Despite the cost to my own training, I can say with confidence that helping the new guys (or rookies? I haven't figured out which term sounds better) is one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had as a cyclist thus far. I think this all stems from my less than rosy introduction to the cycling community. When you tell a salesmen that your budget for your first bike is $400 and he scoffs in your face, its not very confidence inspiring. But, I digress. That's a rant for another day.
Anyway back to the subject at hand. One of my rookies (Decision: Use the term interchangeably!) and I were talking the other day and he was worried about his recent performance on the bike which he felt wasn't up to par. After reassuring him that we all ebb and flow on the bike, I said you need to find your inner Belgian. The remark wasn't that important and I mentioned it in a jokingly and off handish sort of way.
His response: "What's so special about the Belgians?"
Trust me when I say that he was properly educated. Included was a lecture on how most people think of the French and the Tour de France when they first get into cycling. I guess more of a rant than a lecture...I dislike the French. Accept Brice Feillu, he's ok in my mind. Maybe Charles de Gaulle too.
BOOM!
The Koppenberg
the Tour of Flanders
Paris Roubaix
Ghent-Wevelgem
Ah the Classics!
Don't get me wrong, I like the Tour de France and I watch it intently. But nothing compares to the racing in Belgium. The mud, the rain, "Belgian Paste", the cobblestones.....it does everything to dispense rumors that road cyclists are a bunch of Nancy-boys. I believe the word we can use is Epic.
As if this new guy wasn't properly convinced, I proceeded to drop the figurative A-Bomb of Belgian Superority:
Eddy! Boom! (Insert mushroom cloud image)
I sent the rookie on his way to wikipedia land to research "The Cannibal"....
His response?
"So this Belgian is a real OG?"
Ah yes an Original Gangster indeed!
-Arthur
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