Originally Posted by
Treefox
We had a guy who rode with our fast group on a five-speed town bike he pulled out of a rubbish dumpster. Kept up just fine. Now he's got a road bike and won the first TT he tried (since the eighties when he was pro).
I ride a steel bike I've built up. I race it. I may not be winning, but I do get a great deal of satisfaction placing better than guys on bling carbon rides.
There's certainly something to be said for showing up on an old school ride and showing the guys what's what - or even just keeping up.
Your being out of shape, though, could be up for discussion.
exactly.
1. showing up on a bike with fenders and panniers will raise eyebrows.
i say: so what.
2. showing up on a bike that's filthy and makes a lot of noise will raise even more eyebrows.
i say: danger will robinson.
3. being out of shape will be ignored if you're promptly dropped.
i say: better luck next time.
4. being out of shape, yet still being able to hang on will be ignored, provided you stay at the back.
i say: just make sure you're not on my wheel.
5. being out of shape and overreaching by attempting to ride up front, will most likely lead to a word or two.
i say: and maybe even three.