Encounters

A few years ago I received a friend request on a social networking site by a gentleman I had never met. Ninety percent of the time, if I don't know the name, I don't accept the request. Sometimes, if I do know the name, I don't accept the request. At any rate, I looked at the gentleman's photo and he appeared to be on a bicycle so I thought, "Sure, a fellow cyclist". Over some time I learned a bit about this dude. I won't use his name but we'll refer to him as "EG" for the story. He started cycling a few years ago to contend against some severe health issues in addition to some emotional affairs. He constantly battles with his weight. He is not your stereotypical cyclist. However, with the help of some experienced cyclists in the area, he has been participating in a number of races and events. He is overcoming many health and emotional contentions by riding his bike. He has become a local hero in his community. Civic radio and television stations have conducted interviews with him. He has become an inspiration for many. He doesn't win races. He is usually the rearmost finisher. But that is not why he participates. He races against himself, not the other people. He fights against the critics and neigh sayers; they are his competitors. I reiterate, he is a true inspiration.

Recently EG posted a message that another cyclist sent him.

Please stop cycling. It’s great what you’re doing but get out of cycling. I’m a former road cyclist and cyclo cross racer, and don’t miss it. When you’re in the sport, you don’t see how other people outside hate it. Road cyclists, Mountain bikers, track cyclists and CX racers are all perceived as arrogant, elitist, self-righteous, and acting as if they’re above the everyone. They think they are very open but only open to who they want to accept. Have you seen these guys at the Velodrome tracks? Many are full of steroids and are so stuck up and mean its lucky the sport is not banned everywhere. I like your idea of trying out track and field. It’s a much more respectable sport and you won’t cut off drivers which will help keep traffic accidents and issues down. 

I don't quite understand the point the author of this message is trying to say to EG or what he is trying to say to other cyclist. Yes, it's true, many competitive riders are assholes. They lose focus of the sport while trying to come out on top. As we have recently learned by means of every major news channel in the country, bike racers cheat. (we won't go there today). These people give the sport a bad name. There have been many times that I have considered throwing in the towel and hanging up the race bike for good. Though, if I come to that conclusion there will be a void that I will be unable to fill. Every time I watch a race from the sidelines I get an insatiable itch. I can't deny it, I am just programed to compete. What I can do, though, is to stand out form the crowd of "assholes" and open the door for people who are interested in the sport. I am much more impressed with the new racer trying out an event for the first time than the seasoned elite, dominating the circuit. 

As for EG, I can only pray that he keeps pedaling and leaves the critics in his dust. I can remember some time ago making the decision to lose some weight. Ten years, 70 pounds, and a lot of chamois cream later, here I am making out this year's race schedule. 

Peace