Thoughts on the Classic Cyclist

By Jim Schroeder


After RAIN 2010, I've questioned myself as to just what kind of cyclist am I.  Well, I just got done reading a great article in Hammer Nutrition's Endurance News magazine.  It's titled "The Classic Cyclist, Part One", and is written by Chris Kostman.  Chris has ridden in races like RAAM, Iditabike, and 24 Hours of Canaan, and has organized endurance races including Badwater Ultramarathon and Furnace Creek 508.

I wasn't a "classic cyclist" during RAIN 2010 and paid the price.  I was all the time before July 17 and will be in the future.

Here are some great excerpts:

"Road cyclists entering the sport over the past fifteen or so years have tended to come in by way of mountain biking, triathlon, running, or fitness, rather than pure road cycling.  As a result, most of these "cyclists" lack the knowledge which makes up the foundation of the classic cyclists' repertoire and which builds upon the backbone of the sport."

"The best way to start a ride, or conduct any aerobic activity, is to warm up properly...A classic cyclist will take the first ten to twenty miles of a ride, or even a race, to warm up properly, usually staying off the big chainring and two smallest cogs. As a result, he or she will actually ride better and more quickly than the current jackrabbit style of cyclist who catapult onto every training ride or event."

"Most cyclists nowadays not only don't know how to ride in a paceline, but that they don't even understand why they should...Work together, and when it's not your turn up front, covet that rear wheel of your buddy!  In the moment, you may think 'it's too hard to keep up at this speed,' but the classic cyclist knows that riding solo instead of with another means more work and less speed."

"This effort to keep the group together is specifically continued at checkpoints during events; those who arrive together, shall leave together."

"The classic cyclist accepts suffering as in intricate part of the experience.  He or she certainly doesn't whine in person..."

"The classic cyclist shares a bond with all fellow cyclists.  As such, other cyclists are always acknowledged along the road, usually with a tip of the head to riders in the opposing direction, or a cheery hello when passing or being passed.  Classic cyclists never ride hi-lessly, wavelessly, and nodlessly by... All on bicycles are appreciated and respected."