The best non ‘cross racing of the year kicks off this weekend with Flanders. Brothers and Sisters this is a time of great joy at TCOTBR. The forecast is for cold rain and maybe even snow, in other words a typical day in Belgium. Boonen will be gunning for Saint status with a 3rd win. Cancellara and his cottage of wattage showed the kind of devastation he is capable of at San Remo. Hincapie made it look pretty easy in the wet at A Tour of Cali. Can Hoste get the 2nd place monkey off his back? One this is certain, the Gods of The Classics only shine on the strongest. After my Sunday Big Ring session I will be cracking a Chimay and watching the coverage with the 2 Wheel Lovin’ Ladies.
I pray to the God of cobbles as I begin this day,
I know the pain that awaits me and with my blood I’ll pay.
I ask my bike to guide me on a path thats smooth and true,
so I may ride in glory the way Eddy used to do.
Lust: The newest carbon widget will not make you faster. Knowing the weight in grams of every component at Competitive Cyclist does not make you informed, it makes you the Rainman. You don’t want end up like this man.
Gluttony: A sin of excess. Do you sit at the front the entire group ride in the hope of impressing your fellow riders with you mastery of The Big Ring? Share the gospel. Save the 2hrs at LT for your solo worship. Let other experience the divine suffering of the lead position.
Greed: As applied to TCoTBR is the the acquisition of excess gear. Do you really need the Power-Tap and the SRM?
Sloth: Don’t sit on the break. If you don’t pull through don’t sprint, ever!
Wrath: On the bike all manner of verbal assault is fine. Leave it on the bike. When you cross the finish line all is forgotten. If challenged turn the other cheek. The enlightenment of The Big Ring shall be yours.
Envy: The Big Ring is a cruel master. Even Eddy “lost” more than he won. The Big Ring does not care about the results sheet. The Big Ring is about giving your all in every situation and being true to yourself. When you win be grateful, when you don’t be happy for the winner.
Pride: It is ok to sit up. Don’t get stuck in “no mans land”, if you can’t get up to the break go back to the pack. You are not doing yourself or your team any favors cooking your legs for nothing.
