tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post5307289749553426186..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: The Post-Flu Slow Bike PhaseVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36790999530288124852012-10-16T13:15:47.580-04:002012-10-16T13:15:47.580-04:00The flu and cycling definitely do not go together....The flu and cycling definitely do not go together. Get well soon!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06416721778646395038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-16571914141162425422012-10-13T09:55:42.467-04:002012-10-13T09:55:42.467-04:00In just that way Chicago has been America's mo...In just that way Chicago has been America's most European city. We get a lot of European tourists for just that reason. Sad to say the old Chicago neighborhood system is fading fast.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34293498190507148492012-10-13T04:54:40.996-04:002012-10-13T04:54:40.996-04:00Sorry to hear you are unwell, V. Do take it easy; ...Sorry to hear you are unwell, V. Do take it easy; we don't have a duty to cycle; we do it because we love it and in the way we most enjoy.Adminhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05199966355165414581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3583370531932655162012-10-12T11:42:42.665-04:002012-10-12T11:42:42.665-04:00I do recommend the flu shot, it's ace!I do recommend the flu shot, it's ace!Scottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34934313786718914032012-10-12T08:46:28.224-04:002012-10-12T08:46:28.224-04:00Hmmm, I think we are saying much the same thing, b...Hmmm, I think we are saying much the same thing, but from different directions. However, I do believe that "get[ting] back to the state where I am worthy of these superstar riding partners" is a slightly different type of riding than "flowers and the mist and whatnot." Pacelining with a Seven it's not so easy to sniff the flora whizzing by. But as you point out, condundrums are often what adds the spice to life. Get better soon!Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01285886035638697215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73393908053916770522012-10-12T02:46:31.067-04:002012-10-12T02:46:31.067-04:00yes...god forbid that anyone ride for transportati...yes...god forbid that anyone ride for transportation or exercise rather than twee leisure.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73897689050001145582012-10-12T01:58:22.351-04:002012-10-12T01:58:22.351-04:00I would take it a step further and say that some o...I would take it a step further and say that some of us need the miles and the legs in order to *not* experience cycling as "performance cycling." Malachi Doherty talked about this in his recent book, and he tapped into what I'd been struggling to express for a while. The romantic in me wants to go on a nice looong ride in a random direction (=climbing!) and not have it be this strenuous, super-serious, grim torturous thing after which I can't walk for a week. To have it instead be about the flowers and the mist and whatnot. But paradoxically, you have to attain a certain degree of fitness in order to get to that point. This year I did it, and enjoyed both being at that point and the process of getting there. <br /><br />But you know, I don't see any of these conundrums as problematic. Feelings are contradictory. Highs are made more meaningful by the occasional lows. The struggle is part of the journey. Et cetera.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-76357910688951968412012-10-12T01:55:30.247-04:002012-10-12T01:55:30.247-04:00Well, reading your words, I have nothing but pity....Well, reading your words, I have nothing but pity... throwing off the lethargy that comes with a bout of flu is no easy matter... having sad that, I spent the night awake in a stupor... my turn now, all my office mates have done 'time'... had to bring out the car for work.<br /><br />Get well soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-51678228382238689872012-10-12T00:19:13.200-04:002012-10-12T00:19:13.200-04:00I think anon 6:36 was referring to this:
"I l...I think anon 6:36 was referring to this:<br />"I look at my roadbike with a touch of dread. I know it will not be the same again the next time I ride it. "The bike" will feel slower. And I will feel frustrated, set back, discouraged."<br /><br />While cycling of all kinds is joyful, for many the bane of performance riding is that, to fully experience the high, you want to have those all-important miles in the legs. It is a bit of a conundrum. I suspect personality type influences the severity of this mild malady, and how it manifests. Conceptually I loath not being at my best in the hills, but since nobody else could give a hoot, in reality I don't much either these days. Still...Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01285886035638697215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21766548434007607152012-10-11T22:34:02.209-04:002012-10-11T22:34:02.209-04:00Tim, I think your advice is really good. Tell you...Tim, I think your advice is really good. Tell your friends what kind of a ride you feel up to doing; they can decide whether they want to ride with you now or wait.<br /><br />That was part of my strategy when I first got on my bike after surgery. I did some rides alone, and I took others with friends who are relatively strong riders. They were willing to accomodate me with rides that had "bail out" points.<br /><br />If you are going to ride alone, V, you might want to spend some time on a fixed gear. Short rides on it will help you rebuild your strength and endurance relatively quickly.<br /><br />I need to do a good training ride. If you'd like, I'll come up your way with a vat of chicken soup! ;-)Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27715328433423919062012-10-11T19:49:20.154-04:002012-10-11T19:49:20.154-04:00I am sorry to hear you are sick and hope you get w...I am sorry to hear you are sick and hope you get well soon.Thomas Puleohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02480832735579963301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87857298434413721362012-10-11T19:31:03.204-04:002012-10-11T19:31:03.204-04:00Indeed! Bikes are always interesting to look at a...Indeed! Bikes are always interesting to look at and photograph, but they're at their best when used for adventures, taking you to new experiences!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-71572382233673645552012-10-11T19:01:53.856-04:002012-10-11T19:01:53.856-04:00For me, this is one area where the difference betw...For me, this is one area where the difference between living in Europe vs the US has been most apparent. In most European cities and even small towns I've lived in, it is pretty difficult to be more than a couple of minutes walk from a pharmacy or grocery store; they are small but they are everywhere. In the US the stores are larger but more spread out, even in big cities, which can be a drag.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54397573431323619992012-10-11T18:55:49.923-04:002012-10-11T18:55:49.923-04:00Okay V, if you're sick and need a boost, watch...Okay V, if you're sick and need a boost, watch this video. Riding for the masses. Love it!! <br /><br />http://vimeo.com/51197418<br /><br />It even makes this grumpy old man want to give it a go.<br /><br />Get well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-25879365470321471282012-10-11T18:52:33.004-04:002012-10-11T18:52:33.004-04:00Oh no I didn't mean they make me feel guilty; ...Oh no I didn't mean they make me feel guilty; it's all me : )Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34200210364662998392012-10-11T18:50:40.378-04:002012-10-11T18:50:40.378-04:00I think we're all different as far as how much...I think we're all different as far as how much time off the bike does what to us. For me a week is fine and can even be good (if the weeks prior to it are intense), but beyond that it quickly takes its toll. On the positive side, I am pretty quick to get into riding shape.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80785417679160947562012-10-11T18:43:34.814-04:002012-10-11T18:43:34.814-04:00I've never had as much fun, joy or pleasure ri...I've never had as much fun, joy or pleasure riding a bike as I've had over the past year. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28937031926978831632012-10-11T18:37:44.785-04:002012-10-11T18:37:44.785-04:00I have a very weak immune system and I'm also ...I have a very weak immune system and I'm also prone to pneumonia and Flu every year. As much as I tried avoiding getting the flu shot, I finally broke down and started getting one every year. The last few years or so I have not had any serious bouts of flu or pneumonia. I'm not recommending the Flu shot, but in my case it was a must. <br /><br />Get well soon.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12235831374184428641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5045326172735623902012-10-11T18:36:31.865-04:002012-10-11T18:36:31.865-04:00Glad you are on the mend. It will go along well if...Glad you are on the mend. It will go along well if you treat yourself kindly and allow your body to recover in its own way. <br /><br />It is such a young and American thing to pummel yourself about not successfully turning your pleasures into work. Why not allow bicycling to be simply a pleasure again, the way it was when you started this blog? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-4969936186679072902012-10-11T18:25:58.346-04:002012-10-11T18:25:58.346-04:00My eye does not recognize the bike in your photo. ...My eye does not recognize the bike in your photo. A new ride?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30068676314494833892012-10-11T18:03:18.155-04:002012-10-11T18:03:18.155-04:00Hm. I thought you were going to write, "this...Hm. I thought you were going to write, "this biking thing has strengthened my immune system and my will, fears cower when they see my bike." <br /><br />Anyway I have this head cold thing and swear I fell asleep riding the other day. Ground Round Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103163385322185034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-56377461520974553092012-10-11T17:03:18.306-04:002012-10-11T17:03:18.306-04:00I've had a head cold all week and went out tod...I've had a head cold all week and went out today for the first time since Sunday. Felt like I was dragging a bit and couldn't figure out why. This post has me thinking the cold might be partly to blame. Thanks! As for when you return to riding, maybe you should hook up with a bike club and do a C ride until you feel stronger. Feel better!mattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-88288609054235511512012-10-11T17:00:55.152-04:002012-10-11T17:00:55.152-04:00Get well soon.Get well soon.jeffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-20717843971603198832012-10-11T16:54:42.782-04:002012-10-11T16:54:42.782-04:00A few years ago I was in my first year of serious ...A few years ago I was in my first year of serious riding and training for a double century when I came down with a flu that laid me up for about a week. Like you, I thought my first ride after the flu would be discouraging and that my condition would have taken a big step backwards. <br /><br />In fact, on that first ride I rode stronger than I had ever ridden before. That's when I learned how important it is to a training program to take a few days off every so often to give your body a chance to fully recover. <br /><br />Having the flu isn't the best way to get some rest, but without having the flu I might not have learned that lesson.<br /><br />Anyway, I hope you feel better soon, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how little you lost while you were off the bike.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10859503054820126497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-24537370893131636302012-10-11T16:30:05.687-04:002012-10-11T16:30:05.687-04:00Bummer about the flu. Just remember that everyone...Bummer about the flu. Just remember that everyone goes through this--even your riding buddies -- and friends won't make you feel guilty.<br /><br />here's to improved health and weather.<br />cheers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com