Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
An excellent post. But it doesn't alter the obvious elitism in the post to which I referred.
Using bicycling to improve one 's physical condition is fine. Of course maintaining/improving mental conditioning may be just as important in some cases. I find surprising the angst so often expressed on the BF, including this list, about the "required" pain and strain (and equipment purchases) necessary to attain some arbitrary goal; a goal often set by self appointed experts to achieve the exalted state/"image" of "Serious" cyclist.
I have been involved in some form of physical sport ever since I was 8. Competitive sport since 9. Some people enjoy reading- some photography- some Sitting infront of the TV eating Pitza's. My life has been sport. Funny thing about sport is that you are not born to it- you cannot read about it- you cannot cram it up on the internet-- You have to do it.
For some of us on this forum, sport is taken seriously, along with the physical training- the eating correctly and the correct life style. It is a major part of their life and it cannot be knocked. For some others it is just a way to lose a few lbs. Tone the muscles a bit and keep the inevitable day just a bit further away.
It does not matter how you start into the game of Cycling. It does not matter how far into the game you want to move. What is important to most on this forum is that we are in the game. Winning that game does not matter but participating in it does. So whether you do 500 miles a week at 20mph- Go out every weekend and do a long ride or just do a 10 mile ride occasionally- It does not matter. All that matters is that we are active and pursueing an activity that we want to do- and in the manner that we want to do it in.
I probably do the hardest one day ride of any of us. It is hard, and does not get easier with each passing year. More than 50% of the entrant do not complete it. It is that hard. Why do I do it? Because I want to- it is as easy as that. There is no way I will be one of the front runners of the finishers- They will do the ride in 10 hours and I will probably take 12. I do it on a bike that is a bit special admittedly but that bike is now 4 years old.
Elitism In the sport of cycling-- Yes. But on this forum I very much doubt it. Bragging- exaggeration- not highlighting our failures ---Yes. Encouragement to other riders--- yes. Having the ability to talk to a lot of other riders that enjoy the same "Sport" as ourselves --Yes---and that is what the 50+forum is for and about.