Although we find our way to the bicycle by different path, we all share the fact that at some point, this simple and elegant machine captured our imaginations. It became something more than simply a means to travel about, get exercise, or compete – it became something central to our lives.
Somehow and by different means, La Volupte seduced each of us. We became hypnotized by the rhythm of the cyclist’s life, by the movement of the machine. There might have been a moment where the machine which once hardly obeyed our commands suddenly surrendered to our every desire; we only needed to push upon the pedals a bit harder in order to coax more speed from the machine.
Then we made a fundamental discovery: the pleasure to be found from pushing ourselves beyond our limits. The simplicity found in the singular focus when all ancillary thought is shut down as we steel our mind against the strain of the effort. In truth, the pleasure comes less from the suffering but from the knowledge that we overcame the impulse to relent. We join a minority who, in a small way, triumph over our very nature.
With this discovery comes a kind of Stockholm Syndrome as we fall in love with everything bicycle-related – from the beauty of the machine itself to every bit of history and culture that surrounds it. We have transformed into a Velominatus.
As we mature as cyclists, we turn our focus towards improvement of the Craft: we crave a more Magnificent Stroke, to become stronger, to go Steady Up with More Speed. As the hardships of our sport become a constant companion, their novelty is diminished. The novelty of pushing ourselves fades; it becomes a routine component of our Work to become better cyclists.
Throughout, the cycle gains momentum. Every year, we become faster, stronger, harder. We might even forget why we love the sport as we lose ourselves in our quest for improvement. Thresholds, speeds, distances, wattage, elevation; these metrics replace the beautiful simplicity of La Vie Velominatus, which is fundamentally about the love of the bike and cycling at large.
But every cycle has its peaks and valleys and with each Summer spent narrowing the two-month gap to finding peak form, those of us who know how to train properly will fill our Winters building our base condition with longer, low intensity rides which throw us back to those basic sensations that drew us into the sport originally: the smell of the air, the sound of our tires as they flirt with the pavement or earth, the rhythmic breathing, the freedom of riding a bicycle.
Each Fall, as the skies grey and the rain begins to fall, I’m struck by my sudden rediscovery of the original reasons I love cycling. With my season’s goals many months away, the micromanagement of my condition and performance gives way once more to the pleasure of the ride. If I feel strong (which rarely happens during this time of year) and the desire to push myself shows itself, I may do it. If not, I don’t. It doesn’t matter at that time of year – just spending time on the machine is more than enough to pay dividends when the days grow longer and the sun returns to the sky. Rain, shine, cold, warm – I hardly notice the difference as I am once more reminded of the reasons why I love to ride my bike.
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@Jeff in PetroMetro
All I got now is the Drive-by Truckers' "Drag the Lake Charlie" going around in my head...
Jeff, I guess part of modern life is knowing what to "Google". I am still not in the swing of it... and after that very informative and extensive exposition... I may stay that way, but thanks, I think.
@Geoffrey Grosenbach
Glad someone is being realistic - I mean about Gianni.
@sgt
You and Steampunk are neck and neck and we now have a spread of 3:35 to 5:01
I am not sure when the big hill time trial starts (if anyone knows, including the contestant do let us know).
I have to take this opportunity to thank Frank, Gianni and the VMH's. Here it is -5 F and since there is no racing in the northern hemisphere they, by riding and supporting the ride, are providing a great service. I for one feel as excited as if it was Roubaix time and the VSP was in full swing - I think we should take a poll and make this a yearly event, with all welcome?? I for one am in for next year.
@Rob
You're welcome. I live to serve.
@Jeff in PetroMetro
You know it just struck me that this really is a warm weather phenom, up here there is such a small window for getting the ratio. But when I get to Florida and such like places it jumps right out at you...
Just wondering if any of the Velominati could be numbered - Marko comes to mind??
@Rob
Yes, I do have one tattoo, one. But I still have all my teeth which gives me a .003.
@Marko
That must be the most white bread tat to teeth number ever!
Sort of sorry you answered this one I was looking forward to Jeff tackling it...
This site has a way of landing posts in far away places from their original intent.
So back to the joy of riding and Franks imminent display of V and joy in one 3,333 meter slog - I still do not know when it is happening... maybe he has gone already and six hours with 700 meters left he has to be carried to the mighty Gianni team car, babbling about how he is better than Tommy Simpson and let him finish or leave him on the volcano.
But I expect that is no closer to the truth and that the real scenario has copious amounts of micro Hawaiian brew involved and tactics being discussed...
If anyone still wants into the pool add to the list.
Frank's Time Up the Big One
1) Rob - 3:51.25
2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
3) Steampunk - 4:27.18
4) G'phant - 4:14.9
5) Marko - 4:06.46
6) xyxax - 3:52.12
7) Chris - 4:12.37
8) Nate - 3:59:45
9) Geoffrey "” 5:01:01
10) sgt - 4:42:36
The climb is 59km at an average of 5.2% (If you don't own The Complete Guide to Climbing (By Bike) by John Summerson, you should. It gets me through many a depressing flat midwestern day as I plan my trips back west).
Frank has 15cm and at least 15kgs on me. I climb a 5% grade in the 16-18kph range, so I'll give Frank 14-16kph, as it is out-of-season. I don't know if he's going to go true V and not put his foot down, though, so that'll add 10 minutes. Going on the low end of speed, that puts my guess at 4:17:29.
Frank's Time Up the Big One
1) Rob - 3:51.25
2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
3) Steampunk - 4:27.18
4) G'phant - 4:14.9
5) Marko - 4:06.46
6) xyxax - 3:52.12
7) Chris - 4:12.37
8) Nate - 3:59:45
9) Geoffrey "” 5:01:01
10) sgt - 4:42:36
11) Collin - 4:17.29
OK, I'm super late on this. And since I've never met Frank like many of you have, I'm just going to hazard a random guess: 4:45:01.
Frank's Time Up the Big One
1) Rob - 3:51.25
2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
3) Steampunk - 4:27.18
4) G'phant - 4:14.9
5) Marko - 4:06.46
6) xyxax - 3:52.12
7) Chris - 4:12.37
8) Nate - 3:59:45
9) Geoffrey "” 5:01:01
10) sgt - 4:42:36
11) Collin - 4:17.29
12) mcsqueak - 4:45:01
@mcsqueak
I have never met him either. I think that makes it even more fun.