Psychic pain.

[Chicken Little]

Last week I bought a used Yaris. It may be the smallest, simplest machine I have ever driven and I love it. It's simple. It fits in a parking space the size of a post office box, 45 mpg, crank windows, etc.

When I got home, I got ready for a ride. Spandex, tire pressure, chamois butter, water, clips, chain grease, helmet, gloves, blah, blah, blah...

Although it was neatly organized and I got out the door and on the rode, I was acutely aware of how incredibly complex cycling has become, and am starting to wonder if I would be just as happy on a 25 year old beach cruiser with a cup holder and my flip-flops. (a Yaris version of my road bike)

Does anyway else become occasionally overwhelmed by the complexity of our passions?

[indysteel]

I understanf where you're coming from. I bought a custom bike early last year that didn't fit nearly as well as I expected. I spent the better part of the spring and summer trying to make it comfortable. I tried so many things without success. It had gotten SO complicated. I started to feel really down on cycling. I finally hung the bike up, and went back to my old bike. I'm starting to make up lost ground, mentally and physically. I'm trying really hard to keep it fun.

[Zen]

Occasionally?

Forever.

All my bikes make me happy but Miss Plum makes me the happiest.

[OakLeaf]

That's why you need more than one bike.

Living in a place where you can actually get somewhere on that beach cruiser helps, too.

[KnottedYet]

That's why I took the computers off my bikes.

And why I switched my clipless on my zoom-zoom bike for a pair of Grip Kings.

Velo Love!

(and the really awesome thing is that I can put it all back the way it was whenever I want to!)

[chicagogal]

I totally know what you mean. Between riding my bike, planning to ride my bike, preparing to ride my bike, getting to/from ride starts, working on my bike, etc, (not to mention training, racing, preparing for races, traveling to races) I actually spend ALL of my spare time.

The good news is that the more time goes by, the simpler it all seems because of the routine of it. The most complicated thing is keeping track of where my bikes are! Sometimes they are at home (if I am planning to ride from home) or at the shop (if I am planning to ride from the shop). If my plans change, then things get complicated :-)

[Librarygirl]

Yep, I feel like this all the time - when I'm fussing around with all my gear and hauling bikes in and out of cars and poking a thousand things in my jersey pockets and saddle pack and then having to retrieve those things seconds later when I remember I need them in my hand for something....

And then - I start riding, and it is all forgotten in an instant. I am so happy and free and I know that my perfectly fitting bike and my clipless pedals and my comfy cycling clothes and my energy drink powder tucked in my pocket all make my riding even more enjoyable, and that cycling is the ONLY exercise I have ever felt so passionate about, and kept up so consistently for so long.

And it all seems so, so worth it