especially fun in the wet.
On the other hand the overhead cables are more likely to be struck by lighting than you so what’s with No Thunderstorms… HTFU old chap.
@Frank As for La Volupte I like to think it can come to us anytime if we are worthy. Look at Itburns post the other day about riding after his bikefit – the glorious gorgeousness of the day clearly added to his awesomeness.
I also have one of those clear mental images of a particularly enjoyable ride last year when I was back in London from Abu Dhabi. I rode down on my usual route to Box Hill and as I was feeling strong I went a bit beyond into some lovely small lanes with a few nice little climbs.
Unless you’ve seen the home counties on a glorious spring day you’re just not going to completely get what I mean, but we’re talking deep blue skies, lush green fields, spring lambs frolicking, (really… there were lots of lambs) and an honour-guard of trees and hedgerows along the traffic-free roads.
It was just one of those perfect moments when I was so glad to be out on the bike and felt I could ride all day – alone, quiet, strong. Tranquilissimo.
@Dr C
While I enjoy riding in a group, I find that I’m focusing on completely different things, such as not causing a massive pile up, how to get up the same hill as everyone else or where to blow my snot! There isn’t time or mental capacity available to drop into that state where cadence, stroke, breathing and position become one and the outside world, including the weather, becomes secondary apart from the occasional glance up the road for obstacles. Alone, that might not happen but it can.
@Chris
very true – you do actually miss a lot when in a group, especially when the tunnel vision associated with being hung out to dry on the front until well past one’s expiry date occurs!
Was thinking some more about the bad weather thing – sounds arrogant, but not intended, but I kind of feel like it is the ultimate FU/ tongs/ the bird, to all those who have been granted the most amazing machine (healthy body), and chose to sit at home and watch the telly eating chips….give’s one a really feeling of transcending from the masses
That sounds really bad, but I get so frustrated as a GP with all those couch potatoes who moan endlessly at me for not keeping them slim and happy – RULE V the lot of you!!!!! Grrrrr
@Dr C
Hear, hear, good doctor. Shame there isn’t an offence of wasting a GPs time similar to that of wasting the time of a police officer! Prescribe them all a course of V to be taken twice a day, outdoors, regardless of weather. If they fail to complete the course, send them off for hard labour!
But hey, why bother with reality when you can watch it on the box!
@ChrisO
Lush English fields after the sandpit; I know what you mean. We spent the first week here in Singapore marveling at the green, my god, the green.
I’ve been in England in April and it was glorious.
@Blah
often wonder how glorious it would be to live in a sunny country and ride every day in blue skies and short sleeves – but then any time I have spent in such climes, the thing I noticed most was the beauty of the patchwork green fields of Ireland as the plane brings you home – the lower angle of the light and the colours that eschew from that, and then after three subsequent weeks of pishing rain, how glorious it is when the sun finally comes out again…..
variety is the spice of life
@Dr C
Indeed it is. I got my weather variety over 30km on the way home from work this afternoon. Left school with huge thunder clouds in the near distance, but was pretty sure the wind was pushing them away. Oh well, head out, away from home, which is pretty close, for a longer loop. For the whole ride it was just on the edge of raining. Big, heavy drops would fall, then nothing. I rode through parts of town that were damp, others dry and a couple that had obviously been dumped on, with rim deep torrents washing over the road still. I stayed dry and even got to watch fork lightning go nuts in a storm that never hit.
So… Rode home. Didn’t rain. True story.
@Dr C
It’s great for training, I have to say that. Function rather than form.
I know with 95% confidence that tomorrow I can get up at X o’clock, the temperature will be Y, the conditions will be Z and that I will be able to do whatever I have planned for my training
Inshallah, of course, as I’m sure Blah was mentally adding ;-)
@ChrisO
Enchilada is my favourite, most tasty, philosophy.
Huzzah! Just got my new Pearl Izumi Lobster’s Claw Wind Mitt – they really are the Crab’s Nippers
Violated a Rule, but got them for 60% off via Cyclestore Direct.com – Booo!! (You can’t blame me for that)
Awesome piece, Frank! And timed perfectly for me – I was riding in 75*F sun just a week ago, now I wake up to 38 and cool rain with a high of 61.
I’m excited for this winter, first one with full fenders on a proper road bike, picked up some lobster claw gloves on closeout at end of last winter, and picked up some wool knee warmers. Already had the rest of my winter gear sorted out. While some gear I buy is on impulse or excessive, having the proper cold weather gear is a must for staying warm, dry, and comfortable. Plus, having the right stuff that is also nice makes it impossible to stay indoors.
I also have nothing to complain about, since I’m living far further south than I’ve ever lived & the weather here is so much nicer than I’m used to that I hardly feel like a Hardman some days.
@mcsqueak
I just picked up the De Feet Dura gloves. Very nice, good in say 55-high 30s for me. Not that thick so decent grip, but still warm. I like them a lot. (Beware there are non-wool ones, so if you want partial wool, be sure you order the Dura gloves.) I also ordered their Belgian booties to replace some worn-out ones. Nice as well. And, their Kneekers, which are partial wool. Quite thick, very nice & warm, though a bit bulky in a pocket. They are far less expensive than any other wool knee warmers I’ve seen. I will say though that they are “one size fits all.” I’m around 171 cm with a 58 cm thigh (Note: not that big!) and mine fit well, but I can’t imagine they’d work too well on the Big Lads with serious Big Ring Legs. (I also have some of the fleeced inside/nylon outside knee warmers. I see these two types are useful on different rides & am happy I have both.)
And since I’m rambling on about gear, and I hope it’s not blasphemous to tout other bib shorts ’round here, but I just picked up some Voler Elite bibs for cx. Didn’t want to wear my nice road bibs in the muck when I’m likely to go down and maybe rip them. Went in with a pal on mine, you can get them 2-for-1 through Voler, with 10% off and free shipping. Not quite as nice as some high-end bibs I’ve worn, but for $58 they are pretty choice.
Hope that maybe helps out anyone searching for some new winter gear.
@RedRanger
Up here in Wisconsin, to get a snow day I think we have to have something like 10″ and/or below zero temps with wind chill warnings. 4″ – 5″ is an inconvenience, but nothing to get upset about. Everything is usually pretty cleared within 24 hours of a bad dump and we go about our business as normal. A lot of folks who live in the rural areas have wee cabins the size of old phone boxes for the kids to stand while they’re waiting for the school bus. Wouldn’t want the little dears to freeze to death . . .
@Steampunk
NICE! Man, you are packing on the k’s! You’ll be smokin’ next summer in VT.
Let us know how it went. That is a REAL ride.
@frank
That was the first thing I noticed about that AWESOME pic was that he did not have a race number on. What an amazing professional he truly was.
I do my own cycling laundry in the sink as well – too bad it doesn’t seem to improve my riding accordingly!
(and I’m still annoyed that the reflectively logo bits on my bibs and leg warmers start to come off even when I gently wash them in the sink as opposed to the washing machine. Figured they would hold on for longer but it’s not meant to be I guess.)
@mcsqueak
That happens to all my castelli shit, even with gentle hand washing. Unless you go the full pro level like the Vkit with castelli, their logo shit always comes off. Really annoying. Have not had that problem with descent stuff or the pearl izumi stuff.
@Buck Rogers
I’m still not convinced that’s a training pic. If it was cold enough to set out wearing a jacket and overshoes, I’m sure LF would have worn tights and some kind of warm hat. Even today, a lot of pros don’t wear helmets when they don’t have to and when training they’re usually bundled up with tights, jackets etc. Back in the 80s when helmets were a lot less common and only compulsory in Belgium and the UK (I’m willing to be corrected on this) I’m sure most pros would not train with one on. My guess is that Le Prof is riding a spare bike sans number in a race somewhere. Hence the helmet and racing gear. The jacket has been added because of the adverse conditions. Whatever . . . it’s still an awesome pic.
@Buck Rogers
Yeah I have mid-level bibs from PI and LG, and the logo crap always comes off eventually. As someone who drives often and sees plenty of other cyclists, I think the little logo bits do help catch peoples attention as they bob around with the cyclist’s movement.
@frank
Well, you do bring up an important concept – that of relative risk. Suffice it to say this is a science all unto itself. Your comments are well taken, particularly about the leaves. However, visibility is only one small variable in the calculus. Bike brakes are *way* less effective in the rain and cold (cold hands are less responsive) as are the brakes on the Huge Vehicles Of Death that we are forced to share space with. The tyre pressure adjustment is fine, but the extra amount of contact area is miniscule at best. Visibility by the rider drops in the rain too. About the only thing I share with Le Professor is our need for prescription lenses on the bike. Once these get wet and fog up, I can’t see very well at all.
Cycling is dangerous, period. I agree. But since I am not a pro or a racer (except when there is someone riding in front of me or when there is a clock running on my bars) I have to allocate time in my life (see previous post.) I mitigate my risk by not racing, not riding ‘cross (although my VMH did race ‘cross, and her helmet saved her life), not riding in shit conditions. But, as a risk manager might point out, this means I am less fit that a pro, racer, or ‘crosser, and thus more susecptible to the scourges of weight gain. A non-linear equation, for sure. Less fit means I am constantly 2 months from peaking, meaning when I push myself next, my risk of heart attack is higher. La Vie Velominatus.
Want to eliminate risk of being injured on a bike? Easy. Never get on one. But then, if you never want to end up unhappy in romance, never fall in love. Easy. I have to learn to split the baby somehow. Meaning I don’t drink shit beer, can’t ride when I fear a horrible death, and married the love of my life early in life. Doesn’t mean I don’t wonder about that new micro, bemoan my lack of hardness, or occassionaly look at a redhead and wonder.
Pedale – very nice write-up! I love the feeling of knowing that despite it only being a training ride, everyone notices where everyone else finishes, and being near the front at the line! Ha, you’ve seen The Warriors? I LOVE that movie. Used to come on WPIX, an NYC station, every few months. I’ve been watching it since I was a kid. It’s awesome.
Cyrus
@scaler911
I actually think Portland drivers are the second-worst on the planet. Seattle’s are a close third. At least all the badness has to do with being overly cautious and not willing to make a decision at an intersection. At least they’re not aggressive drivers. For the most part.
@Oli
Depends on where you are; in the South, they drive like you describe; slow and careful in the dry, and then in the rain and ice, they speed up. Here, the drivers are generally more careful.
I guess by saying they’re more alert, I mean they’re less likely to be looking around at scenery or texting their friends. So, to put that in context for New Zealand, in the rain, drivers here would be less likely to fondle a sheep.
@frank
Ugh – I can’t even begin to describe how often I come to a stop sign, unclip and a put my damn foot down, and then have the dope behind the wheel of the car THAT HAS THE LEGAL RIGHT-OF-WAY try and wave me through. I’ve already gone through the effort of stopping, but thanks! /sarcasm
I guess it’s better than being called a faggot and then run off the road, but is still annoying. Like “first word problems” for cyclists.
It really awesome here when we get a few 100k snow birds for the winter. Love that shit. You will never see more old people driving on the wrong side of the road as you will in Tucson between November and April.
@ChrisO
Absolutely agree – was just saying that mist can help you focus more on the sensations of the ride and not get distracted, making it easier to be paid a visit by her. Not to say it can’t be done otherwise – as you say, we find her whenever we’re ready, whatever the conditions.
@Buck Rogers, @wiscot
I’ll try to find the book I scanned it from and maybe it will tell us.
@RedRanger
Gold!
@Ron
Very impressed by that film, the first time I went in NYC some times ago I never took the metro because of ‘Warrior’. I was very young though.
@mcsqueak
Merckx, but that drives me nuts. I go to some great pains to avoid the Machines Of Death I share the road with, and this includes Obeying the Rules(!) of the road. OK, when there is no traffic, I do treat stop signs as yield, as Bob Mionske has so eloquently detailed in his columns, but when MoDs are around, I stop. Holy Merckx on a waffle, I am so sick of being waived at. And they are oblivious to the fact therte is some guy coming from the other direction I have to yield to, or the asshole behind him that is now passing, and has no intention of being nice at all. It has gotten so bad, that once stopped and unclipped, I generally *look the other way* so they can see that I am not paying any attention to them. I grab my water bottle. I grab a snack. I’ve even had one start honking at me to get my attention so they can get me to go through my stop sign because they are parked in the middle of the road waiting for me.
For some, insanity is a long drive. When it comes to this shit though, its a short putt.
@wiscot
Could be. But would not at all surprise me if he was just out for a training ride and left in the rain properly equipped. Hardcore photo either way!
@mcsqueak
I hate people waving me through, even when I myself am in a MoD. I just wave right back.
I also don’t understand the people that feel the need to show off how fast their Dodge Neon is and impress me, as well as the people that try to scare you or whatever by yelling. Not impressed at all, I’m out here laying down some V and while you are snug in your crappy car.
Today I did find one thing I couldn’t ride through, a migraine. I had to stop like every 2km because of nausea and my eyes feeling like they were going to explode.
@mcsqueak
Trick is to do a track stand, make eye contact with the driver and nod them through. That way, if they don’t respond, you’re off. And if they do, you’ve followed the rules of the road. This happened to me this morning. Four-way stop. I nodded to the driver to go ahead. She waved me through. I told her to go ahead. Then she stalled. Police car on the opposite side of the street””clearly impressed that I had come to a full stop””was very amused as I rolled through the intersection while the driver got her car going again.
@Steampunk
In many states it’s not considered a stop. So your not following the law.
The current discussion going on in a local cycling club mailing list is about cyclist obeying the rules of the road but one guy makes a good point that motorists hold cyclists to a higher level of expectation than they do themselves. Get out of line the least bit and motorist go into rage and yet they speed, roll through stop signs, etc. It’s worse in Idaho since we are the only state in the Union that allows not stopping at stop signs if the intersection is clear and proceeding through a red light after stopping if the intersection is clear. The problem is that people are ignorant of our state laws and assume we are in the wrong when we aren’t.
BUT I think people need to realize that regardless if the cyclists is in the wrong or not you’re in a high speed vehicle that weighs a couple of tons and you’re going to kill somebody over a few seconds of inconvenience.
@Chris
where did you find that vid? Is that the Shimano Kamikazee factory? Or where the endurance test the gearsets? What a way to spend your working day, can’t believe they haven’t cleaned up all the trophies!
I think one of the things to bear in mind with safety in rain cycling is that the cars are more likely to lose control than they will in the dry, regardless of how good one’s bike handling is, and assume they will try to wipe you out – anticipation is everything, so assume you are about to be killed at all times and adjust your speed and line accordingly – take them on and you lose….
@ChrisO
Trams are almost exclusively in the Melbourne CBD. Outside the city, which is where I live and commute, there are no trams and no overhead cables.
@Dr C
Looks like a keirin school. Keirin is really strange because of the betting associated with it.
@DerHoggz
Korea??