On Fri, 22 Oct 2004 03:07:36 GMT, wrote:

Ron who? writes:

I am amazed how many masochist bicyclists there seem to be, all
this talk of suffering and pain, bonking and blowing up. There is
no one giving merit badges for these tales of woe except in the
imagination of the writer. Is this really what bicycling means to
the many riders I see with their expensive equipment?

This sport has a masochistic streak a mile wide and always has. How
many times have you heard a pro praised "and he knows how to
suffer."

Oh. I take it you think all these folks are in the professional
racing business. I guess the talk is all about fame by association
with those who suffer as professional racers. That explains why the
bicycle advertisement commonly shown have a grimacing rider, be that
on a Sunday ride or on a tour.

I'll stay with my comment to so many ride reports, "If you didn't like
it, don't tell me about it." I believe there is more to bicycling
than the effort, especially on remote roads away from the competitive
daily grind.

Ah, but so many people bring their competitive daily grind with them
where ever they may go. At least it's a competitive grind with
better scenery and air than the rest of the world offers.

Your comment seem to support my perception of all this macho,
suffering talk.

It clearly and explicitly DOES support your "perception of all this macho,
suffering talk."

Agreeing with you is actually more unpleasant than arguing with you.

What a pompous dick.

Ron