I’ve been down in Florida for about a month now and I’ve had some time to ponder the habits of my fellow cyclists. Here is a quick check list that everyone should follow to prevent unspoken ridicule:
- Don’t post your training on social media outlets like Twitter of Facebook. Discussing a group ride or throwing out a general comment is perfectly acceptable, but I can promise nobody cares that you rode 90 miles today at 210 watts and burned 3800 kilojoules. If you’re seeking approval by your peers you can do it in private (preferably with a coach), but it’s generally pathetic otherwise. Just remember that no matter how good you are there is always someone better than you, so keep your arrogance to yourself.
- If you are a state champion (crit, road race, or tt) it does not give you the right to pretend that you are a national champion. You know that jersey they give you during the podium presentation? It’s a trophy and it belongs in your closet. If you’re wearing a state champion jersey in a race (or even worse, a group ride) it should automatically give everyone else the right to put you into the curb. Again, if you are seeking some sort of approval you will not get it with that jersey. Everyone just thinks your a douche.
- If you live somewhere flat (i.e. Sarasota) it will not benefit you to do bridge repeats. Nothing screams “I have no idea what I’m doing” like sprinting back and forth over the Ringling bridge. There are a whole lot of drills that you can do on the flats to train for the hills but a 30 sec bridge sprint is not one of them.
- Please do not track stand at every red light. If you’re rolling to a light that is about to turn green and want to do a slight pause I think that’s great, but when you’re doing 3min track stands at every light I want to push you over. Yes, everyone can do it, so don’t be the person obnoxious enough to practice until you slowly roll into oncoming traffic. Put a foot down, perhaps sit on the top tube, and maybe even chat with the guy next to you.
- If I see another triathlete training with an aero helmet I’m going straight into him and taking everyone down.
love it mate.
true.