This is the most impassioned piece of cycling journalism I have read in years. It reflects everything that attracted me to the sport as both a participant and a spectator. Thanks, Kate.
I read your piece posted on Cycling News about the Itzulia Basque Country today and found myself captivated. One Google search later (with a very interesting detour into offensive home architecture) I found myself here. I love journalism (most especially with bicycling) where the author presents a thread or three and weaves them together to give the reader more than a simple retelling of what just happened.
Seriously. If you ever write a book about cycling, bike racing, or blatently offensive home architecture, I'll buy it.
Kate, I am an 80 year old reader (and fan of yours). Please do not succumb to your battles. I am trying to engage with mime. The people you write of are your heroes. You are one of mine! Blessings to you and all whom you love!
You pour yourself into these pieces like our heroes empty themselves into those races that captivate us, spurring us onward to our meager personal heights of momentary, illusory glory. Thank you again, Kate
Kate, so many of us have felt that desperation of the bonk...but what a lovely piece of writing, thank you. While I agree with the description of our current world, I want to suggest a bit of excellent non-fiction by Rutger Bregman. His "Humankind" can shine light on a better world perspective, as "Factfulness" by Hans Rosling.
Keep it up, Kate, the cycling world needs your skill.
While I really enjoy your blog, have to say, I don't entirely agree on your observation of Primož, as crashing in the leader's jersey seems to be his modus operandi to the point it's been a running joke for years with my partner in our household that he needs to take some lessons from Chantal Blaak who can't seem to win a race without crashing -- maybe you've noticed too, she's up there but not making the right moves and looking sort of awkward like she might get eighth if she's lucky until she crashes at which time we know she will win. And she does. There really needs to be a middle ground between the two that could have them both winning a lot more.
His brilliant ride in the Tour last year seemed inspired by the calming presence of having his friend Tadej by his side. Kind of like race horses who have to travel with a favorite goat, donkey, or pony otherwise they're just not inspired to run. Given his background in ski jump, I think Primoz has no sense of fear and in showing the ropes to his young protege was able to ride a bit more sensibly than were he just the outsider still not sure if he's a bike racer or not.
He's a bike racer and while he did crash twice, he avoided the third crash into the wall on the descent near the end and finished brilliantly. Particularly after dislocating his shoulder in the first crash which really seemed more like a freak pack crash rather than his usual nervous crashing alone first day in the yellow on a descent. To me his ride in Paris-Nice seemed more like a trial by fire where he met his demon and won. Something he'll hopefully further refine to find his way to the top step of the podium in Paris. He's a brilliant athlete.
I love this. Never forget how rare and unique you are Kate. Thank you for writing this, it has helped me!
This is the most impassioned piece of cycling journalism I have read in years. It reflects everything that attracted me to the sport as both a participant and a spectator. Thanks, Kate.
I read your piece posted on Cycling News about the Itzulia Basque Country today and found myself captivated. One Google search later (with a very interesting detour into offensive home architecture) I found myself here. I love journalism (most especially with bicycling) where the author presents a thread or three and weaves them together to give the reader more than a simple retelling of what just happened.
Seriously. If you ever write a book about cycling, bike racing, or blatently offensive home architecture, I'll buy it.
I learned the Lake Michigan tailwind lesson the hard way on a Divy bike. You made me remember what it felt like.
great read - thank you
Kate, I am an 80 year old reader (and fan of yours). Please do not succumb to your battles. I am trying to engage with mime. The people you write of are your heroes. You are one of mine! Blessings to you and all whom you love!
The secret is doing it together.
Thank you Kate. I've never been as moved by a piece about cycling as I was by this.
You pour yourself into these pieces like our heroes empty themselves into those races that captivate us, spurring us onward to our meager personal heights of momentary, illusory glory. Thank you again, Kate
Kate, so many of us have felt that desperation of the bonk...but what a lovely piece of writing, thank you. While I agree with the description of our current world, I want to suggest a bit of excellent non-fiction by Rutger Bregman. His "Humankind" can shine light on a better world perspective, as "Factfulness" by Hans Rosling.
Keep it up, Kate, the cycling world needs your skill.
boy your story really rang some bells for me / great writing / i like you
While I really enjoy your blog, have to say, I don't entirely agree on your observation of Primož, as crashing in the leader's jersey seems to be his modus operandi to the point it's been a running joke for years with my partner in our household that he needs to take some lessons from Chantal Blaak who can't seem to win a race without crashing -- maybe you've noticed too, she's up there but not making the right moves and looking sort of awkward like she might get eighth if she's lucky until she crashes at which time we know she will win. And she does. There really needs to be a middle ground between the two that could have them both winning a lot more.
His brilliant ride in the Tour last year seemed inspired by the calming presence of having his friend Tadej by his side. Kind of like race horses who have to travel with a favorite goat, donkey, or pony otherwise they're just not inspired to run. Given his background in ski jump, I think Primoz has no sense of fear and in showing the ropes to his young protege was able to ride a bit more sensibly than were he just the outsider still not sure if he's a bike racer or not.
He's a bike racer and while he did crash twice, he avoided the third crash into the wall on the descent near the end and finished brilliantly. Particularly after dislocating his shoulder in the first crash which really seemed more like a freak pack crash rather than his usual nervous crashing alone first day in the yellow on a descent. To me his ride in Paris-Nice seemed more like a trial by fire where he met his demon and won. Something he'll hopefully further refine to find his way to the top step of the podium in Paris. He's a brilliant athlete.
Impressive survey of the beauty of the cycling world from the elite to the discreet. Chapeau!
Great stuff—particularly as a former Chicagoan who knows every centimeter of the LFP. Heard of you from The Cycling Podcast reference.
Wow! Great, great writing. Thanks.
This is really lovely writing. Beautifully crafted and evocative sentences. Thank you.