To the Cyclist on the Lake Front Path this morning in the Black and Red Lemond jersey...

Let me paint a picture here...

Me: Riding my brand-new-to-me (bought it yesterday) tricked out titanium cyclocross race bike for the first time. Cruising on the Lake Front Path on my way to work. Wearing my lycra team kit, riding fast, enjoying new bike bliss...feeling pretty proud of myself as a cyclist.

You: Riding a well-loved 90's vintage mountain bike with fat knobby tires, Chain and lock wrapped around the seatpost. Bandana on your head, no helmet, Baggy jersey that looked like you had pulled on over a sweatshirt, platform pedals and tennis shoes.

Now, I make no claims about being the fastest rider out there...but I am a strong rider and I rarely get passed by other cyclists on the Lake Front Path...and YOU, Mr. Mountain Biker, were crushing it! I had to fight like crazy to catch up with you after you passed me, and even then I wasn't able to hold your wheel without some serious effort.

I tip my helmet to you. You are awesome. Thank you for the reminder that it isn't (all) about the bike, and it is more important to ride, than to upgrade.

-E

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Elliot Bennett on November 7, 2013 at 8:09am

Dont remember where I was passed, but I peeled off at North Av. So somewhere between North Ave and Hollywood.

Black & Red Lemond Jersey over a bulky sweatshirt or turtleneck, Black Cycling Shorts, White Bandana, Sunglasses.

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on November 7, 2013 at 8:17am

yes, good reminder for sure! 

Permalink Reply by Michael A on November 7, 2013 at 10:14am

There is ALWAYS someone faster then you, and riding with faster folks will make you stronger and more humble

Permalink Reply by Jeremy on November 7, 2013 at 10:32am

That was a WAY more positive post than I expected, hats off to both parties involved. 

Permalink Reply by Brendan Kevenides on November 8, 2013 at 4:14am


+1


Jeremy said:

That was a WAY more positive post than I expected, hats off to both parties involved. 

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on November 8, 2013 at 5:35am

Delightful surprise, indeed.

Chi Lowe 12.5+ mi said:

Came here believing it would be vitriol, found a delightful surprise instead.  Fancy that.

Jeremy said:

That was a WAY more positive post than I expected, hats off to both parties involved. 

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on November 8, 2013 at 5:49am

Someone should make a short reenacting this.... Elliot could play himself and we could have auditions for the Bandaana wearing speed demon.  I could play an extra, maybe a pedestrian walking by.

Permalink Reply by Mr. Ray Joe Hall on November 8, 2013 at 5:52am

Cat 6 magnanimity.

Permalink Reply by Mark on November 8, 2013 at 9:34am

+1 +1

 

I ride the path around 10am every day.  Every single time I think to myself, "hey, I haven't been passed today"   I proceed to get passed by someone like I am standing still.  Humbling indeed.

 

I'm still waiting for the day I get passed by a jogger.  I am convinced it will happen some day.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on November 9, 2013 at 4:28am

what a great story eliot !

being humbled is always a good thing.

 

reminds me of a good cycling joke :

 

"what do you call one bike ?  a cyclist...

what do you call two bikes ?  a race"

Permalink Reply by Craig S. on November 9, 2013 at 5:55pm

About the best post on the Clink in years. I owe you a Malort, good sir.

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