This post was written after a recent cycling trip to the northwest.
I live in the wilderness. Oh, my town may have all the modern conveniences like shopping, schools, an airport and interstate highway, but in many ways it may as well be 1000 miles from civilization. Among the things you just can’t get here are a decent meal, locally brewed beer or a choice in coffee. There are restaurants, but the quality of food in local establishments leaves a lot to be desired. The nearest brew pub is probably in Las Vegas and Starbucks is your coffee house. There is one other thing that I really miss by living in southern Utah and that is a mature and developed cycling community. We have a small local cycling club and there are good riders among them, but their experience and vision of cycling are limited. It is all race all the time and there is little civility demonstrated among riders. Most of the members have not experienced cycling outside of Utah and at times they can be scary to ride with due to their lack of experience.
When I ride outside this area, particularly in the Northwest but also in some parts of California I see a different type of cycling practiced. It is somehow more civilized, a little more refined and the riders are more experienced. Where in Utah, club rides are often a hammerfest, forced until every rider has been dropped and courtesy is regarded as weakness. In the Northwest riders are often more genteel but still ride at a very high level. Their riding skill is evident and you can feel safe when riding in their midst. They will enjoy your company while riding but are also quite happy to go solo at anytime. Courteous behavior is displayed both on and off the bike and if you need help it is offered freely. They do not brag about their abilities but instead let their legs do the talking. For these riders the enjoyment of cycling is the reward, not an imaginary victory over a fellow rider who may not be racing.
I really enjoy my bicycle rides when I’m in the northwest and the company of the many fine local cyclists that I often meet. I can only hope that someday with more experience and a little more worldliness that our local cycling community can mature to a comparable level. Until that time I will have to find my cycling satisfaction in this area during my travels outside of Utah. When riding locally I shall probably remain a lone cyclist, riding in the wilderness.
October 20, 2010 at 11:57 am
Hi Lonnie,
We chatted briefly while riding in the dark out of Bremerton last month. I’m the RBA in Montana.
I share many of your same thoughts. We have pretty strong cycling culture here in the Bozeman area, but it’s either all out racing, mountain bikes, or tourers that don’t like to go much more than 50 miles. Though I’d like to think that most are pretty courteous we have that win at all costs mentality here as well.
Riding with the randonneurs in Oregon and Washington is so much fun. The problem is, when I get back home I have a hard time getting motivated to go out alone again. But we in the wilderness need to keep plugging away-after all, a mighty river starts with a trickle up in the mountains somehwere!
October 21, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Jason,
Of course I remember, although I don’t think I saw you much after that point in the ride.
I am frequently in Portland and occaisionally ride with the OR group. I have the same experience as you when riding with them. Maybe it’s the higher levels of caffeine and alcohol in their blood, who knows. I do enjoy my rides there though.
It was good to meet you!
October 13, 2010 at 7:30 am
Lonnie, I rode with a group from the NW on the Blue Mtn 1000 this year and couldn’t agree more with your observation.
Just noticed your comment on my blog (comment notification must be a victim of my spam filter). I stayed at the Novotel Golf resort at the PBP last time because the in town hotels were full. A little off the beaten path, somewhat of an expensive cab ride from the train station, and it seemed a lot further away than Klaus described in his promotional materials. I did ride to and from town and the event, I think is was 6-8 km away.
Drop me a note, Debby and I are planning on returning, it would be great to get together ‘over there.’ I think we will try and get a room in town if available.
Steve
October 10, 2010 at 2:55 pm
This essay is awesome. I submitted it to the RUSA newsletter, American Randonneur, for their consideration. Editor Mike Dayton will contact you before it’s published, and to get your consent.