What I meant was...

I've been enjoying this blogging thing the last few months--as I've written before it makes for a challenging way to adjust writing style to an unknown audience. I've also figured out that writing by hand is LITERALLY a pain as I think arthritis will be setting in during the intervening years. We've grown so used to tap tappin that it's just faster now.

What's been most interesting is this channeling of thoughts that just occurs. I could write a dozen posts a day, but why? I'm always composing, always thinking of ways to craft the words to convey what's on my mind. There are so many good writers out there--it's a pleasure to see the results of their work and sometimes it hits home.

Prior to blogging I used to experiment with various listeserves that I'm on--the Bicycle Place, DataCAD (our drafting software of choice, since we don't use the Microsoft/Nike/Trek of CAD software known as AutoCAD), the local neighborhood, etc. I found that I had to tailor the writing in a particular way so as not to offend (so I thought) or look like a total ass (my impression of one). I found that to be constricting.

So as an example I offer a post that I put forth today on our listserve after a great group ride that was not typical in that we didn't ride this morning due to the weather. As a result it was smaller and generally more skilled, as the regulars showed up , and for the most part are pretty solid riders. Not all of them race, but many could, though some of the skills are lacking, and some of the logical safety decisions are also sorely lacking.

Allow me this moment of self-indulgence:

That was a great ride today--impromptu, fast, fun, a great workout. I echo everything Phil posted, and continue to look forward to riding with everyone regularly. I could've used a shove at the top of the Ross Road Hill as I saw the group ride away...

What I meant was: This was a great ride and I popped when I thought I could hang, so now I'm irritated.

What I'm about to say may piss some people off, but please know it's not personal. I'm just concerned that some bad riding habits by some of us will eventually lead to a bad situation. I'll leave that to your imagination, as I've imagined countless scenarios in my head over the past few years as a result of the "almosts" that seem to happen on every group ride.

What I meant was: Even though I think I'm an optimist, I prepare myself for the eventuality that the worst will happen, and the tough nut here is that it could very well be avoidable. At the same time, though there are situations which we have no control, or it's NOT our fault, but the end result could be dire.

Stuff happens in the paceline that is unavoidable - you know, skittish riding, brakes at the wrong time, half-wheeling when not necessary...we've all done it, and it's part of riding. Smooth riding is the essence of efficient paceline work whch benefits the entire group. Sketchy riding gets better with experience, and that isn't my major concern.

What I meant was: If you ride a paceline, do it right, then I won't complain when I'm grumpy.

Here's what's been buggin' me lately: Jumping between lines just because there's a gap. A huge gap, OK, but a little one, let the person being gapped try to close it. And if you're getting gapped, let the line through and just tailgun at the back.

What I meant was: Get a clue. Worst of all, don't ask me if it would be OK to do this. This just isn't cool.

Another major don't: gunning through the front, which disrupts the flow and creates gaps that everyone has to work to close. This isn't a race. There's no glory in blazing off the front...of a training ride paceline.

What I meant was: What are you thinkin' Lincoln? What competent cyclists do this on a regular basis? Keep doing that and someone will meet you in a corner.

And here's the real issue: Everything we do reflects upon the jersey we wear (regardless of team/club etc). Quit running red lights, quit doing U turns in front of traffic, quit crossing the yellow line, be aware of traffic so that we single up when there are cars behind us, just lets get our collective heads out of you know where because most of the people in the 2 ton 4 wheelers either don't want to share the road with us or don't know how to share it with us, so let's help them out, shall we?

What I meant was: I don't think anyone on this ride wants to call your family to let them know that your lunacy just lost them a loved one.

For the most part I think we're among the most self-aware group that emphasizes safety out there--just yesterday toward the end of the N2 we shamed a dude into putting his helmet back on because he only had a slow 2 miles before he got back to his car. I guess he wanted to look PRO.

What I meant was: What a poseur. We showed him.

Looking forward to many years riding with my friends.

Have a great week, and ride safe.

John(ny)

What I meant was: Looking forward to many years riding with my friends. Have a great week, and ride safe.

I'm not into writing those thoughts in that manner on a medium that is broadcast scattershot style. At least this blog has to be accessed...unless you've got an RSS feed setup...