Posted by Les Faber in Let me begin by saying that this Blog Post was going to be about another “fabulous evening bike ride”. In fact, that’s what it’ll end up being. But before I go there I have to make some excuses. Why you ask? Because I just had a good dose of cycling reality. A Winter season of spinning does help. My cardio is pretty darned good. And my legs ain’t shabby either (strength-wise… Not to look at.).
I Tweeted this morning about how pumped I was to go out for ride # 4 of the season. And work gave me plenty of reasons to want to get out there and blow off some steam.
I called my cycling pal Sergio early this morning to see if he was up for some evening cycling. What is that you say Sergio? You just did a double spin class? Oh dear. See you after work at the usual spot!
I should have known that something was amiss when I turned the corner down the street. Where the devil did that wind come from? They don’t have that in Spin class! — The menopausal fan doesn’t count! — I launched myself headlong into the gale force wind (I exaggerate). I rode like a fiend – only hitting 26 kmph….. Drats. By the time I got to our meeting place I was soaked (from sweat).
Sergio arrived a short time later and we were off. It was his turn to choose our route. Of course you have to go into the wind at some point. May as well make it the starting point.
7 kilometers in (Sergio in the lead), I realized that I needed some “excuses”. Even with my buddy taking all of the punishment, I was still having “trouble”.
So excuse #1: Sergio is 4 years younger then me. He should be a better cyclist.
Excuse #2: Sergio weighs less than me.
Excuse #3: I weigh 20 pounds more than him (Same as above – but I don’t really have enough excuses to make an even 10)
Excuse #4: I am wider (fatter too) so there is more wind resistance
Excuse #5: Sergio is in better shape than me. Not really an excuse – but more of a fact
Excuse #6: He has an Italian bike. They are better than American bikes (I own a Specialized). Sergio will agree!
Excuse #7: Wind and Les don’t mix (Sad but true. My friend Nadine hates hills. We all have our foibles.).
Excuse #8: My Body Armor shirt was too tight – thus restricting effective inhalation of oxygen (good one eh?)
Excuse #9: Imagine an excuse to do with my Spandex shorts and the issues associated with same
Excuse 10: Sergio is 100% Italian. He was born riding an Italian bike (pick your brand). I am only 1/4 Italian. The rest is a mix of German and Swedish. What kind of cyclist does that mix make? It only makes sense that he’d kick my ass every single time.
And there you have it 10 shabby excuses — and another great ride with my buddy!
LOL good one!
ridding into wind make me feel like if I was walking….
I felt like I was crawling!
Les, don’t beat yourself up buddy. I hear you can hold your own out there but Sergio did mention something about that shirt!! LOL
I refuse to comment under the grounds that it may incriminate me!
Les,
You dong 26 KPH – This had to be a tail wind…
Funny guy – I actually hit 49 with the tailwind. I think Sergio broke 50 (on the flat)
LOL
Wind can be nasty – and, at times – I dislike it as much as hills! Can you imagine going up a hill with a headwind? *shudders* (I’d never get to the top!)
49 with a tailwind must have felt great!
I don’t think I’d mind it as much since the expectation of speed is lower when you are climbing.
Yep — it was quite a bit of fun — going that fast. I am starting to feel comfortable with my new ride. Reality will strike hard once I get my Secret Service bike on the road. Kids on tricycles will be passing me then! But that’s okay with me.
I think all your excuses are good ones
Can I use them too?
Wind is worst than hills. Spinning doesn’t help you prepare for them – it does however get your ready for the up hill treks.
Use any excuse you want Helen!
The problem with wind is that it is not as predictable as hills. You arrive at a hill (mountain?), you scope it out, and you climb it. The only way to deal with wind is to turn around.
I hate Wind,Hills is nearly always preferable to Strong Winds . Where I live if you go on the Coastal Cycleway you either meet a Headwind on the Way out or else on your way back. If the Wind is behind you, you can Fly along but you know when you turn around to go back it really Murders you. Sometimes it is so bad that I have to get off and Walk for a bit. Then when I have gone about a Mile and come to a Roundabout I can turn off the Coastal Route and go up a slight Hill on a Different Road Home. The fact that I have Deviated away from the Coast and out of the Wind and even going up Hill I can Fly along.
This is on my Favourite Bike The Azor Kruisframe ,it is a bit Heavier than your Secret Service and Strong as a Tank. It is so comfortable I mostly Ride it all the time. I hardly ever use the other Bikes. I suppose the Hardtail Hybrid would be better for long Rides but the Azor is more comfortable so long as the Hills are moderate. If I was going Touring I would get rid of the Hybrid and get a Decent Touring Bike,as it is not a very good Quality Bike ,one I just used for Commuting to Work a Cheapie. The Azor is great for keeping you Fit as you have to Pump harder on the Pedals going up Hills.
Wind is a very good mountain practice for flat countries. When I want to practice uphill bike riding, I cycle in the afternoon, where it is usually windy here in Portugal.
Where in Portugal are you Pedro? I have never cycled there – but have visited many years ago. A beautiful country. I especially liked Lisbon – so much history.