Cycling is a Social Sport
I looked outside today and saw the sun. That is not a big deal to most people, but when it is the beginning of the rainy season and it was supposed to rain today, it was a reason for me to get out on the bike. I figured I didn’t want to use up more than 2 hours total, with clean-up, so I would just ride the 22 mile loop from here to the end of the bike path in Mill Valley. Basically, the light where you would turn left to go over the hill to do the Paradise Loop or turn right to go to Sam’s. Anyway, when I got there I just rode out to Sam’s and came back. But, as I was turning left at the light heading in to Sausalito on my way home, I rode up on a guy named Jim. Jim was up here from L.A. for some work dinner and decided to spend a couple of extra days to hang out with his grandmother. We rode the 7 or 8 miles back over the bridge together and chatted as we went along. It got me to thinking that while cycling appears to be one of the most solitary sports (and it is many times), it is also a social sport. Most avid cyclists ride in group rides during the week or on weekends and then there are times like today when you just end up talking to someone along the way. I am sure Metzler or Andy Mac are going to flame me for this, living in the “Gay Bay” and all, but whatev. Bring it.
October 20th, 2005 at 9:56 pm
Thanks for leaving the encouraging comment about cycling on my blog! I was out in Mill Valley today, too, around noon. Boy, that fog on the GG bridge today was absolutely brutal. Surprisingly, I also ended up chatting with a fellow cyclist today. I pretty much only bike on my own, so it was nice to end up chatting with someone. Do you ride in those group rides on the weekends? I am very intimidated by the big packs that go so fast.
October 21st, 2005 at 8:35 am
No worries. We were all beginners at some point. I remember when a 30 mile ride seemed like an eternity. I don’t ride in those big group rides on weekends. One of the things I like best about cycling is that you can get out there whenever you want to. But, I do enjoy riding with friends and many of my good friends like to ride as well.
October 31st, 2005 at 11:08 am
Ok, so you’re saying that cycling is a way to meet other gay men? (for a solo or group thing?) I can’t bash this. If you choose to meet men that way, so be it. There is nothing wrong with being gay, that is as long as your wife-to-be is ok with it.
October 31st, 2005 at 11:20 am
Why do you think we wear spandex?