Pop quiz

[VeganBikeChick]

I think sometimes we (I) have a way of blowing things out of proportion in our minds. If you just keep riding, nothing's ever as bad as you imagine it will be and nothing ever gets WORSE. In other words, there's a limit to how bad you can feel on a ride. It may continue to be bad, but it won't get worse.

So true! I biked to and from the store tonight and I dread the hill on the way home. This is a 0.8 mile commute one way! All I could think about while I was in the store was the dreaded hill home. And my mind had made it ten times worse than it actually was (and I'm probably getting a little more stamina as well). It's all about perspective.

[salsabike]

I thought you guys might get a kick out of reading this. Chris wrote it in his head while he was riding the Cascade 1200 last summer. You'll understand it.


Ballad of the Cascade 1200
Composed on the road from Dry Falls to Bridgeport

To the Tune of Willin'
With thanks (or apologies) to the late great Lowell George

I've been blown by the wind, broiled by the heat
Had my butt worn out, but I'm still on my seat
And I'm still willin'

Out on the road late at night, seen the full moon shining
Like a 6 volt head light,
downhill with a tailwind

And I've been from Packwood to Okanogan,
Yakima to Darrington
I've ridden every kind of road that's ever been laid
Carryin' our mudflaps so we won't get sprayed
And if you give me snacks, drinks, and ice
And some chicken and rice
And I'll be willin' to keep rollin'

I've been burnt by the sun, chilled by the cold
I'm tired and sweaty, don't you know
And I'm still willin'

Struggled with broken spokes at Texaco
They're signin' my card every time I go to Texaco
And I'm still...

And I've been from Packwood to Okanogan,
Yakima to Darington
I've ridden every kind of road that's ever been laid
Carryin' our mudflaps so we won't get sprayed
And if you give me snacks, drinks, and ice
And some chicken and rice
And I'll be willin' to keep rollin'