Probably some of the best conditioned athletes in the world, period.
I recently started riding my bike to the train station each morning as part of my daily commute. I have to admit that the more I get used to it, the more I like it. I have started riding harder and faster, and have even started taking laps around the block before putting the bike in the garage, its pretty exhilirating. I have even gone as far as purcasing a bike computer and a goofy helmet. Don't care how silly it looks, its great!
Do you wear spandex and the gay yellow bracelet?
“Probably some of the best conditioned athletes in the world, period.”
I wholeheartedly agree with your comment above. Just last month, I visited my hometown in southern West Virginia (heart of the coalfields). For old time’s sake, I walked my paper route just to see what and how much had changed in 47 years. This route was on the side of a mountain and would be a class 1 according to Tour de France standards. I used to be able to run this route. At other times, I could ride my bike on some of those streets with no problem. Last month, I could barely walk those hills and I am in reasonable shape. Now, watching the TDF, I marvel at the strength and conditioning of these athletes. I’ve become a big fan of cycling.
I spent a little time in the area where Stages 6, 7 and 8 of the this year’s Tour are. Incredibly beautiful scenery and makes me want to go visit it again - NOW. Would love to be there during the TDF. I bet you would too.
I love watching the TDF. I ride a mountain bike and I know those guys are incredible athletes. I could never do even a fraction of what those guys do, even though I am a relatively good bike rider and in pretty good shape.
Even for non-bicyclists I imagine it’s thrilling to watch guys zooming around hairpin turns at 30-40 miles per hour.
Seeing all the bicycling-haters come on threads that talk about bicycling is like watching Macintosh-haters come on the Mac threads and rant about Macs...if you don’t like soemthing, then don’t post to threads that chat about those things!
Ed
Ed