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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@Rob
Hey. Are we using "The Price Is Right" rules?
@xyxax
I took into account the decrease in gravitational pull due to Frank's increased distance from the center of the Earth. I calculated Frank's decreased drag coefficient as he ascends through the troposphere. However, I failed to consider the variability of Frank's hydration and carbo-loading strategies.
Can we get some specifics, Frank? How many beers have you had?
@Rob
Yes he can break the 4 hour mark, the kid is oozing awesome from his very being. Jeff, he will be fully hydrated before the ride if beer drinking falls into our definition of hydrated. He is quite thorough in that department.
To keep his training up we are doing a killer West Maui ride tomorrow, out on a secluded coastal road, lots of headlands to climb over and it all ends up at the Maui Brewery. I try to help the humans now and again.
When, exactly, is the event scheduled for? The excitement is building ...
Oh, and the best of velomiluck to you, Frank. Slay that beast.
@Gianni
Yes. I think drinking beer falls into our definition of properly hydrated.
In fact, Brett, how about adding "properly hydrated" to the The Lexicon? Definition: consumed many beers. Used in a sentence: Not wanting to shrivel up like a prune during his ascent of Wannahakkalugi, Frank spent many days prior to his epic climb getting properly hydrated with Gianni.
@Jeff in PetroMetro
I like it. "He was so properly hydrated he bet Gianni 100 bucks he would crack 3:30"."
@G'phant
Won't happen"”not even with Gianni motor-pacing (of course, proper hydration has its downside in this kind of scenario). I'm not sure my Volvo could crack 3:30.
After the TTR seminar I am afraid to ask...
@Gianni
This is true insider info and gives my prediction gravitas!
@G'phant
Frank say's Saturday is the day.
@ALL
From his post above there are many signs that he might be psyching himself out.
I will name a few for folks who have not put up a time yet, it may make some think about a time higher than the current 5:01.01 of Geoffrey's.
His height tops the list (if you did not know he is fucking 6'5", I had some beers with him and got a crook in my neck by the end of the evening)
He has peaking ISSUES... no comment.
He next lists 3 other issues, centipedes, dirty white socks and various squeaky noises on the bike. This says to me that his anal compulsions maybe getting the better of his Dutch Monkey brain - a very bad sign I think.
Lastly, he is driving and riding his bike all over Maui, which must be just incredibly mind blowing but add to that being constantly pissed on great brews (Gianni is a wizard at finding rare IPA's with alcohol levels off the charts and brown drinks with names like Dogs Bottom that will make you go blind) and all the while the mountain looms ala Orodruin, the volcano in Mordor and he is like Frodo (Who if you remember was a tallish Hobbit). I think it is wearing him down?
Can't wait for Saturday and the videos!
Get your times in.
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
13) JFT - 3:58:30
14) Buck Rogers - 4:25.36
Being MUCH older than Frank but also 6'5" I know the height is not as much of a handicap unless there is a big wind. Even though there will be a be a big wind I predict a sub 4:00:00 finish.
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
13) JFT - 3:58:30
14) Buck Rogers - 4:25.36
15) 3cross - 3:57:13
@Rob
Excellent "Fight Club" reference, and completely apropos!