So when you’re tired of blowing money, facing endless miles of windshield time, counting calories, trainer-time, charting power, incompetent teammates, worthless training diaries, analyzing heartrates, self-denial, rolling in crappy weather because you have to, idiotic directors, saying ‘no’ to life, dried-up sponsorship, you may find that zen moment. It doesn’t matter.
You are ready to be an ex/bikeracer.
Embrace the freedom and realize you can be that kid again who rides just because they can. Take each opportunity to spin as it comes and don’t ever take it for granted. The wind in your face is a fleeting pleasure, and tomorrow it may not happen. The smile on your face as you know you’ve been blessed to spend your time doing something you love. All you had to do is find that love once again.
Where's the kid who used to ride because they COULD?
You are finding out what it feels like to be an ex/bikeracer.
Cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts. Dirty khakis. Sneakers. Underwear. You don’t need a kit to roll out the door. You don’t mind looking… normal.
You are finding your way to the freedom of an ex/bikeracer.
Pizza, alfredo, wine, hamburgers, steaks, bread, desserts, beer, biscuits and gravy, pancakes with extra butter, whiskey, cookies become part of your diet.
You just don’t care and you’re an ex/bikeracer.
I’ve always gotten a giggle from the pimps at www.drunkcyclist.com, but they finally hit the ball out of the park with this post “Son of Cycling”.
O-Dawg & I got a laugh out of how right it is, and shows where people can become disillusioned, ultimately disenfranchised with the sport and the inherent crap.
Forever, a son of cycling, I’m not original by any strech of the imagination. My efforts and my abilities only in the realm of average like so many others. In the same turn, as I followed my heros into that old world, I again am thankful that others have laid the way for me, establishing this new idea, where I have again found my love of cycling and the wonders that it can bring. wandering, as far as my legs will take me. Life is indeed good. One just needs to find a way to see that.
Makes me want to redec the Fujina as the touring rig and hit the road for some FUN 
