Originally Posted by
rsbob
In auto racing it’s called the ‘red mist’ and it’s the urge to compete and excel. I know there is a good percentage on this board, who ride strictly for the pleasure, fitness, etc, and have zero issue with it. I also know they will comment here even if this thread doesn’t pertain to them, such being the nature of forums.
In my 30s I was an aggressive rider but when I rode, I rode hard and would chase down anyone I could, even momentarily just to catch them. Now in my mid-60s I still am unable to lose that drive to chase, but now don’t catch but back off.
I do it because I think it’s fun, no matter how painful it can be at times. I like to test myself and push myself. I know this is MY thing. No judgement (Others I am sure will add theirs
)
Just wondering how many ‘mature’ (heh) riders still have that drive and how many have given it up and moved on and continued cycling for other reasons?
What’s your story?
I'm a former collegiate runner. 4:09 miler and a barely sub 30 10K runner. Fast forward some 30+ years and that racing urge is a hard thing to curb. Of course, I don't run anything like that anymore but for some reason when I'm on a bike if someone goes by me, I just have to give chase. Sometimes I can back off ok. Other times not so much.