I was walking in West Wetlands Park in Yuma today. As I strolled I thought about how the only people in a place like this in the middle of a workday are park maintenance guys, moms with little kids, and retirees like me.
Then, almost on cue, a retirement-aged couple bicycled past. They were dressed in identical cycling clothes—the spandex kind emblazoned with the graphics of some pro cycling team.
First, I don’t really get why some couples dress alike. It’s fun for them, I guess, but it’s just kind of weird to me unless they’re going to a costume party. (A slight divergence here: My then-wife’s friends decided to throw a birthday party for her. They thought it would be fun for everyone to dress like her. She had a rather distinctive style. If they had judged the costumes, I would have won, because I wore her actual clothes.)
Second, why do so many hobbyist cyclists wear team outfits? I guess it’s sort of like sports fans wearing their team’s jerseys. Or is it a form of cosplay where they imagine they’re in the Tour de France or Olympics? Or did the bike shop sales guy talk them into it? “You’re going to need some padded pants, you know. And you shouldn’t wear, like, a T-shirt, because you’ll be soaked in sweat. I highly suggest this fetching ensemble. And we have color-matched shoes to go with it.” I mean, if one just wanted function there are plenty of plain bike pants, shirts, onesies and such. (And spandex does no favors for lumpy septuagenarian bodies.) But… I guess they like it. That’s all that matters, even if I don’t understand. It’s none of my business. And, no doubt, other people have plenty of opinions about my choices.
too much money in the bank account?
ReplyDeleteThe sad part is that a lot of these folks end up in emergency rooms with broken bones and such from crashes. After a certain point, best to leave the bike riding to the younger folks who have the reflexes to handle it. An exception might be if you can't get a driver's license any more, an electric bike might be the way to still have some mobility if you don't need that thousand yard circle of emptiness around you.
ReplyDeleteMy 80+ sister and brother-in-law have electric bikes, though her's is a trike.
DeleteI've been riding (road and mountain bike) for decades, sometimes up to 4,000 miles a year. If you ride a lot over long distances wearing the correct clothing makes a huge difference. Like the "padded" pants you mention. They're called bike shorts and have a pad inside that cushions you so the saddle doesn't hurt your butt after 50 or 60 miles. That pad also wicks moisture away for your body making for a comfortable ride. Technical clothing exists for every sport, cycling is no different. As for pro team jerseys and dressing alike, I don't get that, but some people do. I do wear bright colors, helps to be seen. And as far as that "too much money in the bank account" comment goes, it only shows a complete lack of understanding of cycling.
ReplyDeleteNot hardly "a complete lack of understanding of cycling" with 70 years of cycling in my life so far and I still feel that pro team jerseys etc. are wasted money. However your comment about having correct biking equipment is also very accurate.
ReplyDeleteI recently read an article about electric trikes. Michelle's hands quickly go numb when she's riding but we live so close to everything it'd be easy to ride a bike. And much cheaper than driving.
ReplyDeleteI speculate the more upright position wouldn't put as much pressure on her wrists.
Of course there's the issue of safety. I surmise we lose a biker a day here in Albuquerque.
What sayeth your sister, Al?
If I lived in a location with plenty of plug-in power and with necessary things within pedaling distance I would probably get an electric bike. Maybe a trike.
DeleteThat photo looks just like our lesbian neighbors.
ReplyDeleteA saw a couple this past summer with a bike and trike (electric) with their class A, and a tow.You'd have an issue trying to fit the trike into your tent...They both sat parked for the time I was there.
ReplyDeleteProbably had a boat parked at a marina also?