Thursday, August 07, 2008

The Bike Quiz...

So, Alaska Jill posted this quiz, and I thought it would be fun.

If you could have any one — and only one — bike in the world, what would it be? Jeez. That's so hard, because I would want something that could do it all--climb like a goat, descend like a missile, track like a something-that-tracks-really-well. And, it would have to be on-road-off-road-roadie-tri compatible. I'm not sure what that bike is. I think for all around good looks, character and general awesomeness, I might just want a red Bottecchia. Still, I can't help but feel that narrowing it down to one makes Sophie's Choice look easy...

Do you already have that coveted dream bike? If so, is it everything you hoped it would be? If not, are you working toward getting it? If you’re not working toward getting it, why not? Sure, it would be nice to have a "nicer" bike, but honestly, I'd rather spend time in the saddle. I'd rather have more time than a better bike. It's not the bike that holds me back, it's the engine.

If you had to choose one — and only one — bike route to do every day for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why? I think it would be a section of the Pacific Coast Highway. The sea has always called to me, but I also like riding in hills and near trees. The PCH offers a little of everything, and not too much of one thing. Of course, I'd have it closed to traffic while I rode...

Do you ride both road and mountain bikes? If both, which do you prefer and why? If only one or the other, why are you so narrow minded? I'm not narrow-minded, I'm narrow-walleted. If I could afford all the bikes I wanted, I'd still be narrow walleted...and probably still coveting even more bikes. I have learned to be (relatively) content with what I have.

Have you ever ridden a recumbent? If so, why? If not, describe the circumstances under which you would ride a recumbent. Ummmm...no, I have not ridden one. There's a book about fly fishing by John Geirach, in which he recounts his adventures with his best friend, A.K. Best. At one point, A.K. asks John if he would fish if he couldn't get great rods, reels and gear, the things that make it such a graceful and beautiful sport. John replies that he would not. A.K. goes on to say that's the difference between them. Basically, if it came to it, A.K. would be out there with a gigging spear and a shiv fashioned from a prison spoon, looking for a way to land a trout. I think I'm more like A.K. I'd ride the recumbent, because I love the feeling of moving, not just because I am in love with the idea of high-tech gear.

Have you ever raced a triathlon? If so, have you also ever tried strangling yourself with dental floss? Listen. This question is beyond stupid. Yes, I have tried a triathlon--several in fact. I do it to compete, against myself more than other people. The notion that there is some sort of mental defect with triathletes is absurd. I have mental defects. I am a triathlete. But, the two are mutually exclusive.

Suppose you were forced to either give up ice cream or bicycles for the rest of your life. Which would you give up, and why? Ice cream. If I have to explain why, you would never understand.

If you could race anyone in a mountain bike race, who would it be? My brother. Not because I think i could beat him (though I could) but because I think it would be fun.

You’re riding your bike in the wilderness (if you’re a roadie, you’re on a road, but otherwise the surroundings are quite wilderness-like) and you see a bear. The bear sees you. What do you do? I would get off my bike and attack--LIKE THIS!!! Or, I'd say a prayer, I suppose, and Slllllllllloooooooooowlllllllly pedal the other direction. This little PSA is filled with helpful tidbits as well...

What is a question you think this questionnaire should have asked, but has not? Also, answer it.

If you could get one other person to love biking as much as you, who would it be?My daughter, Little Fish.

Okay, now it's your turn to answer...

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you could have any one — and only one — bike in the world, what would it be? One that was in the mountains--preferably off the beaten path.

Do you already have that coveted dream bike? If so, is it everything you hoped it would be? If not, are you working toward getting it? If you’re not working toward getting it, why not? I had that coveted dream bike every weekend until I moved to Troy, Il. I figure I am no more than 5 yrs away from geting it again--I can retire in 2013.

If you had to choose one — and only one — bike route to do every day for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why? I think it would be the Pacific Crest Trail. Much like the Pacific Coast Highway, it offers a bit of everything. Unlike the PCH, you don't have to worry about motorized traffic...ever.

Do you ride both road and mountain bikes? If both, which do you prefer and why? If only one or the other, why are you so narrow minded? I ride my 29er on and off road. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than yelling "on your left!" as I pass a terrified skinny-tired rider who wonders how this franken-bike rider could possibly be carrying so much speed. Aug 24th 2004 was the last day a skinny-tired speedster passed me. (Unfortunately, too many fat-tired riders have smoked me off-road in the last few years...)

Have you ever ridden a recumbent? If so, why? If not, describe the circumstances under which you would ride a recumbent. No, but I guess it's kinda like someone who is "bi-curious". They don't THINK it's their bag, but they wouldn't rule it out either. I'm like that. Have you ever seen anyone on a recumbent that looked like they were not enjoying it? I haven't. I guess I'm "recum-curious?"

Have you ever raced a triathlon? If so, have you also ever tried strangling yourself with dental floss? I have done numerous triathlons. I tried the first simply because I was "tri-curious". I took 3rd in my age bracket. That early success inspired me to tri more. After I started having kids, I stopped to spend more time with my family on weekends. Only people with a wife and 4 young children they love dearly would understand--this is a valid explanation, not an excuse. Ignoring your family is the real insanity.

Suppose you were forced to either give up ice cream or bicycles for the rest of your life. Which would you give up, and why? Definitely ice cream. It always just sits in my freezer until it frostburns into an unrecognizable mass anyhow. Bicycles on the other hand are lovingly hung in my garage and I hear the dulcet sound of their spinning wheels calling to me every time I am out there.

If you could race anyone in a mountain bike race, who would it be? My wife. Not because I would want to race, but because I would want to get her out there. She will ride forever on the road (heck she pulled a 2-yr old all the way across Iowa in a trailer), but she has an overdeveloped fear of roots, and rocks, and boulder-strewn descents, and loose gravel, and--well...you get the point.

You’re riding your bike in the wilderness (if you’re a roadie, you’re on a road, but otherwise the surroundings are quite wilderness-like) and you see a bear. The bear sees you. What do you do? If I'm alone, I pee my pants. After that, I'm not sure... If I'm with someone, I put a stick in their spokes, then ride like the wind. :-)

What is a question you think this questionnaire should have asked, but has not? Also, answer it. What makes a perfect day on a bike? Good riding partners, good scenery, long distances, good speed, then great food and drink at the end.

If you could get one other person to love biking as much as you, who would it be? I could not possibly settle on one. Every time I must ride without my wife or one of my boys, I feel incomplete. I hope some day we can ALL go for an epic ride again.

Fishmagic said...

I'm not going to answer everything, but if you look at my blog, you'll see that with my ever decreasing time, I'm not below going to the river to pursue coarse species. Here's to A.K.

Eric said...

If you could have any one — and only one — bike in the world, what would it be? Cervelo PC3 that would convert to a beach cruiser.

Do you already have that coveted dream bike? If so, is it everything you hoped it would be? If not, are you working toward getting it? If you’re not working toward getting it, why not? I'm trying. But they won't sponsor me.

If you had to choose one — and only one — bike route to do every day for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why? Any ride in New Zealand.

Do you ride both road and mountain bikes? If both, which do you prefer and why? If only one or the other, why are you so narrow minded? I ride both, but prefer the speed on the road.

Have you ever ridden a recumbent? If so, why? If not, describe the circumstances under which you would ride a recumbent. No. I like sitting up.

Have you ever raced a triathlon? If so, have you also ever tried strangling yourself with dental floss? Yes. And no, why?

I have a long course on Sunday. Should I bring some dental floss?

Suppose you were forced to either give up ice cream or bicycles for the rest of your life. Which would you give up, and why? Ice cream. It makes me fat. Bikes make me lean.

If you could race anyone in a mountain bike race, who would it be? Lance. Why not?

You’re riding your bike in the wilderness (if you’re a roadie, you’re on a road, but otherwise the surroundings are quite wilderness-like) and you see a bear. The bear sees you. What do you do? Knowing me, I'd be looking at something else and I'd probably hit it. He'd run. I'd cry.

What is a question you think this questionnaire should have asked, but has not? Also, answer it. Do you wave at people on bike rides? If not, why are you a prick? - I wave at everyone, and don't like the people who are too cool to wave back.

If you could get one other person to love biking as much as you, who would it be? My wife so we could ride everywhere instead of drive.

Lisa said...

If you could have any one — and only one — bike in the world, what would it be? I am not edumicated about bikes enough to know but I did stop to drool over a baby blue Orbea Orca just the other day.

Do you already have that coveted dream bike? See above

If you had to choose one — and only one — bike route to do every day for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why? I am still looking for the perfect ride

Do you ride both road and mountain bikes? If both, which do you prefer and why? If only one or the other, why are you so narrow minded? Both, prefer the mountain bike most of the time- it commands more mental juggling.

Have you ever ridden a recumbent? If so, why? If not, describe the circumstances under which you would ride a recumbent. no and uh no

Have you ever raced a triathlon? If so, have you also ever tried strangling yourself with dental floss? I'm trying to learn to swim so I can. Yes it's much like strangling myself with dental floss.


Suppose you were forced to either give up ice cream or bicycles for the rest of your life. Which would you give up, and why? Ice cream. But ask me if I'd give up cheesecake and the answer might be different.

If you could race anyone in a mountain bike race, who would it be? Race? what's that?

You’re riding your bike in the wilderness (if you’re a roadie, you’re on a road, but otherwise the surroundings are quite wilderness-like) and you see a bear. The bear sees you. What do you do? See earlier answer about peeing pants and not being the last one away.

What is a question you think this questionnaire should have asked, but has not? Also, answer it.
What is the deal with "kits"? I think it gives straight men who ride bikes a chance to express their inner fashionistas without reprisal.

If you could get one other person to love biking as much as you, who would it be? My kid so I wouldn't have to feel guilty every time I leave her for a long ride.