Mike, Indeed ... for some of us as we age, going on fast rides IS re-living some old memories, and for those who did and do enjoy this type of riding, it is truly just as rewarding. I lead a weekly (weakly) vintage bike ride here in the Detroit area called "Vintage Thursdays", and we try to get as many people out as possible. This means we generally cater to the slowest rider in the group, for whatever reason they may be so. Sure, we get antsy at times and kick it up a little bit, but we always stop, regroup, wait for the rest of the pack, and rest a moment before going on. This is great for the group as a whole, but the guys who like to go fast often feel a bit lack-luster, and the guys who like to or have no choice but to go slower (like for a current medical condition) often feel over-pressed. No style or speed is superior to another ... it's just different pedal strokes for different folks.
Last night, for the first time officially, we broke the Vintage Thursdays ride into two groups. One group went faster and further than ever possible before. Their legs burned, they took chances, they never looked back ... and they all had a great time. Another group went at a more moderate pace, not required to go as far, or push too hard into the red zone. They saw more, relaxed more ... and (I think) they all had a great time.
My point? My point is to note that MOST vintage rides cater to the whole range of riders, and most everyone on those rides has to sacrifice a bit. Jaime & Harry's ride sounds like great fun for the hammer-heads only, and they advertised it as such. Should you organize a go-slow and smell the flowers ride, and advertise it as such, no doubt you and your cohorts will have a great time too. A hero is someone who uses their own vintage lightweight road, path or track bicycle, just as they see fit, while still paying homage to the beauty and splendor thereof. Free to be ... you and me!
Ciao, Mark Agree (with wonderfully achy legs in) Southfield, Michigan, USA ~ ~ ~
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:55:37 -0700 (PDT) From: Mike Larsen <mnbikeresto@yahoo.com> Subject: [CR] Ride of death
To whom it may concern; Take your ride of death and enjoy rubbing your legs and drinking beer later. Convince yourself you are a hero for some reason. Hope you where some tight Tour DeFrance shirt too, with your shorts. This fat old man will enjoy seeing the things that I ride by from now on. Going on my own ride soon that I don't know if I can finish, that's what I call a ride. Also I really enjoy when a carbon wonder comes by and sounds like a plastic pedal car on asphalt. Wondering which part will break during a long ride is more fun too, and how you are going to fix it. Trying to make three scenic spots for a visual and to re-live some old and I mean old memories is truly more rewarding. No treats every five miles either just another hill. Enjoyed the message though sparked me right up, like Billy I am scared toooo!!!
Mike Larsen
St. Paul, MN
USA