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Why I love cycling

That's not exactly how I felt returning from this mornings club ride to Dana Point, but now that I've had a chance to recover, and had a good nap, I can say that.

The best part about cycling is you don't have to be as strong as the next guy to be competitive. You just have to know how to ride smart. You have to know who the strong riders are, and pick the biggest rider of the lot (wide and tall is best to protect you from the inevitable wind) to ride behind.

When you do that, you can attain speeds you couldn't normally attain on your own, and can ride distances you're not normally accustomed to.

Of course there are some riders who are so strong [and typically a lot younger] , no matter what you do, you can't keep up, but just pushing yourself to your limit trying to keep up, can only be beneficial. Remember that old saying,
what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger

You just have to watch out for the "what doesn't kill you" part. :wink:

The second best thing (ok, maybe it's actually the best thing), I'm still convinced it's the effort I put in to training that has kept my MCL at bay for over 6 years now, plus the fact I haven't cut my hair in over 5 years.

Everyone should take up cycling. It really is a great sport, and it's far less jarring on the body than running.
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Comments

vreni said…
Hi Marc,

I'm with you, even though I don't race. I'd rather ride 100km than run 5. Cycling is also such a wonderful way to travel - you go slow enough to actually see the countryside, and you usually travel on more interesting routes than a highway. And one can travel a fair distance on a bike often faster than transit, and sometimes even faster than a car, especially if the car has to find parking, which can certainly be a huge issue in my city!

Hiking is good too - get into nature, feel the dirt under the feet, and if there is a climb and a heavy pack involved, it can be an excellent workout too. I've often come home from a good long hike and felt pretty done.

I bet you are right that your training has kept your MCL at bay ... Congratulations!

Vreni :)

PS Why is this comment going to the "it's getting harder not easier" post rather than your "why I like cycling" one?
9:26 AM
Gerry said…
I was the big wide one he was following.
Having Marc as a riding partner on and off for almost 20 years I was shocked to hear about his and Edie's condition.
Being a breast cancer survivor (10 years this May) I understand their mindset.
I also believe that the cycling has made me a survivor in many ways........I rode through most of my chemo and only thought about the sunrise and ocean views verses the yuk!
Marc, keep it going see you in the AM.....
3:03 PM
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