tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post6581986903038654563..comments2024-03-18T10:19:55.782-04:00Comments on The Velo ORANGE Blog: Why I Race and Why You Should, TooVelo Orangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-8564961820472124372011-08-22T20:35:31.158-04:002011-08-22T20:35:31.158-04:00Racing is one of those things. You either feel the...Racing is one of those things. You either feel the pull, or you don't. People don't often start because they think they should, they start because they want to. There is a difference. Racing takes a particular perspective on pain and suffering. These are either welcomed, or inflicted upon. Folks who don't want to put themselves through the ringer, come out the other side, and do it all over again, ever in the pursuit of improving just that little bit, shouldn't race. They should participate, and that can happen in a race or outside of races. I race a lot across many disciplines, and I am always most impressed by the folks who come out and participate even though they know they don't really have the fighting spirit. DFL, every time, but getting out there, that's amazing. I also have a tonne of respect for people who pass on the races and just get out to ride. I don't have much respect for 'non-racers' who poo poo those who race or vice versa. To use 'racer' as a derogatory term is pretty close minded, same for 'tourist'.Matt Surchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04244780566118768642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-56659665284617593122011-07-18T09:12:39.779-04:002011-07-18T09:12:39.779-04:00I agree with Robert G's 8:13 comment: While ma...I agree with Robert G's 8:13 comment: While many magazines and websites evoke the idea of racing and talk about it in a way that assumes prior knowledge, there are few outlets out there actually explaining how to get into it for those with no previous experience. I am learning mainly via word of mouth, because I genuinely cannot find a comprehensive explanation of the local racing scene.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-22498590092749237622011-07-11T12:37:10.392-04:002011-07-11T12:37:10.392-04:00I'm curious, since you race cyclocross do you ...I'm curious, since you race cyclocross do you also use a Velo Orange leather saddle? I've been looking at the saddles and am intrigued, however I'd like to try my hand at racing CX and also riding in some seriously inclement weather. As a result, I'm concerned about how well a VO saddle would hold up under those conditions.Velo Celthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13010623062893158733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-11608584997100500892011-07-05T15:52:57.038-04:002011-07-05T15:52:57.038-04:00Anon 7/1/11 - 10:43
Scared?!? Try just not intere...Anon 7/1/11 - 10:43<br /><br />Scared?!? Try just not interested.<br /><br />I like opera. I've talked some people into going with me. Others have said it is not for them. Until now it sure never occurred to me those not interested were afraid.Matthew Jnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-58257164000195140732011-07-03T08:47:56.226-04:002011-07-03T08:47:56.226-04:00Aside from all the contention, that's a fine l...Aside from all the contention, that's a fine looking bike you're riding, Robert. It seems optimized to do the job; it's nice to see a Cross-Check riding cross. Are those Avid Ultimate cantis up front? And how about those handlebars? What tires are you riding, and cornering so expertly on? Curiously, there appear to be two "poop-brown" Cross-Checks at VO.<br /><br />Some also failed to note the uncommon humility in Robert's tone. Not what we expect when non-racers think of, and generalize, racers. <br /><br />BTW, you look great in a speed suit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-40875250831690506282011-07-01T13:23:44.949-04:002011-07-01T13:23:44.949-04:00"Can't remember the name of the race but ..."Can't remember the name of the race but there is mile race where competitors must stop every lap and drink a pint of beer."<br /><br />When I 1st heard of this kind of race many years ago it was referred to as a chunder mile (the version related to me also included mutton pies).dr. hypercubehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18248184324020645672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-71123489400826539092011-07-01T11:14:11.230-04:002011-07-01T11:14:11.230-04:00I did a tiny bit of road racing, a little bit more...I did a tiny bit of road racing, a little bit more MTB racing, and was a regular tri/mixed event guy (anyone for jumping off their x-country skis onto a cycle?) in my youth. But that all faded to black somewhere around the middle of the Clinton administration.<br /><br />Robert's post was a good one, maybe a little more meaningful for the younger set. Competition focusses one's mind and teaches one many truths, some of them unpleasant or inconvenient.<br /><br />I also wish those commuter racer Walter Mittys I occasionaly discover doing a stealth wheel suck on me would take it to the course. However, I would be less than truthful though if I didn't admit that I'm secretly pleased that I can still arouse some competitive juices in others at my advanced age on one of my old vintage cycles.robatsuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07641711964135698976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-88453908538417368132011-07-01T10:54:56.511-04:002011-07-01T10:54:56.511-04:00"Perhaps Anon 3:48's response was to the ..."Perhaps Anon 3:48's response was to the thrust of the article as described in the title " Why I race and WHY YOU SHOULD TOO" (emphasis mine). It smacks a little of someone telling others what they think is good for them." <br /><br />That was part of it. <br /><br />Anon 505, it's amazing to me what you read into my comment. As I stated--"In my experience..." I didn't say don't race and I kept my comment short and to the point. I'm not dismissive of racing at all. As I stated, I've tried it. Multiple mountain bike races. I should add that I enjoyed some outlaw singlespeed mountain bike races I did in the 90s. But as I stated, I overall found it stressful, costly and not entirely enjoyable compared to other rides I could go on.<br /><br />I don't know about you but I have a finite amount of time for cycling. Randonneuring is my main focus as far as any type of organized cycling. Randonneuring takes time and even money to prepare for and that's where I'm funneling my energy. And most importantly I truly enjoy randonneuring in a way that I did not enjoy racing. Randonneuring just felt so right from the beginning. But for others, cyclocross might be a better outlet for them given it's not as time intensive as randonnuering or other forms of racing. And it just might be the right mix of fun and competitiveness. I know some cyclocross scenes are more of a party atmosphere than a race atmosphere.<br /><br />I don't follow local or amateur racing. I don't even watch local races as it's time I'd rather use for getting out on my bike. But I will tell you this, from March until Oct the first site I check in the morning is Cyclingnews.com. I love following pro cycling. So I'm not anti-racing at all.<br /><br />Anyway, no snobbery was intended to you 505 or anyone else. I was just posting up my thoughts that popped into my head as a response to the article. I hope you get out for a good ride this weekend whether it's a loop around your neighborhood, a race, an alleycat, a brevet or whatever.<br /><br />--anon 348Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-76705358030548727622011-07-01T10:43:00.895-04:002011-07-01T10:43:00.895-04:00It's hilarious that you guys are offended by R...It's hilarious that you guys are offended by Robert telling us what he enjoys and wanting us to see if we'll enjoy it too. <br /><br />Thank God for the internets so we can all be negative-attitude poor sports when someone likes something we are scared of.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-66896151334496419122011-07-01T09:56:03.409-04:002011-07-01T09:56:03.409-04:00Perhaps Anon 3:48's response was to the thrust...Perhaps Anon 3:48's response was to the thrust of the article as described in the title " Why I race and WHY YOU SHOULD TOO" (emphasis mine). It smacks a little of someone telling others what they think is good for them. Maybe I'll try racing sometime too. But maybe I won't. There are a lot of things I would like to do and less and less time in which to do those things. Racing is low on that list right now. Riding however is something I do almost everyday. For me that is enough. bNanseikanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17776967115069837945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-44121948577586135772011-07-01T09:24:03.629-04:002011-07-01T09:24:03.629-04:00For me, the key in this discussion is the part abo...For me, the key in this discussion is the part about the next level of bike handling skills. I would love to see a breakdown of skills for different situations, perhaps learned in racing, that could be applied to city or casual riding. Just as lessons learned from NASA or Formula 1 car racing eventually make their way down to everyday life, skills developed may not only benefit all riders but give some of us an understanding of the sport we otherwise would not have. Plenty of opportunities for bridges to be built. Thanks Chris for bringing in guest writers. I like the variety and thought provocation.Don Stevensonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-60505975417988406022011-07-01T08:08:10.633-04:002011-07-01T08:08:10.633-04:00Anon 3:48's post piqued me for its general ton...Anon 3:48's post piqued me for its general tone, which was dismissive of a lengthy, informative piece written by someone who obviously loves what he does. A3:48 may well be an ideal VO customer, but there is a more appropriate time for voicing these kinds of opinions - like when VO invites input on components, design, color, etc. We saw the same kind of disrespect to the guest writer on the post on the 1200k brevet. Yes, I may disagree with what you say and defend your right to say it, but I'll also tell you when it's unpleasant and unnecessary. <br /><br />Anon 5:05Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-49736215031847162122011-07-01T07:29:14.271-04:002011-07-01T07:29:14.271-04:00I don't race. Here in Rochester, though, I'...I don't race. Here in Rochester, though, I've enjoyed watching cyclocross, downtown twilight criteriums (would it be "criteria" still in this context??), and mtb races sponsored by the local shops. Besides being races, these events are information booths of sorts where people can learn about local rides, both club style and leisurely-but-organized, as well as meet other people with similar interests. <br />I have never thought that the philosophies of companies like VO and Rivendell is against racing. What they oppose, it seems, is the force by which an industry pushes the "latest and greatest" race related products to consumers who don't need them. <br />Brevets are races. Maybe not officially against other riders, but there's a time limit. A race against a clock is still a race.<br />And finally in this rambling list of random thoughts, I think about how popular Jan Heine's books are among the "vintage French bicycle" and "retrogrouch" crowd. The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles features many bikes involved in competition as his other book- The Competition Bicycle.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-72742805128132815082011-07-01T02:14:33.709-04:002011-07-01T02:14:33.709-04:00I like bikes, period. And I liked this post by Rob...I like bikes, period. And I liked this post by Robert George. It got me thinking outside the classic/vintage/rando/city biking box that I live in most of the time. Thanks for that!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-23245501192588017412011-07-01T01:48:19.542-04:002011-07-01T01:48:19.542-04:00My experience says:
If you were at all competitiv...My experience says:<br /><br />If you were at all competitive (in spirit, if not in results) in high-school or college athletics, you owe it to yourself to give racing a try.<br /><br />I had forgotten how fun it was to line up and lay it all out there until I did a few CX races two years ago.<br /><br />It is a blast to leave all the pretense of nicety that comes with "commuter racing" behind and actually see what you're capable of when the course is even and the other guy is racing to the same destination. Plus I could pass at will, take the good line, and not feel like a jerk. Sure, it's Cat5, but it's racing, and I really enjoyed not having to be nice about it.<br /><br />I got left behind in the flats by those with power legs and lungs, but caught them in the twisties 'cause I actually know how to corner in the dirt. Spent the whole time swapping places with the same 5 or 6 guys, had a fantastic time, almost threw up at the finish line.<br /><br />You should try it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-30944913655751404302011-07-01T01:44:55.948-04:002011-07-01T01:44:55.948-04:00AS long as I can put some shellacked twine on my r...AS long as I can put some shellacked twine on my race bike, I'm game.Jammy Straubhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18103877740199050499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-26497693075144478142011-06-30T21:10:51.999-04:002011-06-30T21:10:51.999-04:00I'm glad this got posted. I raced a long time...I'm glad this got posted. I raced a long time back in the mid-80's, and it really shaped a lot of the ways I view cycling now. You pare down, travel light, ride with discipline and a plan- none of which IS NOT a goal of randonneuring or good sport riding. Nothing says you can't enjoy training OR racing just because it's fast-- you can do both, and I know I did- but I also feel like I benefitted a lot from the reflexes I got in the peloton as well. It's just as important to be conscious of the your body/the bike as it is to enjoy the skylarking aspect as well.d.wilsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-76494095500374029272011-06-30T20:13:28.241-04:002011-06-30T20:13:28.241-04:00I expected a mixed reaction to this blog post give...I expected a mixed reaction to this blog post given the target market of Velo Orange. What I really wanted to show is that just because you enjoy one type of riding doesn't mean you can't enjoy others. That's why I commute and run errands by bike, bike camp and compete in three different types of racing. I love bikes!<br /><br />Racing certainly isn't for everyone, but I hope I got a least a few people thinking about it. As for the comment stating "Because absolutely no other biking magazine, website, forum, manufacturer or parts company ever mentions why I should race." Well, I can't agree with your sentiment because I think surprisingly few outlets actually promote racing. It seems like everyone out there is promoting racing, but really they are just selling the image of racing. How many publications (online or print) or bike shops actually feed you real information about amateur racing? Not that many.<br /><br />My article is far from a complete beginners guide but I think it can at least be used as a starting point. If you really aren't into it and really don't want to race that's cool too. Ride what you want to ride, how you want to ride, and have fun with it!Robert Gnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-2117762661479016952011-06-30T20:12:06.444-04:002011-06-30T20:12:06.444-04:00I support 3:48's right to express his feelings...I support 3:48's right to express his feelings. I thought he did it in an inoffensive way.<br /><br />I raced for a little while in the late 1980s, as did Mrs Dibbly. Both of us have no interest in it now, but I agree with Chris and some of the other posts above that it can be a good and concentrated learning experience.<br /><br />(BTW, I raced sailboats for a while, too.)dwainedibblynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-55688974154830868522011-06-30T19:08:10.104-04:002011-06-30T19:08:10.104-04:00Can't remember the name of the race but there ...Can't remember the name of the race but there is mile race where competitors must stop every lap and drink a pint of beer. The world record is 4:30something, I believe. Perhaps VO would like to sponsor a similar cycling race oraganized around glasses of Cotes du Ventoux.halfstepnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-92062405088828057522011-06-30T18:50:50.002-04:002011-06-30T18:50:50.002-04:00Should we expect to see VO sponsor a team? All st...Should we expect to see VO sponsor a team? All steel frames and down tube shifters? Rack up some wins and that would be one big, fat thumb in the collective eye of the gotta-have-carbon-and-brifters crowd. Jerseys that don't look like an inkjet printer threw up on them might be nice, too.Scott Lovelesshttp://www.twosixteen.com/fivetoedsloth/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-38275705004238119932011-06-30T18:00:33.592-04:002011-06-30T18:00:33.592-04:00Anon 5:05
Why were you offended by Anon 3:48'...Anon 5:05<br /><br />Why were you offended by Anon 3:48's comment? No "snobbery" there, just a person sharing their experience. In fact, they seem like an ideal VO customer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-48978642624354202772011-06-30T17:18:52.328-04:002011-06-30T17:18:52.328-04:00I did a little racing when I was in my late teens ...I did a little racing when I was in my late teens and early twenties. It was my main sport for only about 18 months, but it taught me more about cycling technique than all the touring and country riding I've done in the 30 years since.<br /><br />I also raced sailboats for a while and that taught me more about boat handling and sail trim than a lifetime of coastal and offshore cruising.<br /><br />No matter the sport, I'm convinced that a little racing can be both very valuable and great fun. Just don't take it too seriously.<br /><br />BTW, Robert is our buyer and will be taking over as manager when I'm traveling. So, Winga, he only naps in his office ;-)Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-73125160869349351122011-06-30T17:05:33.650-04:002011-06-30T17:05:33.650-04:00Chris,
Why do you allow comments like Anon 3:48? ...Chris,<br /><br />Why do you allow comments like Anon 3:48? I thought this was a moderated forum. <br /><br />Good for you, Anon, that you "really enjoy randonneuring," but racing, for some, is indeed an "enjoyable" ride. Cycling is cycling, and whatever it takes to get your butt in a saddle, go for it.<br /><br />I hope this kind of snobbery isn't hurting VO's bottom line.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-69883682729231352922011-06-30T16:41:06.887-04:002011-06-30T16:41:06.887-04:00Thank goodness Velo-Orange stepped up to the plate...Thank goodness Velo-Orange stepped up to the plate to tell me about this thing called racing. Because absolutely no other biking magazine, website, forum, manufacturer or parts company ever mentions why I should race. <br /><br />Often I find myself thinking, as I ride home on my commuting bicycle, "if only there were some organized manner of competition for my bike... but alas, there is no information anywhere about such things.buck-50https://www.blogger.com/profile/08208894051289539066noreply@blogger.com