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[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Instead of people being "more" or "less" of a cyclist, how about just saying there are different kinds of cyclists?: Professional cyclists, competition cyclists, fitness cyclists, and purely recreational cyclists. One could be more than one type too, like a competition mtn bike racer who rides in the park with their kids on the weekend! (maybe even going on the sidewalk! )

[roguedog]

What is a cyclist?

This has actually been on my mind lately and something I'm trying to figure out.

I'm new to "cycling" though I've been riding bikes since I was like 5. For me it was just about the only alternative left since I hate running and I've gotten really sick of going to the gym. So I just started... and I found out I enjoy it.

However, I haven't ridden since Tday with holidays, family and other social stuff going on. In that time I've been contemplating this question since I feel all this guilt or feeling like a "slacker" since I'm not out there doing my 100 miles a week like some folks. In some sense this has been good cuz it gives me perspective.

When did biking become cycling to me? When did I need to don my fancy clothes (of which I don't have many really) to just ride to work?? I mean I went to UC Davis for god's sake and spent (cough) all my college years biking around in jeans and sweats in the friggin wind, rain and cold on a used bike from the bike auction. I didn't even have a car for 2-3 years. Walking or riding were my only alternatives.

Then I was reading thru Rivendell's site and their pragmatic approach to cycling/biking was really fresh air to me.

"Special clothing just to ride a bike? Are you sure?

(This is kind of a long rant.)

If you have any doubts that you can ride in normal clothing, consider that 200 million people worldwide do it every day. So it comes down to clothing for "serious, performance cycling," and that's when the clothing starts to look and feel funny. Based on the snug-fitting clothing of the famous comic book superheros, cycling clothing has continued to devolve to its current state, which is: "

So yesterday morning, I just jumped on my little mtn bike with my jeans and geeky reflective cuff velcro thingy and went to work.

What am saying.. rambling? I guess ...that we are privileged to live in a country that gives us the choice to be cyclists. And that as long as I am aware of that, I've defined it for myself. I've defined my "circles." Will I keep buying stuff. Ya betcha cuz I love shopping And will I train for the Terra Bella and the Cindy.. yup as much as my life will allow me at the moment.

But.. I have to remember that cycling is one of my hobbies and I'm a damn, friggin lucky a$$ bastard to have that choice.

I'll leave this morning's contemplation with this photo. The lady in the picture below has my respect and awe. I took this when my tour bus had an engine problem outside of Shanghai. While we were just wandering around stretching our legs, this lady just came riding up on the opposite side of road, toting her load and then quietly just disappeared into the horizon. She "trains" everyday because she has no choice. And she's definitely not a a weight weeny! And god knows how far she has to go everyday..

This picture just makes me laugh at myself but also makes me feel very lucky.

Enjoy...keep on pedaling (I'm off to work .. in my jeans)