Originally Posted by
dddd
I remember that vibe, which I interpreted at the time to mean that racers didn't like having any inexperienced, possibly-unsafe riders in their midst.
But once a rider has shown that they can/will take a few pulls, the equipment they happen to be riding starts to fade from significance.
Wearing flappy, vision-obstructing clothing on the other hand...
You speak a more mature, sensible truth - not often in the mindset of a sixteen year-old.
It reminds me of a dorky-looking rider wearing a hockey helmet. We all rode the standard worthless hairnet versions.
That dude rode strong enough to stay with the junior peloton until the end, while I got shelled off at mile 45 of the 50-miler.
He earned my respect, while doling out the humiliation. lol