I was reading an article at Cyclingnews this morning about how the Worlds was David Millar’s last bicycle race. He had a couple quotes that resonated with me. “It’s not how you dream it’s going to finish. DNF-ing at the Worlds. But it doesn’t really matter to me, I sort have an over-riding sense of relief I don’t have to go through this sort of suffering any more.” “I’m really relieved, it’s unbelievable. I’m happy that it’s done and I can move on and leave it behind.”
After reading these, it seems like the guy didn’t quit early enough. This sport is way too hard to be having this sort of response about his last race. Or maybe he was just in a complete funk from not finishing his last race? Whatever the reason, I guess he is “lucky” that it is over for him.
I’ve never had those kinds of thoughts. I truly enjoy the sport, the lifestyle and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. Recently, being hurt so badly, I’m a little up in the air about the future, but nothing like, “I wish I could quit bike racing and be relieved.” Or even worse, “leave it behind.” That guy has some demons in his closet, which he should. I’ve never been a David Millar fan. I’ve posted a couple times about his stupidness. I think he’s going to just have to try to live with his legacy now.
On a more positive note, I had a pretty good weekend, yes, riding my bike. It was warm and blustery in North County. My knee is feeling a little better, which is a relief. I normally wouldn’t even worry at all about a squeaky patella tendon, but it seems, as I age, these things can become chronic. So, it’s better to address them early.
It always amazes me how many people ride up and down the coast in North County. Especially on the weekends. Hoards and hoards of them. I’m not sure why, but it is always more fun riding when others are out riding. At least that was the case yesterday.
The temperatures have “dropped” here today. A high of 73, instead of the upper 70’s. Time to get out the parkas. In Cable, it was the upper 70’s yesterday and now today, the 40’s. Plus rain. That is a big change.
Okay, here are some pictures from yesterday.
Dog beach, in Del Mar, was pretty crowded yesterday.
I saw this solar panel structure out east on the ride yesterday.
Sue out riding yesterday. She has sort have become a weekend warrior, being super busy at work. She does commute, 16 miles a day, though, staying amazingly fit.
Stopping at Pannikin.
I got a pretty good cinnamon roll at the Farmer’s Market in La Jolla yesterday.
I got these mini-bands from Steve Myrland, a strength and conditioning friend from Madison.
It is kind of creepy that a magnet sticks to my leg now.
On the way back up to Mt. Soladad. I’ve never seen anyone in this house.
I think there is a HUGE difference in where he is coming from and where you are NOW Steve. He has a lot of people who tell him where to go and what to do and a lot of pressure to perform. You have yourself. If you wish to race then you race. You decided when and where and if you pull the plug its not going to make or break you. The pressure and pain has to be incredible for touring pros. He has to work for his team and often sacrificing himself for his teammates. You really don’t have the same responsibilities most of the time anymore. I am sure if you reflect back, you will remember some of that pain and the pressures of being a touring pro. It is awesome that you love cycling as much now as ever before but part of it is because you can. Not working a 9-5 job helps I am sure. Just my 2 cents.
I think you’re comparing apples with oranges. David Millar and you are essentially participating in two different sports. One cannot compare Pro Tour racing with racing around industrial park crits and 60 mile road races.
On the other hand, you are a quite a handy rider. Good on ya.
Actually I feel Steve is quite qualified to speak on the issue because Steve himself was a pro roadie racing on pro teams. Sure the dynamics and commercialized pressure to perform are likely somewhat different. I think Steve was just cast from a different mold than most people. To be soooo consumed by something for so long to the level that Steve has been with bike racing is not the norm. I just about guarantee that most pro cyclists retire from cycling with somewhat of the same attitude as David. I think that’s pretty normal. I don’t think Steve quite “gets” that somewhere along the way cycling really does become a “job” for most of these guys.
I kinda doubt Pantani “retired” with the same attitude as David.
If I ever show up at a yokel crit now that I’m retired, go ahead and shoot me. That’s the difference
If you keep riding around without a lid like that you’ll be talking funny like me. Good thing you’re wearing the headband, first responders will put it to good use. It might sop up a wee bit of blood