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Rites of Passage

I've been riding on the road seriously for a few years now. When I got my first road bike in 2003 I wasn't very clued up. I rode it and enjoyed it, but didn't really know too much about bikes, cycling history and culture and training.

I realised recently that I've been through quite a rite of passage from newbie to well, experienced cyclist. Ok, so I can't tell you much about campagnolo bottom brackets but I can (and have) maintained or repaired or replaced every part of my dura ace equipped bike.

There are a few behaviours I have picked up along the way that are widely viewed as roadie-neurosies. Not because I knew about them and wanted to fit it, more that they developed independently over time, here are a few;
  • No saddle bag. I carry everything in my middle back pocket that would be in  my saddle bag. This is to keep my bike light and manoueverable, especially when out the saddle.
  • Mega-Clean drivechain. My chain, chainrings and casette are indeed cleaner than my fridge. But squeaky chains are SO annoying when you're on a long ride. Not to mention having a chain snap on me for poor maintenance. it takes two ticks to do before every ride. Btw, I use a mix of pedro dry and finish line wet lube at this time of year. Finish line has a habit of going black so I wipe it down often.
  • Multi-Layered Kit. When you noodle around or pump out junk miles you don't get that uncomfortable on the bike. Now I spend a lot of my time at a higher intensity I hate being too hot or too cold. Arm warmers, gilets, capes, knee warmers, tights, gloves, skull cap etc etc. I think more about this before a ride than the route and workout goals.
  • Weather Obsessed. At any given day or night I can tell you exactly what the weather forecast is for the next 48 hours. And I don't mind the wind now I have a power meter. Light rain is ok with my fantastic assos cape and shoe covers. But heavy rain - that's a deal breaker.
  • Driver Hating Road Bore. I have had so many bad experiences. On the whole most drivers (after all, I am one too) are considerate. Its just a small minority of petrol-heads, busy mums and OAPs that pay scant regard to the safety of other road users. Of course, I can now tell you which roads to target and which to avoid at any time of week, or even time of day!
Anyway, must dash, should be brighter from 12 and I need to go clean my chain and decide which shorts to wear and wether I need my spring or winter base layer.

Do my legs need shaving again?
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