What is your personal motto?
Don't worry, be happy.
Over on Dave Moulton's Bike Blog, have a look at a honest account on why some cyclists shave their legs.
I have to admit that I have started shaving my legs and have been doing so for about three months. I am not sure why I started. It is certainly not to look like a pro, makes easy post race massages (I don't race), be faster and more aerodynamic or to make it easy to clean up wounds in case of a road rash. I haven't got any logical explanation. Do I shave my legs because it is part of the tradition? No idea. I tried it and it felt right. Best of all, my wife likes it. Phew!
I remember my good old friend Nicolas was starting to take part in Criterium races around the South of France. I think he lasted for about two races before succumbing to the razor blades for the perfectly legitimate reason of easier cleaning of wounds and higher risks of falling during a road race than if you are plodding along in the countryside. I have to say I thought it was quite a brave move for a 17-year old high school student.
So what are the stages I have had to go through to end up with shaved legs some 17 years later?
Thinking about it I have gone though Toeclips, good waterproof, Clipless pedals, first lycra shorts, cycling jersey, proper cycling mitts, cycling specific glasses, cycling cap, bibtights, arm/legwarmers, bibshorts, join club, shaved legs trial on the ankles, shaved legs.
This covers a somewhat superficial side of cycling and does not account for the fact that I enjoy cycling more than ever. That's what matters. Shaved legs or unshaved legs.
Show us the very last picture you took. No cheating!
Entry form has been printed out
Entry fee put aside
January 09: club runs*
February 09: club runs
March 09: club runs + Lune RCC Reliability Ride (75miles)
April 09: club runs + The Cambrian (200k) + Elenith (300k)
May 09: Club Runs + Fred Whitton Challenge (112 Miles) + Dales Grimpeur (200k)
18-21 June 09: Ardechoise Meridionale-Allier 600k
26-31 July 09: LEL2009
* Club runs vary between 60 and 85 miles in distance
Windows - Leaked Source Code,
originally uploaded by S.A.L..
London - Edinburgh - London the pinnacle of UK long distance cycling. 1400km in less than 116 hours 40 minutes. The UK's equivalent of Paris-Brest-Paris.
Why should I?
- I love cycling
- I am more of a tortoise than a hare
- Never cycled that far so it is a challenge to aim for
- I am completely enthused by previous editions ride reports
- It's every four years and 09 is LEL's year
- It's bonkers
Why shouldn't I?
- It's a long way
- It starts and finishes in London
- It's slightly bonkers.
- Preparation will be daunting and time consuming
- I really don't know if I can do it. cycling 515k in 3 days on L'Ardechoise last year saw me completely drained on the last day. (yet, LEL is much flatter...)
- I like sleeping
So... end of July 09: LEL
May: Fred Whitton / Dales Grimpeur + one 300
June: The defining / testing ride to LEL: Ardechoise (e.g. La Merdionale-Allier?)
Rest of the year: club runs, longer commutes from April twice a week, Thursday evening training ride (chain gang).
I am a recovering wiggleoholic anonymous but my wishlist would be:
- A workstand
- Garmin etrex gps bracket for oversize bars
- Chainwhip
- Spare 10 speed chain
- Front wheel with hub dynamo + LED combo
- Pair of lighter wheels for my good bike (Zonda, Fulcrum Racing 3 or Ksyrium?)
- Long sleeve training vest for the winter
- Gilet
- Cycle computer with Heart Rate Monitor
- A box of SIS Smart energy gels
- A tub of High5 4+1
- Roof bars
- An Audax titanium frame ;-)
- Bob Yak trailer
I have been monitoring the weather forecast for next Sunday on Metcheck. It was looking glorious no wind, sushine and warm temperature. Perfect for riding the White Rose Classic. Ha! Not anymore.
Lesson: Do not look for weather forecast 5 days in advance. It is likely to spoil it. Waterproofs and arm warmers all year round.Sigh...
