5 janvier 2006

Scott Martin

This is embarrassing to admit, but I like getting ready to ride almost as much as I enjoy riding. Please, tell me I’m not alone in this.

Here’s me the night before a big ride : Windexing my frame, inflating tires, wiping salt off helmet straps, cleaning sunglasses, laying out cycling duds, filling water bottles, placing the jar of chamois cream on the saddle so maybe this time I won’t leave without greasing up.

I didn’t take this much care before my last job interview. Heck, I didn’t take this much care before my wedding.

Clothing alone requires intense focus. Arm warmers or long-sleeve jersey ? Undershirt or no undershirt ? Leg warmers or knee warmers ? Vest or jacket ? Shoe covers or thick socks ? Or both ? Ack !

Better check the Weather Channel once more in case the forecast has changed in the last 10 minutes. Oh, great, a special report : “Mightiest Hailstorms of the 1950s.” Just give me the local weather, dammit.

Anyway, this ritual is so ingrained that it also serves as an invaluable training tool. If I don’t spend at least five minutes rooting through my cycling-shorts drawer -- yes, I have a dedicated drawer -- for my favorite pair that never droops or chafes, then I know I’m overtrained. Can’t be bothered to swab my cycling shoes with a damp rag ? I must be exhausted or burnt out.

Who needs a power meter when you have an obsessive-compulsive disorder ?

Seriously, it’s fun to revel in delicious anticipation of tomorrow’s ride. Plus, those little details do make a difference. Clinical studies show that cyclists can actually be driven mad by a rattling seat bag or a toe sticking through a hole in a sock.

So, please excuse me. I have a valve cap that needs tightening.

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Scott Martin wrote feature articles for Bicycling magazine for 12 years. You can e-mail him at scottmartin@roadbikerider.com

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