It’s not what I do. It’s who I am… and who I’d like to be for a long, long time.

[Certifried]

Awesome story

[Dirt]

Thank you, sir. Kinda takes the sting out of a training setback, injury while commuting or a bad ride. We’ve all got many decades to get it right.

Life is the journey… not the destination.

[KLizotte]

Very inspirational that these guys are still going strong (70s!!!!) and whipping your arse I guess that’s what happens when you’re retired and can spend every day out biking. I hope you have time to enjoy the scenery while huffing and puffing away. Are the drivers there more respectful of cyclists?

[Dirt]

Two things…

1) The elder statesman of the group is turning 79 or 80 this year… I forget which. Every time Colnago comes out with a new Ferrari model, he buys one. He’s skinny as a rail, tattooed over most of his visible skin and wrinkled like a raisin. He freaking kicks butt. 2009 was the first time I could even begin to hang with him on a climb.

2) Italian drivers are insane. They are all over the place…. driving fast, passing blind and doing so while gesturing with both hands… one out the window, the other on the passenger side of the car. Even with all that, they’re TOTALLY respectful of cyclists and giving us room. I’m 100% comfy on the tiniest of mountain roads or busy streets in town. People are used to having bikes on the road. It takes a while to get used to the unofficial rules of the road. It takes me a few days of riding with the club to get back in the swing of it.

Here are some examples of roads that we ride:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrogringo/3665060395

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrogringo/3665864658

Keep in mind that those are 2-way roads and that most of the road edges don’t have guard rails…. the ones that do really only make it so that you go over the cliff upside down.

[acc]

Two way? Dear God, that hardly looks much wider than the W&OD. I wonder if flying off the cliff upside down would make you more aerodynamic, or just allow you to drop like rock and get the handlebars neatly implanted into your forehead? My goodness you’re brave.

[KLizotte]

Those roads are what we call MUPs here in the good ol’ USA. Ain’t no way two American born SUVs are gonna pass each other down those roads. I’d want a siren on my bike going full blast the entire time.

Wow.

[Bilsko]

@Dirt 39937 wrote:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrogringo/3665060395

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrogringo/3665864658

Madonne!

Your post reminded me of a fellow rider who I had the good fortune to share the road with on the inaugural NYC–>DC Climate Ride back in 2009.
If I recall correctly, he celebrated is 70th or 75th birthday on day 3 of the 300mile, 5 day ride.

[TwoWheelsDC]

Awesome post…definitely helps me cope with my fear aging to see these guys riding stronger than I can ever hope to.

Slightly OT, but Pete I’ll have to get some info from you about riding out there. Wife and I will be in Nice in July for TdF, and she wants to ride up the coast to Monaco.

[Dirt]

@TwoWheelsDC 39948 wrote:

Awesome post…definitely helps me cope with my fear aging to see these guys riding stronger than I can ever hope to.

Slightly OT, but Pete I’ll have to get some info from you about riding out there. Wife and I will be in Nice in July for TdF, and she wants to ride up the coast to Monaco.

We may be there too, though I think we’re aiming for August. Depends a little on when the family apartment is available.

[krazygl00]

That Facebook photo of the old gents (especially the bigger guy on the far right) gives me comfort and hope for the future.

[Dirt]

@krazygl00 39969 wrote:

That Facebook photo of the old gents (especially the bigger guy on the far right) gives me comfort and hope for the future.

It wasn’t that long ago that I was 50+ pounds heavier than I am now and had serious problems with my lungs that made riding very difficult.

[pfunkallstar]

Absolutely fantastic story. Biking is stability. No matter how crazy the rest of life gets, my pedals will most likely turn and my wheels will most likely roll. I can chew on any thought or nothing at all while I’m in the saddle. That is freedom.

[krazygl00]

@Dirt 39974 wrote:

It wasn’t that long ago that I was 50+ pounds heavier than I am now and had serious problems with my lungs that made riding very difficult.

Been there (I’m actually kind of “there” right now), and it is an awful feeling. I have a weakness for good times, good beer and good food, and I certainly had my fill this holiday season coupled with a lack of miles on the bike. Time to get back at it so I can be in reasonably good shape for Spring.

[Terpfan]

Cool posting and impressive you’re riding some of those roads. I remember traversing some of the mountains in different parts of Italy in a litte Fiat. The poor thing would sound like the little engine that could puttering up some of the inclines and that’s not pedal powered. Flip side, I really would love to go back to the countryside in some areas like San Gimnigano (sp?) and ride. Envious!

[Dickie]

Wonderful story, and so well written as always. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, we all need inspiration and you sir continue to provide it to the rest of us, cheers!

[Author]

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