These days it seems, as cycling has become increasingly more popular worldwide, that every man/woman and their dog are riding. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, housewives, disabled etc etc, and the bike machinery they ride is high end. I have no problem with this, I think it's great that I, as a humble manual worker have been able to ride with such an eclectic group of people, and be respected for my ability, not my lowly station. Cycling has a way of equalizing us..... and if not, I can usually ride the legs of them anyway.

Here in Oz the last generation was different. Most competitive riders had a trades background, plumbers, bricklayers, builders etc, guys who worked tough jobs then went out racing/training. Hard men who rode hard, tough as nails, faces like leather. Their work gave them great endurance and a mental toughness most lack today.... or pay $$$ to go to a sports psychologist to convince themselves "they can do it". Get into a race with these guys and you quickly learn what pain is, you'll discover a hurt you never knew existed and if you're smart you'll learn invaluable lessons on how to REALLY ride a bike.

Stay active, guys.