I was not called a pedal punk; it’s a term I coined myself. It sounds right and captures what I felt I was being labeled as. This is my blog, after all, and it’s about my feelings. Plus, the phrase adds some flavor and helps me share a lesson learned… or another “Bill Quote.”
I had plans for an adventure with a friend, but things got tough, and now I might be going solo.
Imagine you suggest a 4-hour ski trip with me, and I respond that I need to be cautious with my training as the season approaches. I propose skiing for just 2 hours and waiting for you at the car. Would that annoy you? This guy starts calling me a “wuss.” Even though he’s joking, I remember he nearly collapsed last week on a long trip. Why would I risk the same fate this season?
His calling me a wuss got me angry. Then, driven by male pride, I challenged him to a race, leading to plans for a grueling 2-day trans-Bitterroot journey that could be too much for both of us. I felt like I was being labeled an asphalt junkie and a pedal punk.
It all boiled down to a wager, and then I remembered: my summer races are what truly matter. Now, I might owe him $100 and have to acknowledge his dominance. So, what do you think happened? Bipolar mood swings? Testosterone? Poor diet?
I have another friend who acts like he’s battling an illness, as if he has control over it. “Dude,” I tell him, “you can’t control it, and you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.” That’s a rant for another time, but I coined a saying to make my point. I dedicate this saying to him and to today’s situation: “Don’t fight it, ride it!”
That’s exactly what I’m going to do: ride it! This summer is going to be amazing, and I can’t wait. Anyone have $100 I can borrow?
On this day in history, a stroll down memory lane
- 2008: First epic stage race
- 2007: Exhausted But Riding Strong
- 2005: Can’t Sleep
- 2002: Paul and Lucy in Glen Falls
- 2001: Work Study Sucks
- 2001: Quiet Embrace of Sorrow
Boneshakerbike 
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