Dropped for the Last Time
Yesterday I got dropped for the last time this year. I did not REALLY get dropped. A gap opened up I couldn’t close and I had to chase all the way to the finish. Fortunately 2006 has only a day left and I will not suffer that indignity again until next year. I know this will happen many times in the coming year and I will not be able to use the simple excuse of not being able to close a gap.
I rode hard, gave it all I had and met a new friend. Best of all my two good friends I had to chase, waited for me and were commiserate. My new friend rode in with me even though when he flatted I told him to fix it and kept riding.
This brings up a couple of thoughts.
When do you stop for a flat? Obviously, when the bottom edge of your wheel goes horizontal. When someone yells “flat!” and you are nearby you should see if they are okay. When you pass someone on the road with a flat you should should out “Do you need help?” On a Saturday fast ride, as well as any ride, you should have everything you need to fix your tire because no one is going to stop. Maybe on the way back but not on the way out. I’ve missed out on many a splendid ride because I had to stop and attend to a flat and then chase for seemingly endless miles.
Making friends on rides. When you see a new face in the parking lot, by all means stop and make them welcome. Some people size up new people and then test them to see who is better. Try to see them as potential allies, not challengers. When someone posts to ask if there are anyone wants to ride, contact them if you are available. If you see a new rider on the road ride up to them and see what they are up to. The exception? If you have a fast paceline going, a serious challenge, and someone you don’t know jumps in, you have no obligation to be social. After the ride by all means let the new guy know it’s all fun.
In fact, do what my friends did to me today and drop me like a stone. Do like I did and answer the cry of “flat” with “fix it”. But then show camaraderie and friendship. Wait for the laggard and do a recovery pace home. Ride home with the new guy and make him feel welcome. It's the least we can do.
There’s a new year coming, let’s make it a good one.
I rode hard, gave it all I had and met a new friend. Best of all my two good friends I had to chase, waited for me and were commiserate. My new friend rode in with me even though when he flatted I told him to fix it and kept riding.
This brings up a couple of thoughts.
When do you stop for a flat? Obviously, when the bottom edge of your wheel goes horizontal. When someone yells “flat!” and you are nearby you should see if they are okay. When you pass someone on the road with a flat you should should out “Do you need help?” On a Saturday fast ride, as well as any ride, you should have everything you need to fix your tire because no one is going to stop. Maybe on the way back but not on the way out. I’ve missed out on many a splendid ride because I had to stop and attend to a flat and then chase for seemingly endless miles.
Making friends on rides. When you see a new face in the parking lot, by all means stop and make them welcome. Some people size up new people and then test them to see who is better. Try to see them as potential allies, not challengers. When someone posts to ask if there are anyone wants to ride, contact them if you are available. If you see a new rider on the road ride up to them and see what they are up to. The exception? If you have a fast paceline going, a serious challenge, and someone you don’t know jumps in, you have no obligation to be social. After the ride by all means let the new guy know it’s all fun.
In fact, do what my friends did to me today and drop me like a stone. Do like I did and answer the cry of “flat” with “fix it”. But then show camaraderie and friendship. Wait for the laggard and do a recovery pace home. Ride home with the new guy and make him feel welcome. It's the least we can do.
There’s a new year coming, let’s make it a good one.
posted by Speedo at 11:13 PM
2 Comments:
Are you sure there is only 1 day left of 2007? You really did go into oxygen debt today.
Mike
Yep. One more day. If you're uncertain, check with the principal.
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