I was watching the US National Figure Skating Championships the other night on
TV. I once dated an Olympic hopeful, which meant I spent a lot of time video
taping her practices and studying the film afterward. I guess it is no big
revelation, but the secret to doing well in figure skating is to be perfect,
or as nearly perfect as you can be and hope that your competition is less
perfect than you.
So, I got to thinking, we know that perfect in figure skating is nailing all
your jumps and making it looks both graceful and easy. But, what is "perfect"
in cycling terms. Sure you could lead the Tour de France from start to finish,
winning every stage, taking every jersey and finishing in another time zone
from all your competitors, but history has shown that is far from likely.
On further thought, and trying very hard not to sound like Dr.Phil, perfect is
different for every cyclist, except for those who want to lead the Tour de
France from start to finish, win every stage and take every jersey.......
There is no one thing that all cyclists will agree is the definition of perfect
on a bike.
Am I trying to show my sensitive side? I hope not. Most people I know think
that only comes out on Groundhog Day and only then if Pauxatauny Phil sees his
shadow. I guess what I am trying to get at is what puts a smile on your face
when you are out riding your bike? For me, it is a multitude of things. Doing
a long, tough ride with my buds and still feeling like a human being afterward
gives me a warm glow. Likewise, stashing a $20 bill in my jersey and heading
out into unknown territory for an all-day ride of discovery also floats my
boat.
Maybe it is easier to describe a non-perfect ride. Anything involving multiple
flat tires, bonking and/or running out of water when it is 90+ degrees
definitely qualifies in my book. Crashing is another no-brainer but, picking
oneself up and getting back on the bike, whether it is the same day or weeks
later can lead to perfection.
Hey, maybe I am rambling a bit and you all don't really care if a ride is
perfect or not. Maybe it is like the old adage, a bad day of fishing beats a
good day at work. I don't know, maybe it is time to go for a ride.
Bruce
"I was watching the US National Figure Skating Championships the other night..." Now THAT is funny!
"Last weekend I spent the day shopping for shoes..."
What, Match.com isn't working for you?
Does that angle really work?
Rik DeRoosteer