Fifty Plus (50+) - I AM a cyclist

Went out for a lunch ride today -gosh, I just love SFBA winters (could use some more rain, though)- and I stopped to chat with a fellow about his little mini Doxie. He looked me and my over and asked: "Are you a cyclist?" Without hesitation, I replied: "I AM a cyclist". This gave me great pause for thought for the rest of my ride. To me, a cyclist (as opposed to a "bike rider") is that the bike and my time on it is a fundamental part of my life. I ain't never gonna race and I sure ain't no mountain goat but within the boundaries of what I do, my rides are as much a part of me as oxygen. Somewhere, I crossed a line. No going back, now. I love the pain.

Yep, once bitten there's apparently no going back. :thumb: I suppose there's worse things to be recognized as. ;)

Yep. Me too.

Well said, well said indeed. I too, like to be thought of as a cyclist.

I gotta ask...what is a mini Doxie ?

Well said, well said indeed. I too, like to be thought of as a cyclist.

I gotta ask...what is a mini Doxie ?

Little weiner dog?

...snip....Somewhere, I crossed a line. No going back, now. I love the pain.

Am not sure I adore the pain that much, but I do feel this bicyclng thing has become a pretty important part of who I am.

Little weiner dog?

Or is that a guy who spends so much time on the saddle of his bike that he has a little weiner?

You were a cyclist from day 1 of getting a bike

186897

You were a cyclist from day 1 of getting a bike

186897

Gosh, that sure brings back memories. Thanks!
That's still my ride, too. I guess maybe 3500 or 4000 or so miles on the same bike has something to do with it. No question that, when I quit riding in '87, it didn't quit me. Coming back was coming home.
Now, I'm not coming home... I *am* home.

And, yes, a mini Doxie is a small version of the Dachshund. Cute little guys.

I have been called many things including a cyclist and I much prefer "cyclist.".

Yes you are a cyclist. Anyone that rides a bike or trike is a cyclist. I know there are some snobs that think only a fully kitted roadie on a $2000+ bike is a cyclist, but that is their problem.

I agree that it's much more of a belief system than gear or number of miles. Why we do what we do, what we take away from it, who we choose to share it with, how we invest into it, what we give up for it..... all contribute to the make up our own beliefs and perceptions of who we are. If the term cyclist has a meaning closer to your belief about what you do, you are a cyclist. Be proud, say it loud.