Commuting - Dormant

Everyone here has probably experienced this. Someone who doesn't ride asks you, "How far do you ride?"

You tell them, and it sticks in their craw. They can't swallow it for a moment. You try to explain to them that it really isn't very far on a bike, but they think that you are some special athletic type, that's why you are able to do it. "Hey, you must really be in shape," they respond.

But the truth is that most reasonably healthy people have the genetic blueprint of fitness lying dormant inside them. It may take a little patience to bring it out, but it's there.

I read about a man who started riding after retirement, 60-plus years old. At 90, he was still able to ride a century.

I know this is preaching to the converted. But sometimes the converted are the only ones who believe you.

Originally posted by Pete Clark
I know this is preaching to the converted. But sometimes the converted are the only ones who believe you.

I believe!

Yep, fortunately any reasonable soul would know that if I can do it they can too!

After all...I'm not Superman, I'm AlphaGeek! ;)

I can tell you that just because I am a kid of 28, doesn't mean I am automatically in shape. I have friends my age that haven't had their heart rate above a resting pulse since they were in high school.

The other day I ran into an old co-worker and he told me he just got out of the hospital after suffering a heart attack. This guy is only 40 and he said 3 of his arteries were 90% clogged. The price of his surgeries?...$18,000. He says the past week he has been riding a stationary bike. Maybe this is the start to another cyclist.

Use it lose it.

I am also a kid of only 28 years. I rode 60 miles last Saturday, and when I told the guys in my office that I rode that far, they didn't believe me. What's up with that?

Today I discovered a route that I'm going to ride this weekend. It is only 30 miles, but it runs through some really amazing horse farms. I'll take my digital camera along, and if I can figure out how, I'll post some pictures. Hey, maybe that is an idea you'd like to think about Joe. How about a section of BikeForums dedicated to touring pictures. I think that would be cool. :cool:

I have a friend my age who hasn't had his heart rate BELOW my maximum heart rate for a long time. Inactivity and potato chips have given him an abnormally high heart rate. He is the guy I took on a 26 mile bike trip a few years ago. He wasn't able to walk for 3 days after the trip. :D

Originally posted by AlphaGeek


After all...I'm not Superman, I'm AlphaGeek! ;)

Sure you are! That's about as believable as when you claim you're Clark Kent! :D

Whenever I am asked "How far do you ride?"

I've always answered "All the way!"

They hear my accent, and just accept my anser as the best they'll probably get.

Yeah, I get this sort of thing all the time. I just use it to batter their ego, saying things like "It was boring, I wish there were a few hills or a headwind to make it at least a bit challenging" and so on. Hopefully they won't ask me again because I tend to get sick of hearing it after the 27th time during one day.

Chris

Originally posted by JonR
Sure you are! That's about as believable as when you claim you're Clark Kent! :D

Well, no one would believe Clark Kent rides a bike? Just imagine running to a phone booth, spinning around, pulling up your bike shorts...Unfolding the bike, (It would HAVE to be a folding bike!), and riding off to save the world!!! :D ( <--- Bugs in teeth)

Happens all the time. Its funny actually, because I never feel like I'm biking far enough, but they think I'm and extremist. I have a hard time getting my heart rate up to where it should be, I am usually 20-30 bpm below, I guess I should start biking harder:D

I'm getting the same looks and responses now.. in many regards.

They say I'm crazy.

I say, well Lazy and crazy rhyme, so at least we have something in common!

Originally posted by Ba-Dg-Er


Hill and Sprint intervals will get it going for you!

Yeah, I found this hill that kicks my butt. I'm gonna have to go there every day until I kick IT'S butt!!!

Originally posted by Ba-Dg-Er


Rock on... sounds like me!

YEAH!!! motivation....I can feel the energy coming...OH!!! dang, Its 11:14 P.M. I can't go right now. I hate it when that happens.I always get my bursts of energy at night.