It's fun nearly killing yourself!

[Brian RobertsOn]

As some of you will recall, just over a week ago I managed to come off my
bike and to impale myself on the end of the handle bars. Not a pleasant
experience and I picked up a sick note this morning for two weeks off on top
of the one I have already had. Badly bruised insides, and all that. Various
people, on here and elsewhere, have pointed out what serious - even fatal -
injuries you can pick up in such an accident and, with hindsight, I should
have gone to hospital immediately.

So I was just sat here thinking that there are definately some down sides to
the hobby that the average fat, bloated motorist might not find very
appealing: the mud, the cold, the pain, the sweat, the catastrophic failure
of a major bike component miles from home (I've had an axle break a couple
of times).

So why is it that even as a fair weather cyclist, I can hear the thing
calling me to get back on the saddle asap? I think it's beacause all those
down sides are real life experiences. They make me feel connected to the
world in a way that you never can in a car. Yes, even the handlebar in the
gut experience! Roll on the next time that I can get covered in **** and mud
and sweat and feel as if my legs are going to give way. I'll pass on another
accident, thanks, but it would take worse than that to make me give up
cycling.

[Simon Mason]

"Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
...
> >
> So why is it that even as a fair weather cyclist, I can hear the thing
> calling me to get back on the saddle asap? I think it's beacause all those
> down sides are real life experiences. They make me feel connected to the
> world in a way that you never can in a car. Yes, even the handlebar in the
> gut experience! Roll on the next time that I can get covered in **** and
> mud and sweat and feel as if my legs are going to give way. I'll pass on
> another accident, thanks, but it would take worse than that to make me
> give up cycling.


I had the same experience when I burst a disc in my back 18 months ago. It
was 10 days before I could walk to the end of the driveway and I could only
dream of cycling to work. Since then, I've clocked up nearly 9000 miles and
every mile is precious, but you have to experience a lot of cold, wet and
dark mornings on the hard mean streets of east Hull, however the sight of
the rising sun at 0617 the other morning made me cry with sheer joy at
having seen off another winter. I've never felt like that even driving out
of a showroom with a brand new car.


--
Simon Mason
http://www.simonmason.karoo.net/

[Brian RobertsOn]

Simon Mason wrote:
> "Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
> ...
>>>
>> So why is it that even as a fair weather cyclist, I can hear the
>> thing calling me to get back on the saddle asap? I think it's
>> beacause all those down sides are real life experiences. They make
>> me feel connected to the world in a way that you never can in a car.
>> Yes, even the handlebar in the gut experience! Roll on the next time
>> that I can get covered in **** and mud and sweat and feel as if my
>> legs are going to give way. I'll pass on another accident, thanks,
>> but it would take worse than that to make me give up cycling.
>
>
> I had the same experience when I burst a disc in my back 18 months
> ago. It was 10 days before I could walk to the end of the driveway
> and I could only dream of cycling to work. Since then, I've clocked
> up nearly 9000 miles and every mile is precious, but you have to
> experience a lot of cold, wet and dark mornings on the hard mean
> streets of east Hull, however the sight of the rising sun at 0617 the
> other morning made me cry with sheer joy at having seen off another
> winter. I've never felt like that even driving out of a showroom with
> a brand new car.

I don't think I have ever completed a bike ride, no matter how bad the
conditions, without experiencing a deep feeling of achievment at the end of
it.

[Light of Aria[_2_]]

"Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
...
> Simon Mason wrote:
>> "Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>>
>>> So why is it that even as a fair weather cyclist, I can hear the
>>> thing calling me to get back on the saddle asap? I think it's
>>> beacause all those down sides are real life experiences. They make
>>> me feel connected to the world in a way that you never can in a car.
>>> Yes, even the handlebar in the gut experience! Roll on the next time
>>> that I can get covered in **** and mud and sweat and feel as if my
>>> legs are going to give way. I'll pass on another accident, thanks,
>>> but it would take worse than that to make me give up cycling.
>>
>>
>> I had the same experience when I burst a disc in my back 18 months
>> ago. It was 10 days before I could walk to the end of the driveway
>> and I could only dream of cycling to work. Since then, I've clocked
>> up nearly 9000 miles and every mile is precious, but you have to
>> experience a lot of cold, wet and dark mornings on the hard mean
>> streets of east Hull, however the sight of the rising sun at 0617 the
>> other morning made me cry with sheer joy at having seen off another
>> winter. I've never felt like that even driving out of a showroom with
>> a brand new car.
>
> I don't think I have ever completed a bike ride, no matter how bad the
> conditions, without experiencing a deep feeling of achievment at the end
> of it.
>


Amen!

The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can not be
found in "caging" or motorcycling.

[Brian RobertsOn]

Light of Aria wrote:
> "Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Simon Mason wrote:
>>> "Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>>>
>>>> So why is it that even as a fair weather cyclist, I can hear the
>>>> thing calling me to get back on the saddle asap? I think it's
>>>> beacause all those down sides are real life experiences. They make
>>>> me feel connected to the world in a way that you never can in a
>>>> car. Yes, even the handlebar in the gut experience! Roll on the
>>>> next time that I can get covered in **** and mud and sweat and
>>>> feel as if my legs are going to give way. I'll pass on another
>>>> accident, thanks, but it would take worse than that to make me
>>>> give up cycling.
>>>
>>>
>>> I had the same experience when I burst a disc in my back 18 months
>>> ago. It was 10 days before I could walk to the end of the driveway
>>> and I could only dream of cycling to work. Since then, I've clocked
>>> up nearly 9000 miles and every mile is precious, but you have to
>>> experience a lot of cold, wet and dark mornings on the hard mean
>>> streets of east Hull, however the sight of the rising sun at 0617
>>> the other morning made me cry with sheer joy at having seen off
>>> another winter. I've never felt like that even driving out of a
>>> showroom with a brand new car.
>>
>> I don't think I have ever completed a bike ride, no matter how bad
>> the conditions, without experiencing a deep feeling of achievment at
>> the end of it.
>>
>
>
> Amen!
>
> The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can not
> be found in "caging" or motorcycling.

Glad that I am not the only one.

I also like the word "caging" in respect of cars. A lot of them are animals
behind the wheel, so it is spot on.

[Paul - xxx[_2_]]

Light of Aria wrote:

> The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can not
> be found in "caging" or motorcycling.

Of course it can ..

Just this weekend I took the Landrover over Stanage Edge.

http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/crookedspireite/bvg028.jpg

The sense of achievement is just the same as when I completed my first
10 mile TT, or rode my first 100 miler, or lined alongside and beat
Mick Grant at Cadwell Park on similar bikes ... ;)

Wearing blinkers ought to be left for horses.

--
Paul - xxx

'96/'97 Landrover Discovery 300 Tdi
Dyna Tech Cro-Mo comp

[Brian RobertsOn]

Paul - xxx wrote:
> Light of Aria wrote:
>
>> The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can not
>> be found in "caging" or motorcycling.
>
> Of course it can ..
>
> Just this weekend I took the Landrover over Stanage Edge.
>
> http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/crookedspireite/bvg028.jpg
>
> The sense of achievement is just the same as when I completed my first
> 10 mile TT, or rode my first 100 miler, or lined alongside and beat
> Mick Grant at Cadwell Park on similar bikes ... ;)
>
> Wearing blinkers ought to be left for horses.

A Landrover owner. How delightful. Might we ask that next time you take it
over Beachy Head? I'm not saying you in it, but the loss of that 'thing'
would do us all good.

[Light of Aria[_2_]]

"Paul - xxx" > wrote in message
...
> Light of Aria wrote:
>
>> The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can not
>> be found in "caging" or motorcycling.
>
> Of course it can ..
>
> Just this weekend I took the Landrover over Stanage Edge.
>
> http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/crookedspireite/bvg028.jpg
>
> The sense of achievement is just the same as when I completed my first
> 10 mile TT, or rode my first 100 miler, or lined alongside and beat
> Mick Grant at Cadwell Park on similar bikes ... ;)
>
> Wearing blinkers ought to be left for horses.
>
> --
> Paul - xxx
>
> '96/'97 Landrover Discovery 300 Tdi
> Dyna Tech Cro-Mo comp



And I thought the £40 I spent on bicycle maintenance this weekend was
expensive.

Any one can pay a small fortune to drive or ride a specialist motor vehicle
around a closed circuit and have fun doing so.

[Paul - xxx[_2_]]

Brian Robertson wrote:

> Paul - xxx wrote:
> > Light of Aria wrote:
> >
> > > The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can
> > > not be found in "caging" or motorcycling.
> >
> > Of course it can ..
> >
> > Just this weekend I took the Landrover over Stanage Edge.
> >
> > http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/crookedspireite/bvg028.jpg
> >
> > The sense of achievement is just the same as when I completed my
> > first 10 mile TT, or rode my first 100 miler, or lined alongside
> > and beat Mick Grant at Cadwell Park on similar bikes ... ;)
> >
> > Wearing blinkers ought to be left for horses.
>
> A Landrover owner. How delightful. Might we ask that next time you
> take it over Beachy Head? I'm not saying you in it, but the loss of
> that 'thing' would do us all good.

Heheheh, predictable, glug, if nothing else.

How would it do us all good?

I _need_ (and yes, we've had the need/want discussion) such a vehicle
if I am to carry on hosting, timing and generally making good some
cycle races ... how else do you think stuff gets transported through
the woods etc? Perhaps you can explain and manage the logistics for
the next Mountain Bike Race I help out/officiate/work bloody hard at?

--
Paul - xxx

'96/'97 Landrover Discovery 300 Tdi
Dyna Tech Cro-Mo comp

[Paul - xxx[_2_]]

Light of Aria wrote:

>
> "Paul - xxx" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Light of Aria wrote:
> >
> > > The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can
> > > not be found in "caging" or motorcycling.
> >
> > Of course it can ..
> >
> > Just this weekend I took the Landrover over Stanage Edge.
> >
> > http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/crookedspireite/bvg028.jpg
> >
> > The sense of achievement is just the same as when I completed my
> > first 10 mile TT, or rode my first 100 miler, or lined alongside
> > and beat Mick Grant at Cadwell Park on similar bikes ... ;)
> >
> > Wearing blinkers ought to be left for horses.
> >
>
> And I thought the £40 I spent on bicycle maintenance this weekend was
> expensive.

It is, I maintain my own vehicles for far less than £40 a week .. ;)

> Any one can pay a small fortune to drive or ride a specialist motor
> vehicle around a closed circuit and have fun doing so.

LOL, it's 12 years old, is cheap to insure, run, maintain and will
outlast any other vehicle I know of. My Bike, for instance, is a
similar age, but the only thing original on it is the frame and seat
post.

.... and Stanage isn't a closed circuit and you pay nothing to drive
along it.

Admittedly Cadwell Park is .. but the point was that as much reward can
be got from motor vehicles as can from cycling. Just in different ways.

--
Paul - xxx

'96/'97 Landrover Discovery 300 Tdi
Dyna Tech Cro-Mo comp

[Brian RobertsOn]

Paul - xxx wrote:
> Brian Robertson wrote:
>
>> Paul - xxx wrote:
>>> Light of Aria wrote:
>>>
>>>> The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can
>>>> not be found in "caging" or motorcycling.
>>>
>>> Of course it can ..
>>>
>>> Just this weekend I took the Landrover over Stanage Edge.
>>>
>>> http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/crookedspireite/bvg028.jpg
>>>
>>> The sense of achievement is just the same as when I completed my
>>> first 10 mile TT, or rode my first 100 miler, or lined alongside
>>> and beat Mick Grant at Cadwell Park on similar bikes ... ;)
>>>
>>> Wearing blinkers ought to be left for horses.
>>
>> A Landrover owner. How delightful. Might we ask that next time you
>> take it over Beachy Head? I'm not saying you in it, but the loss of
>> that 'thing' would do us all good.
>
> Heheheh, predictable, glug, if nothing else.
>
> How would it do us all good?
>
> I _need_ (and yes, we've had the need/want discussion) such a vehicle
> if I am to carry on hosting, timing and generally making good some
> cycle races ... how else do you think stuff gets transported through
> the woods etc? Perhaps you can explain and manage the logistics for
> the next Mountain Bike Race I help out/officiate/work bloody hard at?

Go screw yourself.

(Is that predictable Glug as well?)

[Marc[_2_]]

Brian Robertson wrote:
> As some of you will recall, just over a week ago I managed to come off my
> bike and to impale myself on the end of the handle bars.

Were you wearing a helmet?

[Simon Mason]

"Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
...
> Light of Aria wrote:
>> "Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Simon Mason wrote:
>>>> "Brian Robertson" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>>>
>>>>> So why is it that even as a fair weather cyclist, I can hear the
>>>>> thing calling me to get back on the saddle asap? I think it's
>>>>> beacause all those down sides are real life experiences. They make
>>>>> me feel connected to the world in a way that you never can in a
>>>>> car. Yes, even the handlebar in the gut experience! Roll on the
>>>>> next time that I can get covered in **** and mud and sweat and
>>>>> feel as if my legs are going to give way. I'll pass on another
>>>>> accident, thanks, but it would take worse than that to make me
>>>>> give up cycling.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I had the same experience when I burst a disc in my back 18 months
>>>> ago. It was 10 days before I could walk to the end of the driveway
>>>> and I could only dream of cycling to work. Since then, I've clocked
>>>> up nearly 9000 miles and every mile is precious, but you have to
>>>> experience a lot of cold, wet and dark mornings on the hard mean
>>>> streets of east Hull, however the sight of the rising sun at 0617
>>>> the other morning made me cry with sheer joy at having seen off
>>>> another winter. I've never felt like that even driving out of a
>>>> showroom with a brand new car.
>>>
>>> I don't think I have ever completed a bike ride, no matter how bad
>>> the conditions, without experiencing a deep feeling of achievment at
>>> the end of it.
>>>
>>
>>
>> Amen!
>>
>> The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just can not
>> be found in "caging" or motorcycling.
>
> Glad that I am not the only one.
>
> I also like the word "caging" in respect of cars. A lot of them are
> animals behind the wheel, so it is spot on.

That said, I did drive to work on Saturday. Our club time trial was about 4
miles from where I work and started at 1-00pm and I had to be at work for
2-15pm. I put my name down for marshalling duties to get 10 points. I drove
to the meeting point and was told which corner to cover.

I got lost and had to double back, passing numbers 5+6, then 3+4 and finally
1+2 out on the course. I drove past and bombed it down the road at the limit
of 60 mph until I found the turn I had to cover. I got out, did the job and
drove to work, just making it in time. I was glad to be riding to work the
next day though.


--
Simon Mason
http://www.simonmason.karoo.net/

[Brian RobertsOn]

Marc wrote:
> Brian Robertson wrote:
>> As some of you will recall, just over a week ago I managed to come
>> off my bike and to impale myself on the end of the handle bars.
>
> Were you wearing a helmet?

No, why?

[Paul - xxx[_2_]]

Brian Robertson wrote:

> Paul - xxx wrote:
> > Brian Robertson wrote:
> >
> > > Paul - xxx wrote:
> > > > Light of Aria wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just
> > > > > can not be found in "caging" or motorcycling.
> > > >
> > > > Of course it can ..
> > > >
> > > > Just this weekend I took the Landrover over Stanage Edge.
> > > >
> > > > http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/crookedspireite/bvg028.
> > > > jpg
> > > >
> > > > The sense of achievement is just the same as when I completed my
> > > > first 10 mile TT, or rode my first 100 miler, or lined alongside
> > > > and beat Mick Grant at Cadwell Park on similar bikes ... ;)
> > > >
> > > > Wearing blinkers ought to be left for horses.
> > >
> > > A Landrover owner. How delightful. Might we ask that next time you
> > > take it over Beachy Head? I'm not saying you in it, but the loss
> > > of that 'thing' would do us all good.
> >
> > Heheheh, predictable, glug, if nothing else.
> >
> > How would it do us all good?
> >
> > I need (and yes, we've had the need/want discussion) such a vehicle
> > if I am to carry on hosting, timing and generally making good some
> > cycle races ... how else do you think stuff gets transported through
> > the woods etc? Perhaps you can explain and manage the logistics for
> > the next Mountain Bike Race I help out/officiate/work bloody hard
> > at?
>
> Go screw yourself.

Oh good riposte, I bow to the addled brainpower you command so adeptly.
I take it the logistical possibilities are beyond you then?

> (Is that predictable Glug as well?)

Yep. I figured you wouldn't add anything useful.

--
Paul - xxx

'96/'97 Landrover Discovery 300 Tdi
Dyna Tech Cro-Mo comp

[Alan Braggins]

In article >, Brian Robertson wrote:
>Marc wrote:
>> Brian Robertson wrote:
>>> As some of you will recall, just over a week ago I managed to come
>>> off my bike and to impale myself on the end of the handle bars.
>>
>> Were you wearing a helmet?
>
>No, why?

It's a traditional question. Helmets prevent up to 86% of leg injuries,
why not stomach injuries as well?

(On the other hand, pointy bar ends like
http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/images/L1020780_hi.jpg
http://www.milanofixed.com/carscratcher/
seem like a really bad idea.)

[judith smith]

On 24 Mar 2009 18:43:00 +0000 (GMT), (Alan
Braggins) wrote:

>In article >, Brian Robertson wrote:
>>Marc wrote:
>>> Brian Robertson wrote:
>>>> As some of you will recall, just over a week ago I managed to come
>>>> off my bike and to impale myself on the end of the handle bars.
>>>
>>> Were you wearing a helmet?
>>
>>No, why?
>
>It's a traditional question. Helmets prevent up to 86% of leg injuries,
>why not stomach injuries as well?

You can of course point at where that is stated : " Helmets prevent up
to 86% of leg injuries,"

You are getting to be as bad as Chapman - is he pulling your strings?



--

There can be no doubt that a failure to wear a helmet may expose the cyclist to the risk of greater injury.

The wearing of helmets may afford protection in some circumstances and it must therefore follow that a cyclist of ordinary prudence should wear one.

Mr Justice Griffith Williams

[Brian RobertsOn]

Alan Braggins wrote:
> In article >, Brian Robertson
> wrote:
>> Marc wrote:
>>> Brian Robertson wrote:
>>>> As some of you will recall, just over a week ago I managed to come
>>>> off my bike and to impale myself on the end of the handle bars.
>>>
>>> Were you wearing a helmet?
>>
>> No, why?
>
> It's a traditional question. Helmets prevent up to 86% of leg
> injuries, why not stomach injuries as well?
>
> (On the other hand, pointy bar ends like
> http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/images/L1020780_hi.jpg
> http://www.milanofixed.com/carscratcher/
> seem like a really bad idea.)

Ha ha ha ha ha.

[Brian RobertsOn]

Paul - xxx wrote:
> Brian Robertson wrote:
>
>> Paul - xxx wrote:
>>> Brian Robertson wrote:
>>>
>>>> Paul - xxx wrote:
>>>>> Light of Aria wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> The psychological reward I get from cycling and running just
>>>>>> can not be found in "caging" or motorcycling.
>>>>>
>>>>> Of course it can ..
>>>>>
>>>>> Just this weekend I took the Landrover over Stanage Edge.
>>>>>
>>>>> http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/crookedspireite/bvg028.
>>>>> jpg
>>>>>
>>>>> The sense of achievement is just the same as when I completed my
>>>>> first 10 mile TT, or rode my first 100 miler, or lined alongside
>>>>> and beat Mick Grant at Cadwell Park on similar bikes ... ;)
>>>>>
>>>>> Wearing blinkers ought to be left for horses.
>>>>
>>>> A Landrover owner. How delightful. Might we ask that next time you
>>>> take it over Beachy Head? I'm not saying you in it, but the loss
>>>> of that 'thing' would do us all good.
>>>
>>> Heheheh, predictable, glug, if nothing else.
>>>
>>> How would it do us all good?
>>>
>>> I need (and yes, we've had the need/want discussion) such a vehicle
>>> if I am to carry on hosting, timing and generally making good some
>>> cycle races ... how else do you think stuff gets transported through
>>> the woods etc? Perhaps you can explain and manage the logistics for
>>> the next Mountain Bike Race I help out/officiate/work bloody hard
>>> at?
>>
>> Go screw yourself.
>
> Oh good riposte, I bow to the addled brainpower you command so
> adeptly. I take it the logistical possibilities are beyond you then?
>
>> (Is that predictable Glug as well?)
>
> Yep. I figured you wouldn't add anything useful.

I tried to think of an answer and I admit that finding anything sensible to
say to you is beyond me. If you want to join in with the infantile insults
of the road lobby then you are, of course, welcome to do so. Don't expect me
to play ball.

[Paul - xxx[_2_]]

Brian Robertson wrote:

> > Brian Robertson wrote:

> > > Go screw yourself.

> I tried to think of an answer and I admit that finding anything
> sensible to say to you is beyond me. If you want to join in with the
> infantile insults of the road lobby then you are, of course, welcome
> to do so. Don't expect me to play ball.

Drunks have short memory/attention spans it seems.

--
Paul - xxx

'96/'97 Landrover Discovery 300 Tdi
Dyna Tech Cro-Mo comp

[Brian RobertsOn]

Paul - xxx wrote:
> Brian Robertson wrote:
>
>>> Brian Robertson wrote:
>
>>>> Go screw yourself.
>
>> I tried to think of an answer and I admit that finding anything
>> sensible to say to you is beyond me. If you want to join in with the
>> infantile insults of the road lobby then you are, of course, welcome
>> to do so. Don't expect me to play ball.
>
> Drunks have short memory/attention spans it seems.

Bye, Paul. *click*

[Marc[_2_]]

Phil W Lee wrote:
..
>>
> It'll probably be cordoned off, for an investigation into Nick L
> Plate's desperate attempt to exceed 60mph on a standard road bike.
The phsyics is beyond me, but how many joules would be needed to get a
cycle up to 60mph and keep it there?

[Paul - xxx[_2_]]

Brian Robertson wrote:

> Paul - xxx wrote:
> > Brian Robertson wrote:
> >
> > > > Brian Robertson wrote:
> >
> > > > > Go screw yourself.
> >
> > > I tried to think of an answer and I admit that finding anything
> > > sensible to say to you is beyond me. If you want to join in with
> > > the infantile insults of the road lobby then you are, of course,
> > > welcome to do so. Don't expect me to play ball.
> >
> > Drunks have short memory/attention spans it seems.
>
> Bye, Paul. click

Aaah, come on .. you didn't even answer why "the loss of that 'thing'
would do us all good."?

--
Paul - xxx

'96/'97 Landrover Discovery 300 Tdi
Dyna Tech Cro-Mo comp

[Daniel Barlow]

Marc > writes:

>> It'll probably be cordoned off, for an investigation into Nick L
>> Plate's desperate attempt to exceed 60mph on a standard road bike.
> The phsyics is beyond me, but how many joules would be needed to get
> a cycle up to 60mph and keep it there?

Over Beachy Head?

At least it won't matter if the tyres delaminate halfway down, though


-dan

[Mike]

On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:32:40 -0000, "Simon Mason"
> wrote:

>however the sight of
>the rising sun at 0617 the other morning made me cry with sheer joy at
>having seen off another winter. I've never felt like that even driving out
>of a showroom with a brand new car.

You ought to try buying a better car :)


--