Cyclists, prticularly those who follow the professionals like to wax lyrical about the glory through suffering that riders experience. The notion seems to tally with the popularity of cycling in Catholic countries - they know how to suffer properly. As anyone who has ridden up a steep hill, into a headwind or both will know, it's not all freewheeling on a bike.
I feel that many cyclists are missing a trick in their training by making things too easy for themselves. What's the point in having the latest 1kg carbon fibre frame? Less weight to shift up a climb = less calories burnt = less suffering = less glory.
I was particularly impressed by "Johnny Onion" who recently completed the 1200km Paris-Brest-Paris on an unrestored 1920's bike. The bke only has two gears and the rider has to pedal backwards to get the bottom gear. I'd like to see more of this sort of daftness. Here's some ideas to get started
- London to Brighton on a Raleigh Chopper
- Lands End to John O'Groates on a Brompton
- recumbent mountainbiking
- Hour record challenges with a bike seat (just getting my children to sit in a bike seat for an hour would be a record
- Motor-paced BMX racing
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