BFTP: Lessons learned from bicycling

A weekend Blue Skunk "feature" will be a revision of an old post. I'm calling this BFTP: Blast from the Past. Original post June 25, 2006.  Shared and updated almost annually, but I needed to review this because Tuesday, I will be starting a five day bike trip that goes from Ortonville (MN), along the Minnesota River, through Mankato, and back up to Shakopee*. Much of the route will be in areas where the Dakota War of 1862 was fought - and to a degree, continues to this day. Wish me luck. One never trains enough.

Your author just a few short years ago...

Some Lessons Learned from Bicycling:

Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia. H.G. Wells

1. Balance is a good thing.
2. It's usually uphill and against the wind. (Murphy's Law of Bicycling)
3. Most big hills that look impossible are usually a series of small hills that are possible.
4. I've never met a hill I couldn't walk up.
5. It's better to shift to a lower gear than to stop altogether.
6. Sometimes it's nice to be able to have equipment to blame things on.
7. You really can't make your own weather.
8. Coasting feels good, but you don't get much exercise doing it.
9. A beer at the end of a long day of riding tastes better than a beer when just sitting around (or at breakfast, I'm guessing).
10. Don't drink at lunch time and expect to enjoy the afternoon.
11. Bike helmets are a sure sign that natural selection is still a force of nature.
12. The few minutes putting air in your tires at the beginning of the day is time well spent.
13. There will always be riders who are faster than you and riders who are slower than you.
14. Watching old people zip by you should be encouraging, not discouraging.
15. Too often we quit because our spirit fails, not our legs or lungs.
16. Spouses (or entire families) who dress alike should not expect the rest of us to consider them normal.
17. Too much padding between you and a bike seat is impossible.
18. The happiest people are the ones who consider life a ride, not a race.
19. The more expensive the bike and clothing, the higher the expectations others have of your performance.
20. The 500 calories burnt exercising do not compensate for the 2000 calories from beer drunk celebrating your accomplishment.
21. Everyone can look buxom on a bicycle - even guys.
22. You always feel the headwind, but never the tailwind. But it's there.
23. Most forms of travel involve some degree of discomfort. But keep moving anyway.
24. Cows always have the right of way.
25. You eventually dry out even after the biggest downpour.
26. Don't text and bike.
27. Always be on the look out for idiots. (See number 26.)
28. Be grateful for the ability to create sore muscles.
29. New places look better from a bicycle seat than from the window of a tour bus.
30. The office will do just fine without you while you are on your bike.

And your observations, fellow bicyclists?

* The Minnesota River History Ride is a Bus/Bike tour that begins and ends in Shakopee. Meet Tuesday evening, July 9, to board the bus to Ortonville for five days of riding along the river, visiting many river communities full of frontier history along the way. From Wednesday, July 10, through Sunday, July 14. The tour is limited to 150 people, for a Minnesota River history ride experience. Day 1 -Leave Ortonville, riding around Lac Qui Parle Lake, then on to Montevideo where a full scale railroad working museum awaits. Day 2 -Continue along the river through Granite Falls, with an option of stopping at Upper Sioux Agency State Park, then Belview, and on to the Redwood Falls Area for you evening fun, food and rest. Day 3 - While here check out a famous battle field or county museum, then enjoy a few more historic sites before reaching New Ulm. Day 4 - After enjoying the German charm (maybe an optional brewery tour/guided history tour) the route continues on to Mankato, as both the river and bike route makes a swing to the northeast to St. Peter. Day 5 - After taking in the sights of this college town and the Sioux Treaty Site/History Center the bike journey and river current continue north up through the river communities of Le Sueur, Belle Plain and Chaska before returning back to Shakopee. See more information and lodging options at the website below.

Comments

[BlueBindweed]

Mostly true, but I take issue with the spandex one. Once I discovered spandex bike shorts with the crotch padding, I never looked back. You shouldn't have to wear less functional clothing due to body size. So you can take my spandex bike shorts away when you pry them from my cold, dead, pudgy fingers. ;-)

I have another one for you: It's not the brightest idea to take up cycling as a hobby in a place known for its wind farms.

[Doug Johnson]

Kathy,

You are absolutely correct and I am striking my insensitive comment about Spandex. You've made me a bit more human with your comment.

Oh, good point about the windfarms. Guilty on that one too! (Unless the wind is at your back!)

Thank you,

Doug

[BlueBindweed]

Thanks. :D