“It’s Not About The Bike”

The above quote is actually the title of Lance Armstrong’s autobiography (pre cheating scandal). Yeah I know he cheated but then again I’m confident that a vast majority of cyclists he beat were also doping. It’s just losers are not scrutinized as closely as winners. PED’s and cheating have always been around sports where world class athletes are trying to gain that slight edge. And probably always will be.

But this blog post is not an apologist for cheating. Although it could metaphorically be considered that since Lance did cheat cancer as chronicled in his book. Recovering from stage 3 testicular cancer that metastasized in his lungs and resulted in brain lesions which required surgery, he was given a 20% chance of living. He went through aggressive chemo, recovered, and was riding professionally again 18 months later. He then went on to win multiple Tour de France races (yeah I know doping, but still…)

So why am I talking about Lance? Well his book gives great insight to the type of relentless training and drive that is required to be at the top of your profession. It resonates with me because I have long believed the quote from Vince Lombardi. “ the will to win is not as important as the will to prepare to win”

So that’s the gist of this blog post. Now for me winning will simply be completing the TransAmerica ride. But if you think it does not require the “will to prepare to ride”, you are mistaken.

Reading how Armstrong trained at a level which was almost inhuman, post cancer, was a big inspiration to me. I always admired the great athletes that had a unrelenting drive to be the best. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods and sadly, RIP, Kobe Bryant all had this in their DNA . These and many others inspired me to try to be a better version of myself in all areas, not just sports.

So with that background here is a little sample of what I have been doing to prepare for this ride. 2019 was about putting on base miles and getting used to hours in the saddle.

Let’s face it of the 232 rides I did last year, there were many times I dreaded putting on the Lycra shorts , jersey and shoes and hitting the road. Not the least of reasons was looking like a poorly stuffed sausage.

If you think MIML (Middle Aged Men In Lycra ) are a ghastly sight you should see us older guys. But then again we don’t have to look at ourselves.

When I waver about riding I think how lucky I am to be able to ride. I’m sure there are many who wish they could. And you know what, I rarely finish a ride and not feel a small sense of accomplishment. So I say “Bob get off your sorry ass and get on the bike”. Of course this often results in a sore ass!

That said, if I want to enjoy the journey I figured I’d better make the effort to put in the miles. Yep I have the will to prepare to win, but for me winning is merely proving to myself I can finish the ride

5000 miles in a year may sound like a lot of riding but to an avid rider it’s not outrageous. Heck there are guys and gals out here still working that get on the road at 5 am and ride 30-40 miles before going to work. I am not that committed. My rule, the temperature has to be at least my age minus 10. (It used to be my age but I would have to move to Death Valley if that were the case today)

I’m sure there are all levels of riders out there reading this blog (I hope so anyway). Probably the best advice I have is to quote the Great Belgian Rider Eddy Merckx

For us non-pros, it should be about the bike. It should be fun, and yes, challenging at times, but it has its rewards. As many of us age we are finding technology allows us to ride into our 70’s, 80’s and 90’s with enjoyment. The advent of E-Bikes, Peleton, and Zwift is making it possible to extend our riding careers.

So take Eddy’s advice “just ride”. You will feel better afterwards, I promise.

Til next time smooth roads and wind at your back!