A Letter to the Editor

Of Velo News-

Editor,

Over the last few years, if an outsider were to read any report or story about any climbing stage or any stage that had a bit of wind and rain, I'm afraid they would think that cyclists were superheros, as opposed to mere lycra-clad mortals.

When did it become so fashionable to allow the descriptor "epic" to roll off the tongue when speaking or writing of almost anything related to our sport? The word "epic" should be left to lore and our heads should be brought back down from the clouds, lest we forget that just last year "epic" stages were won and marred by cheaters, not heroes.

In doing a simple search on your site, the word is tossed around no less than five times (not including the story about Cape Epic) in just this month, which, by the way, is not even half over. Try expanding your vocabularies.
Andrew Utz

Editor's Note: Dang it, Andrew, you used the word three more times. Now our quota is completely used up for the month.

Uh oh - another epic thread begins:D:D:D:D

Sorry, Zen - I couldn't resist:)

And thou shall not refer to winners as "titans".

And never female winners as "goddesses". ;) However this adjective probably is rarely used at this time for female international racers. But we should start to glamorize our sport..like beach volleyball.

A response to that letter from one of my favorite cycling bloggers, the Unholy Rouleur (the guy whose muddy gams you photo'd, Zen):

Quote:

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Andrew Utz, in a plea to the cycling world, has asked that we stop using the term "epic." According to Andrew,

'When did it become so fashionable to allow the descriptor "epic" to roll off the tongue when speaking or writing of almost anything related to our sport? The word "epic" should be left to lore and our heads should be brought back down from the clouds, lest we forget that just last year "epic" stages were won and marred by cheaters, not heroes.'

Okay, Andrew. You got it. Next time I am reading Homer's Oddysey, I'll refer to it as "A Pretty Good Poem," rather than an Epic Poem. If I see some TdF rider win a stage by 30 minutes, I'll note, "that was a pretty bleh stage win." And if I go on an all day long mountain bike ride in Moab, I'll make sure to describe it as, "alright. Y'know. Pretty good."

I wouldn't want to wear out the word. Plus I use an asthma inhaler, so by definition I'm a cheater and can't have epic rides. BTW, Andrew, you clearly aren't actually into people being enthusiastic about the sport, so could you please turn in your 'cycling enthusiast' card at the door? I have a 'guy who sometimes rides a bike' card for you that will work just fine for your purposes.

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I just love Jim :D

"And if I go on an all day long mountain bike ride in Moab, I'll make sure to describe it as, "alright. Y'know. Pretty good.""

That would be refreshing.

Having raced up mountains in the rain and snow, I have no objections to the use of the word epic.... Perhaps Mr. Utz is a fair weather cyclist and doesn't have any experience with the truly epic...

To me, use of the word 'epic' implies that I should be impressed. I'll decide that (I am the decider :D)
I have a greater respect for humility.

There was a similar plea made on BBC radio this week for journalists to stop describing everyone and everything as "iconic". Maybe cycling mags and regular journalists could swap lingo for a while - we could hear about epic paintings and iconic days out riding just to give everyone a rest, lol! :p