P-Town Ridaz

This-a here is a picture of most of my Saturday morning crew. At least most of The Regulars. And I'd just like to point out, I'm the only one not wearing spandex.

My buddy and Bier Garden comrade Jeff is front and center, flanked by the two peeps who're always out front, Lance and John, which I personally attribute to the apparent inability to heed traffic laws or right-of-way.

In the back we have little James and tall Peter. James works for the fine shoppe I've come to regard as a second living room for me. And hiding behind the big guy in blue is Lyle, BMX rider extraordinaire. Once in a while he comes out on a road bike and joins us, but only after Jeff has bribed him with breakfast.

These are the guys I spend Saturday mornings and one-hundred-plus miles a month with.

The wind, she has been a cruel bitch lately. It seems I can't get five minutes of gust-free, pushing-squarely-against-you-no-matter-what-direction-you-go, eye-watering wind. What's the deal, Ma Nature? Is there some kind of race coming up that I'm being forced to train for? Am I being punished for turning down that 18-tooth cog? You better take care of me, I am your boy, after all. Although, I bet my legs are growing like weeds.

BikeSnob NYC made a good point today about cycling for the wrong reasons. And while the snarkiness is turned up to 11, I mostly agree with him. Initially I got into cycling to save money, free up our single vehicle for The Girl to use, and because it seemed like it'd be fun. And while riding does all of those things and more, it's no longer the reason I keep doing it. Why do otters eat oysters? Why do birds crap on everything they can? Why does my cat find the most uncomfortable places to cuddle? Because it's what they do. It's exactly the same. Everything else is a side effect.

Did I ride into work today, though? No. Are there excuses a plenty as to why? Yes. Do they include over-eating, over-indulgence, and over-sleeping? Indeed they do. Does this make me a pansy? Definitely. It's a good sign though when people are stunned that you didn't ride your bike. It's like I forgot to wear pants today or something.

I've got some momentum going from the candy I'm ingesting and I'm going to try and channel that into productive work.

Keep your head down and you'll be through this before you know it.

- David