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Originally Posted by loneviking61
(Post 16016801)
This isn't about how fast to ride; this isn't about fitness; this isnt about pretense...what this is about is a different idea about what a Saturday morning group ride should be. This idea says it isn't about speed (slower is more comfortable), it isn't about a pre planned route where we cover x amount of miles. It is about enjoying a group ride, at a slower pace, mileage not known but stops for coffee, beer and/or ice cream are pretty certain. I go out with a couple of friends like that and average about 12 mph when we can be bothered to check a 'puter. That's a lot faster than walking but slower than any other club ride around.
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Three components at play here:
(1) personality (2) genetic athleticism (3) risk acceptance These three work in concert to make each bicycle rider. My sister is high on assertiveness, but lacks athleticism and is risk averse. The is a fearful, cautious rider. I have a riding buddy who is classic Type-B personality, is friendly, and has only modest risk aversion. He's also dead center on the bell curve of athleticism. He'll ride, and will ride hard, but will never be an elite. He doesn't like the suffering of steep, long climbs and doesn't descend particularly well, but he'll go on long medium-paced rides with lots of conversation... This simple model gives you nine basic combinations. You can lay them out in a 3 x 3 grid. The lower corner contains non riders, the opposite corner contains competitive racers. In the middle diagonal band, you have average riders of various stripes. You see how this goes... For those with competitive personalities, higher than average athletic prowess, and no fear of failing or crashing - these will be faster riders who train harder. Because they both can and must... I ride all styles, and often ride as the sweeper on a mid-week "all abilities" group ride. I get to meet and encourage many newer and less fit riders to enjoy the sport. All are pretty nice folks. And as for slow riding hurting the butt...absolutely true. I don't own a bike that's meant to be ridden slowly, strictly speaking. The three contact points must support the weight of the rider - no getting around that. If you're not supporting your weight on your pedals, then the load must go somewhere. Depending on posture and the bike's set-up, you'll be heavier on your saddle or on your hands, or both. I hate the feeling, personally... |
Originally Posted by Rootman
(Post 16011783)
Well, finally I am AHEAD of the curve on something. I've been doing this for years. :)
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Originally Posted by cynergy
(Post 16026505)
Me too!
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Originally Posted by PlanoFuji
(Post 16012576)
The stop and smell the rose or enjoy the moment, which are really what the slow bicycle movement is about have absolutely nothing to do with actual speed. To use your example, if someone 'pushes' themselves to get to Palos Verdes Peninsula, then they are not really paying attention to and enjoying the surroundings on the way. The SBM is all about enjoying the ride and not worrying about the destination, speed, or any of that. And as with anything else, it needs to be approached in moderation. If part of what someone enjoys is 'pushing themselves' then by all means do it. For them the SBM would be about once in awhile just riding for the sheer joy of riding, with no goals of any kind in mind.
The slow part is emphasized so much because it seems that so many cyclists approach cycling as if they are training for the TDF. Their riding is all about getting faster, beating the prior times, etc... Those cyclists are the very ones who benefit most from just occasionally tabling all that and just riding for the fun of it. |
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