I had a long rant, about a third perhaps half, written. I was writing, at some length on how bad I think the Governments of Canada and China are. (Canada because I am Canadian, and China because Bejing has managed to plant itself squarely on A1 of major papers across the World lately.) But then I got what I guess could be reasonably described as an outbreak of common sense or cold feet. In short, I realized, nobody actually likes reading my political rantings, even if everyone agrees, Stephen Harper is an unprintable euphemism for a donkey.
Instead I would like to talk about better things, specifically, I have been thinking about the Wednesday evening ride concept for a while and I'd like to start committing idea's to paper... well alright to iron oxide magnetic state on some hard disk somewhere most likely in California (committing the idea to paper does sound better doesn't it?)
Anyway last year (2009, it is 2010 now... holy smokes I'm old!) I went on a bunch of rides, by myself on Wednesday in the early evening. It was nice, I got to listen to my iPod, log a bajillion miles, well alright about 80km/night, and get home before sun set, well actually usually just after sun set, but at least do most of the ride in daylight. I did publish the rides, but no one came with, probably because in most cases I only published the planned ride hours before it would happen.
So here is my vision and depending on what if any comments or feedback I get I may modify my ideas or just go on more rides by myself. (Hey as long as it's on the saddle of a beautiful little Roubaix I'm pretty easy to please.)
The name, to start with would be the Wednesday Evening how Not to get dropped big ring hammerfeast. The ride would start at say 6:00pm from the parking lot by the Boardwalk Pub down near Northern Dancer Blvd. and Lakeshore Blvd. (Its close to home.) Depending on who came with there might be a few minutes of theory, how to pedal more effectively, where and when to change to which gears for maximum effect, how to get nutrition right and so on. Then spend a nice 70 to 80km reinforcing concepts covered in the theory part by actually riding (well nutrition would not get any extra attention once the spinning started). In short there might be a maximum of 2 or 3% of time spent yakking and the other 97 to 98% of the time would be spent riding (or waiting for the people who got dropped because they weren't paying attention).
Of course all of the above depends on who comes with, if for example MM or SZ or Double A came out (friends of mine who I will protect from embarrassment by not naming), well it would be a matter of skip the theory while Michael busts his balls trying to keep up with really fast people. But the rational of this thing is really to help people who feel intimidated the Sunday BCC rides build their strength and skills so that they will feel less intimidated and better able to join Andrew, Ian, Thi and myself should we do another one of those Lake Simcoe psycho hammerfeasts.
I really am interested in reader feedback here, should I drop the theory? Something tells me even a lot of people who could benefit from theory won't be interested in it. Should I change the time? Should I start planning out my next ultra distance ride, last year was Rochester NY, I think this year I ought to go to Rochester again, by way of Kingston! Anyway comments are welcome.
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2 comments:
Hi Michael. Long time man. Happy New Year! :)
I think the end of your post is actually really, really interesting. In many ways I can relate. Man, can I.
My initial response is/was to advise you to drop the theory. Though I think it deserves more consideration depending on the elements you spoke of. So, take your time with it.
What I can tell you (and I come to know this through experience) is that there is a pretty complicated 'code' when it comes to teaching adults anything. They can be extremely sensitive. The adult ego is something fragile; the adult athletic ego even more so. Two key elements [that tend to dictate the acceptance of whether or not teaching will be accepted] that come to mind are: a) who is around while things are being taught, and b) who is doing the teaching. The value of the lesson can be irrelevant at times when these factors are at issue with the learner.
Anyway, really I could go on and on with this topic but I will say this: When adults are open to it, they will seek learning. Just look for those moments, and otherwise don’t impose.
Also, remember (and I have to do this a lot, check your head) that not everyone will accept your voice as the one they will look to for advice, theory, etc. You (I) have to learn that that has to be okay. :) It can be a tough one depending...
Anyway, this feels long for a blog comment, so I will end it abruptly.
FYI: Tour Down Under.
Hey Aaron, I think you are completely right, although in truth, if this year is anything like last year, well if I tried to explain these things I'd be talking to myself. (Oh well more time on the iPod I guess.)
Anyway don't think I can watch the pro races this year, every time I see a Radio Shack bike I get nauseau and a strong desire to throw large objects at the screen or monitor. Anyway check out the tires. Those Hutchinson's have a way of ripping appart after a few hundred kilometers, I know, I went through several in 2008. I wouldn't be surprised if we see Lance or Levi stopped every few minutes for new wheels. I almost feel for the team radio shack mechanics, they are gonna have their hands full.
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