A Question of Values

Do you walk the walk or just talk the talk?  While The Big Ring does not discriminate it is not for everyone.  The Big Ring resides on the fringes and attracts those with the willingness to challenge the norm.  To ask why. To be equally willing to brave the long solo move or to not skip a pull.  Here are a few True/False questions to ask yourself before commiting to The Ring:

Sat on a break and then sprinted for the win despite never taking a pull?
Missed a ride or ended a ride early to watch your favorite TV show?
Skipped a ‘cross race due to bad weather?
Put a pad on the top tube of your fixed gear?
Ride past a Fred with a flat even though you had a tube that would have fit?
Dropped off a group ride because they were causing you to ride in the wrong zone?
Wear underwear with lycra?
Disrupted a paceline because your were “blocking” and are not on a Pro Tour team?
Never had a Chimay?
You have choice between general admission or reserved seats for a Bad Brains reunion show. You pick reserved so you can sit down.
You believe Tyler?

The answer to every question is False.  An answer of true to any of the above does not necessarily preclude you from a life in The Big Ring (with the exception of the last two, there is no hope for you).  It just means you are not ready.  The Big Ring can provide answers to those who are willing to listen.  You can not question your commitment.  I am just a messenger, the key to The Big Ring is you.  I won’t be there when you are climbing that canyon, I can’t make you stay on top of that gear, I can’t make you mentor a young rider, I won’t be there to make you take the long way home, I can’t stop you from cutting the switchback, I can’t stop you from spending $300 on those foofy R&R jeans, there is only you.  What you do has an impact.  I leave you with the words of Yoda.

Try not. Do…or do not.
There is no try.