PeterE wrote:
I thought this was a very good (although distinctly pessimistic) article by Simon Barnes in yesterday's
Times:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/ ... 13,00.htmlCycling left dying on its wheels amid overdose of greed, contempt and sham
Agree with you. Yes - they can cheat without detection as well.
My second son, "terrible twin" Nick. I call him this because he has an eye for the girls; I fined him for smoking, disobeying my strict curfew on time-keeping. (I expect my kids in my house within reason of time I expect them home. I do expect a little tardiness - but not
hours ) ; sassing at me; sassing at Wildy (he lost there - I do not even dare sass at my wife.
)
But I expect challenges - and - basically he's good, balanced and moral in base nature. I do not really have or need any worries there.
Anyway, as you know - terrible twins are learning to drive and so far - results show mature approaches and they appear to be as steady and comptetent as their older brother. I am relieved - especially with Nick as we have sparred a lot as father and son - mainly because his young hormones are inspiring him to challenge me.
I expect this anyway
He's normal.
Anyway - I hesitate to post as a bit like boasting about my second son. I am very proud of him. I do admit this.
OK. My second son won a place in the UK national fencing team and looks set for inclusion in the UK's Commonwealth and Olympic Team.
He is rather agile and fit. I do not know where this talent came from either.
Swiss mob are known for alpine sports and I play rugby and golf for my own fun - but medium average. I am no Tiger Woods at golf and no where near the standard of excellence demanded by professional rugby clubs. Cycling-wise - fit enough for leisure rides but not at all a serious contender for any serious competition. I think IG could cut it though
He would....
Anyway - my second son competes. He has to produce samples as routine. As result - we have to watch what he eats and if he's ill - we have to be aware of the medication and we notify his coach as well. If the medication contains a taboo ingredient - Nick cannot compete until his body is clear. Family regards its name and reputation as "sacrosanct." Fortunately, our youngsters respect this
But.. for the "Tour" - winning means a lot. The reputation of the Tour de France/ Tour de Suisse and the Tour of Britain mean a lot to these nationsand those competing too.
Bringing into disrepute places cycling's image as a sport as tarnished and it really does undermine any campaign to get bums on saddles as it conveys a negative image that cycling is anything but a "gentle exercise"
People will associate cycling with the hard work which can only be achievable with the help of some drug to enhance the effort. It does undo all the CTC and Bike week effort to encourage people to take up a form of exercise which they would actually rather
enjoy
Of course - I stress- not the case and will urge people to get on a bike. Contact CTC and book a lesson with an approved instructor near you to gain confidence on the roads if returning. Contact local councils for "safe routes" ; practice on routes you know to be "quiet" and just ride to your own strengths and build the stamina, muscles and exertise. Never over-extend - it demoralises
Ride to your own strength and stamina. You will be amazed at how much you improve each day!
I do ride my bike and enjoy.
I do drive my cars and enjoy.
I do accept cycling pointss of view as a result - but will say tht COAST principles are the way forward for all road users.
For record I will say that safespeed is not at all anti-cycling nor even unsympathetic to those who are disabled.
The campaign is not even about increasing any speed limit (even though I personaly see no reason not to increase motorway speed limits to 80 or even 90 mph
The campaign is questioning the logic of replacing police with automation.
We simply want fair play, common sense and safety for all; pedestrians, cyclistss, horse riders, bikers, car drivers, van drivers 4 x drivers, mini bus drivers, bus drivers, coach drivers, truck drivers and juggernaut drivers
_
To the lurking critics -- does this satisfy as to waht we all ask for?