Cyclists and Attraction

03.11.2010 | 1:31 pm

IMG_0272.jpgThe honeymoon is over. Not in the “we’ve started making passive-aggressive comments veiled as harmlessly sarcastic observations” sense, but rather in the sense that The Runner and I are back from our honeymoon.

The truth is, what we called a “honeymoon,” many people would have called an intense five-day training camp. Hard hikes, long runs, mountain biking, and road biking. And a lot of Mexican food (we weren’t in Mexico; we both just like Mexican food).

It was perfect. And I have many stories to tell.

But today — because I’m still feeling all lovey-dovey — I’m going to talk about the oddities I’ve recently learned about when cyclists make a love connection.

Attire

If you ride a bike for enough years, it permanently warps your sense of fashion. This happens in stages.

  1. Revulsion. When you first start riding, you find cycling clothes off-putting. The jerseys are too tight, and the colors are ridiculous. The shorts are obscene, and the chamois, well, it makes you look foolish and awkward.
  2. Acceptance. After a time, you realize that bright jerseys help motorists see you, the polyester wicks sweat pretty well, the tight fit keeps the jersey from flapping in the wind or inflating like a kite, and those tight lycra shorts — chamois and all — do a good job of keeping your legs from chafing and don’t get in the way of your ride.
  3. Enjoyment. After riding long enough, you begin to associate the pleasure of cycling with the clothes you wear while cycling, and somehow your head makes you think that you actually like the clothes themselves.

To this commonly-accepted (even though I just made it up) progression, I would add a fourth step: Attraction. Specifically, I have — a number of times — told The Runner that my favorite look for her is when she’s suited up for a ride: hair in a ponytail poking through the back of her helmet, no makeup at all, shorts, jersey, biking socks and shoes on.

Oh, and I dig the fingerless gloves, too.

The Runner, as near as I can tell, does not believe that I am telling the truth, but I swear I am. My thinking is that people look their best when they are dressed to look like their true selves — in The Runner’s case, as an athlete (i.e., she looks just as good when suited up to run).

I can’t be the only one who thinks this way. Can I get an “amen” from guys who think their women (or women in general) look their hottest when on a bike?

And as for you women, well. The Runner, on a group ride a couple weeks ago, confided to me, “There are five guys in tight shorts with extremely nice butts, right in front of me. I love road rides.”

To which I responded, “You are not allowed to ride with men, ever again. Ever.”

Impressing the Opposite Sex

This part is not really unique to cycling, but as a 43.75-year old man, I would have thought I’d be immune to it. Turns out I’m not.

The part I’m referring to is, of course, the male impulse to do something stupid, in the hopes that a particular female will not think it’s stupid, but rather that it’s awesomely sexy and stuff.

I wonder if that has ever worked?

In any case, I bring this up because last Friday, The Runner and I arrived in St. George in the early afternoon, and found — to our surprise — that it was sunny and warm outside. We quickly made our way to the Bear Claw Poppy trail (which means, I think, that this trail was named after a couple of different kinds of pastries).

Neither of us had ever ridden the trail before; both of us were on singlespeeds. I led out, and shortly came upon a group of guys with big-hit full suspension rigs, all looking down at the approach to a drop. Another from their group were at the edge of the drop, looking over. I could not see what was beyond that edge.

Nobody was going.

The Runner rolled up to the edge to have a look, at which point I had a really awesome idea: I would just go ride it.

So I did. Butt over the back seat, rear brake feathered, front brake untouched.

I got to the edge of the drop and saw — to my relief and pleasure — that it was not beyond my ability. Not even close, really. So I rode it, then stopped and scooped up and threw leaves into the air, while thumping my chest and shouting “Ook Ook OOOOK.”

And then for the rest of the trail, whenever there were markings saying that the trail was easier in one direction and harder in another, I’d take the harder direction. Hoping to impress my woman.

I did all this, by the way, after we had been married, meaning that — I think — I had done all the mate-attracting stunts necessary.

Which just goes to show — and I believe I may not be the first person to assert this — men are dumb.

I could point out, by the way, that none of this was anywhere near as dumb as — having finally recovered from hip flexor pain that lasted a month and prevented me from running even once in weeks — I went ahead and did a half-marathon-distance run with The Runner the next day, just to show that I’m every bit as smart as a bar of soap.

102 Comments

  1. Comment by RedheadedStepchild | 03.11.2010 | 1:34 pm

    My last GF was training for a tri, and she’d come riding with me. It was hard to have a conversation cause I kept getting distracted. Beautiful woman, in tights clothes, riding a bike, with me. Drooool

  2. Comment by Bo | 03.11.2010 | 1:39 pm

    An emphatic AMEN on my lady when she’s kitted up. You couldn’t be more right. Welcome back! We missed you!!!

  3. Comment by Rose | 03.11.2010 | 1:41 pm

    And I’ll give an emphatic AMEN to “men are dumb”!!

  4. Comment by SuomiTri | 03.11.2010 | 1:41 pm

    ha ha. evolution seems to apply to all species….except man.

  5. Comment by NoTrail | 03.11.2010 | 1:43 pm

    Do you see that? It’s a woman in cycling gear, son. Nothing else in the world looks like that. I love the look of a woman in cycling gear in the morning!

    Oh yeah … Welcome back.

  6. Comment by Frankenhip | 03.11.2010 | 1:44 pm

    I must admit I have always found road cycling to be a spectator sport – I agree with with Runner as to why!

  7. Comment by jen | 03.11.2010 | 1:46 pm

    I like my guy in his bike gear even when it is his strange baggy shorts with these odd straps everywhere and an extremely ugly green jersey – It’s his calves that make me drool.

  8. Comment by KathyE | 03.11.2010 | 1:51 pm

    I will chime in with a hearty “Amen Sister” to the site of hardcore male road cyclists from behind (one good reason to watch the Tour…).

    And what all that hard core cycling does to a mann’s behind is heavenly. Too bad I can’t even begin to keep up with them!

    And calves are so incredibly sexy to me. I love to ride behind my man and watch all the muscles working in his legs. It’s better than almost any other aphrodisiac…

  9. Comment by Geo | 03.11.2010 | 1:57 pm

    Nice nail polish Fatty. That color is really you. The Runner kind of has “man hands” though…

  10. Comment by Nicole | 03.11.2010 | 2:02 pm

    My plan is to meet the man of my dreams at the top of the tough local hill climb. This is, of course, after I handily dropped him in the last mile of the climb and beat him to the top.

  11. Comment by Heidi | 03.11.2010 | 2:05 pm

    Welcome back!

    So that wasn’t you at the Academy Awards? I’m so confused…

  12. Comment by Lucas | 03.11.2010 | 2:12 pm

    “Can I get an Amen!”

    Amen to that.

  13. Comment by Sasha | 03.11.2010 | 2:16 pm

    Yup, men are dumb. Not two ways about it. Has something to do with testoterone I think. :)

    So glad you are back! New posts and they include info on The Runner! :) Yay!

  14. Comment by The Runner | 03.11.2010 | 2:19 pm

    Your awesome riding on Bear Claw Poppy did not go unnoticed. Your moves and your calves continually entertained me. I think I am the luckiest Runner that has ever lived! I love you Fatty!

    And Fatty… will you promise me that you won’t tell ALL of OUR stories?? :)

  15. Comment by Heather S | 03.11.2010 | 2:21 pm

    Wheee! Funny. Because it’s true. Cyclists are a very good looking group of people, and we like to dress like superheros.

  16. Comment by Thomas | 03.11.2010 | 2:23 pm

    I can add another “amen” to that.

    Come to think of it, I don’t ‘get’ makeup at all – healthy women always look better without it, and those not so healty just look scary with it.

  17. Comment by dug | 03.11.2010 | 2:27 pm

    to call men stupid would be an insult to stupid people.

    i looked it up.

  18. Comment by UpNorth | 03.11.2010 | 2:28 pm

    One of the old guys in my club (he’s 60+) commented at the end of our road ride that he would now be able to recognize all the women solely by our behinds. He felt confident that he could pick us out in the river valley, on our bikes – anywhere.

    I’m still not sure what to think of that…

  19. Comment by Jeff R. | 03.11.2010 | 2:34 pm

    It’s good to have you back, Fatty!

  20. Comment by Bashzilla | 03.11.2010 | 2:36 pm

    Amen… snug lycra and jersey over a fit body… nothing better.

  21. Comment by NYCCarlos | 03.11.2010 | 2:37 pm

    Amen. Immediately forwarding this post to the girlfriend.

  22. Comment by Chuck | 03.11.2010 | 2:39 pm

    Fatty, you are NOT dumb, you’re a guy. I feel for you bro.

  23. Comment by Jase | 03.11.2010 | 2:42 pm

    Fantastic, and correct, post Fatty.

    Congrats again you two.

  24. Comment by Jason | 03.11.2010 | 2:48 pm

    Men are dumb.. I just registered for my first ever mountain bike race. I chose a 6 hour solo endurance ride. Oh dear.

  25. Comment by Nic Grillo | 03.11.2010 | 2:53 pm

    Amen brother! Nothing better than watching my wife head out the door in her running gear. Now if only I can convince her to get a bike…

  26. Comment by Roses | 03.11.2010 | 2:54 pm

    Back in January, I started reading your blog from the beginning. (Thank NPR) I was excited to finally catch up to you at present day. What did I find when I caught up to you? Very old postings because you were on honeymoon! How funny is that?

    Congrats, glad your back, and is it ok for a non-cyclist to wear a TwinSix jersey with baggy cotton shorts? I ask, ya know, because you are the authority on fashion.

  27. Comment by Drew | 03.11.2010 | 2:57 pm

    Amen. High fives on the gorilla display, too.

  28. Comment by mountain_racer | 03.11.2010 | 2:59 pm

    Well Fatty, all I can say is “AMEN!” Well, not quite all. Last summer I took my “non-cyclist” wife to a Cervelo test day at a local shop. After riding on some VERY nice bicycles following my beautiful wife (clad in the only bike kit she owns) up a number of hills thinking I can’t get too used to this or she’ll drop me! We returned to the Cervelo van dropped of the bikes and headed home. In the car she turns to me and says “so that’s what riding a $2000 bike is all about, huh?” I turn to her and said “honey, the frame was $2000, the bike was closer to $4000.” Her response, “oh, it was still nice.”!

    I am currently building her up a bike :) I’ll enjoy (the view) following her up a few hill this summer, even if she does drop me!

  29. Comment by Jenn | 03.11.2010 | 3:01 pm

    Maybe not so much dumb as foolhardy. Which is kind of sweeet, really.

    @Jason – if you’re dumb, I’m right there with you. I’m signing up for a century road race in August, having never raced anyone for anything except maybe the last pork chop. Good luck to you!

  30. Comment by eclecticdeb | 03.11.2010 | 3:01 pm

    More than once I’ve commented that I must REALLY like my boyfriend’s butt — since I am generally looking at it during most of our rides together.

    It doesn’t hurt that he has a really nice tushy.

  31. Comment by Cyclin' Missy | 03.11.2010 | 3:09 pm

    Adorablely dumb male behavior! Your story is so endearing. And it’s true that athletes look great in athletic gear. My husband loves it when I kit up for a ride. I wish I could get him in some bike shorts and a jersey, too… ;)

  32. Comment by Kathleen Lisson | 03.11.2010 | 3:19 pm

    That’s why I love Lance so much! I believe the term is ‘pace booty.’
    I believe the solid logic behind your honeymoon behavior has to do with ‘buyer’s remorse.’ By seeking to prove to your blushing bride that you are the strong fearless man she fell in love with, she will not start thinking twice about marrying you.
    Kathleen

  33. Comment by Gordon In Melb, Australia | 03.11.2010 | 3:20 pm

    I have found a website/thread/blog that basically has photos of lovely lasses on or near a bike (with the rule being not too much “info” is to be displayed, but some are very risque).

    My wife just shrugs her head when she walks past the computer at home that has all these photos of scantily clad women as a screen saver.

    What can I say “I like bike and I like ladies”.

    I’d say “amen” but don’t want to start a religious debate.

  34. Comment by briebecca | 03.11.2010 | 3:20 pm

    It’s true. I met my husband all dirty and wet in my lycra after a 68 mile road ride during a mass bike trip. He walked over and handed me a beer and I said, “I think I love you”. 10 years later and we still love riding..

    Why was he all dirty and wet in your lycra? – FC

  35. Comment by DrBryce | 03.11.2010 | 3:27 pm

    Amen, amen, amen! I have a very nice photo of my wife in her full riding kit on the Redondo Beach Boardwalk. AM rides on the beach while the kids were in a training seminar. Now that was a vacation, or second honey-moon! Must have been the closest thing to what you’ve just finished, or rather begun with your new ‘brady-bunch’ adventure.

    “man hands”…. Ha, ha, ha, LOL! That comment was hilarious!

  36. Comment by dumb man | 03.11.2010 | 3:32 pm

    I call a foul on Gordon for describing the web site he found without provinding a link to the web site.

    Your consequence, Gordon, is that you must comment again and provide said link.

  37. Comment by AngieG | 03.11.2010 | 3:34 pm

    Amen to the Runner!! The way their muscles move through the pedal stroke…HooWahh!

    My primary reason for not complaining too much when I get dropped by the guys in the club. The view from the “dropped” perspective is truly heaven!!

  38. Comment by Kamala | 03.11.2010 | 3:35 pm

    My secret awesome interval training regimen: when a nice derriere passes, I keep it in view as long as possible. Good for both bike and run!

    Welcome home Fatty!

  39. Comment by roan | 03.11.2010 | 3:40 pm

    First to Fatty…AMEN, son. Know any women say about 20 years older than you ? (at that age it’s maybe 1 in 1000…no it’s 1 in 10000…no come to think about it IT IS 1 in a MILLION !
    To Jen (early posting) I’ve nice calves, my personel ones are from a long time cycling. My other ones, about a dozen are out on the back forty, I drool very time I look at them. AND back to Fatty…in about 20 years you will outgrow the need to impress. Maybe by then you will tell us ALL your stories.

  40. Comment by Eufemiano Fuentes | 03.11.2010 | 3:41 pm

    I don’t know. I have been out of the game for a while, but I believe that is a coke nail, no?

  41. Comment by Alyson | 03.11.2010 | 3:54 pm

    Ahmen to the Runner! It is very true that cycling gear looks really awesome on men with great bodies. And Kathleen ~ Love Lance…sexiest man on a bike (or anywhere else) EVER!!!

    Welcome back Elden & Lisa!!

  42. Comment by Grizzly Adam | 03.11.2010 | 4:00 pm

    You’re off and running!

    And now I know why I am always hungry after riding Bear Claw Poppy.

  43. Comment by Bobby! | 03.11.2010 | 4:04 pm

    Amen!

  44. Comment by Boz | 03.11.2010 | 4:19 pm

    Good work on impressing her with your very manly MTB abilities. No stitches, either, niiice! I remember back in high school talking to a young lady while standing in the open doorway of my car. On parting, I pulled the door closed by the open window frame. The door latched – on my fingers. She gave me that “What a dumb ass” look. No date for me.

  45. Comment by XCTiger | 03.11.2010 | 4:20 pm

    Cycling must be the only sport where it is not only OK to pay close attention to (i.e., stare at) the butts around you, but mandatory from from a safety standpoint.

    I was excited to hear the women following me on a group ride last year commenting on my great butt. Then was devastated to realize they were commenting on its aerodynamic qualities.

    Congrats on the marriage, and welcome back to the blogosphere…..

  46. Comment by KanyonKris | 03.11.2010 | 4:44 pm

    Dressed for cycling my wife looks hot.

  47. Comment by Gordon In Melb, Australia | 03.11.2010 | 5:29 pm

    Fatty, dumb man wants a link, but I don’t want to damage the reputation of your family orientated website without your permission.

    As I implied it is not pornographic, but pretty risque.

    If I get the all clear I will do it from my home computer as it is Friday morning here in Aus and I’m at work.

  48. Comment by rie | 03.11.2010 | 5:35 pm

    I just read the following passage from March Roach’s “Bonk – The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex” and had to share:

    “Lest you forget that Keystone is the alpha male, he does a conspicuous display every ten minutes or so, to remind you of it. He may bounce straight up and down, basketball-like, five or six times. Or he may leap up onto the chain-link fence and shake it by the lapels. It is the rhesus monkey equivalent of karate or doing donuts in the parking lot.”

    …or a 13-mile run or a huge drop on a single track. Anyway, welcome back! We missed you.

  49. Comment by Anonymous | 03.11.2010 | 7:25 pm

    Have you seen the movie, The Man from Snowy River? (same scene, horse instead of a bike)

  50. Comment by Pinoy Weekend Warrior | 03.11.2010 | 7:52 pm

    AMEN! Welcome back, Fatty!

  51. Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 03.11.2010 | 8:12 pm

    Thanks for the insight into the male mind! Funny as always – we’ve missed you. Congrats on the happy honeymoon!

  52. Comment by Dan O | 03.11.2010 | 8:16 pm

    Yup – girl racers and riders rock – and usually nice to look at…..

  53. Comment by Sylvia | 03.11.2010 | 8:18 pm

    I’m with the runner. I like my guy in bike shorts. It took me quite a while to get him to wear them though. I think he spent an abnormally long time in the revulsion stage. He is now a chamois connoisseur.

  54. Comment by Frank | 03.11.2010 | 9:02 pm

    Totally agree, fit women in cycling gear are hot! Now, being available again, where do I do stupid manly stuff and show off my tight behind to attract one of these? East coast ladies, where are you hiding at?

  55. Comment by MVSC | 03.11.2010 | 9:32 pm

    congratulations + welcome back!

  56. Comment by Anonymous | 03.11.2010 | 9:47 pm

    AMEN

  57. Comment by jen | 03.11.2010 | 9:58 pm

    to Roan, our trails are made and distroyed by those calves’ mothers.

    Here’s to this summers earned bugers and beer(IPA).Daylight savings this weekend which means game-on for afterwork rides.

  58. Comment by Andrew | 03.12.2010 | 1:04 am

    Was that a “George of the Jungle” reference? Awesome.

  59. Comment by Bicycle Bill | 03.12.2010 | 3:03 am

    Commenting on the rings, not the blog entry.

    I certainly hope that those are not titanium rings you and the Runner are wearing. While they are trendy and look cool, should anything happen to you that would require the removal of the rings by hospital ER personnel, be advised that a lot of ERs do not have equipment capable of cutting through titanium. Which means that, if you should fall and do something to your arm, hand, or fingers that would cause the fingers to swell, they’ve got no way to get those rings off. I’ll leave it to your imagination as to what might result.

    Not trying to be a fearmonger, but just a word of advice….
    -”BB”-

  60. Comment by Anonymous | 03.12.2010 | 5:38 am

    According to Snopes.com, being unable to cut off titanium rings is an urban legend. Google it- there’s lots of info.

  61. Comment by Cardiac Kid | 03.12.2010 | 6:50 am

    Congratulations again and welcome back Runner and Fatty.

  62. Comment by Fuzzy | 03.12.2010 | 7:02 am

    Hey Fatty,

    Don’t go getting all possesive with She Who Must Be Obeyed (SWMBO) cos she notices that lycra shorts make butts look awesome. I bet you could spend many a happy hour in SWMBO wheel tracks admiring the effects of lycra on her (what is probably an awesome) derrier.

    Just go with the flow.

    Lycra- gods gift to the window shopper!

    Luv ‘n Stuff
    Fuzzy from the UK

  63. Comment by Kamil | 03.12.2010 | 7:53 am

    Women look a lot better in cycling/running clothes, and I have to admit that I feel much “sexier” when I put on that cycling jersey. I think that might contribute to doing the ridiculous things we do, as men. I wonder if women know they look better in athletic attire. Specifically the form fitting Lycra.

    High-Five from the National Capital of Canada!

  64. Comment by nrob | 03.12.2010 | 7:55 am

    My husband rides for “CIS” (chicks in spandex). Good thing I wear spandex too!

  65. Comment by Mike Robson | 03.12.2010 | 8:34 am

    AMEN brother. I tell my wife every time she gets dolled up for dinner she is wasting her time. She cannot be anymore beautiful then when going for a run with her hair pulled thru the back of a cap. She does not ride often but when she does it is a special treat.

  66. Comment by SkinnyCyclist | 03.12.2010 | 8:39 am

    I agree! I think my wife looks her hottest when dressed for a workout (and a bike ride especially) Lucky for me she is a fitness instructor and I get to see it every day.

  67. Comment by Guest | 03.12.2010 | 9:06 am

    AMEN!

  68. Comment by Chris | 03.12.2010 | 9:13 am

    I give you two great big AMEN’s….one for men being dumb (thats a no brainer) and the other for cycling gear making even the most average woman look like a model…

  69. Comment by bikemike | 03.12.2010 | 9:18 am

    did it hurt to suck in your gut for a whole week?

    is being dumber than a bar of soap, dumber than a bag of hammers?

  70. Comment by Andrew | 03.12.2010 | 10:39 am

    How’d you get rid of your hip flexor pain? I’ve had problems for months after deciding to do a lousy 5k. (I hate running.)

    I didn’t get rid of it; it just got down to a manageable level. So of course I ran 13 miles. I can barely walk now. – FC

  71. Comment by dogwood | 03.12.2010 | 10:43 am

    Amen!

  72. Comment by briebecca | 03.12.2010 | 10:53 am

    LOL. Of course, it was me that was all wet and dirty! I should have written that better -used a comma or something. Anyway.. congrats on the marriage!

  73. Comment by Carl | 03.12.2010 | 11:07 am

    Great post Fatty and I’m glad you and The Runner had a fantastic honeymoon.

  74. Comment by MattC | 03.12.2010 | 11:40 am

    “I didn’t get rid of it; it just got down to a manageable level. So of course I ran 13 miles. I can barely walk now. – FC”

    This running thing…you’ve GOT to get it out of your system and get back on the bike(s). Contrary to what some unknown (grin!) guy said, it IS about the bike! It’s ALL about the bike(s)! We need to have an intervention I guess. When are you available? How about July 10th/11th? In San Jose?

  75. Comment by SYJ | 03.12.2010 | 11:55 am

    Congrates, Fatty & Runner. And, ahem, AMEN!

  76. Comment by Steph | 03.12.2010 | 12:10 pm

    The only thing better than men in spandex is men in see-thru spandex. It’s the female equivalent of the spin instructor in the low-cut top.

    Congratulations on your wedding and what sounds like a perfect honeymoon.

  77. Comment by Debora | 03.12.2010 | 12:25 pm

    I must agree that the cycling gear is very hot and when you add the nice tush and legs, I don’t stand a chance! I, too, forwarded this post to my friend who happens to have all the above attributes. Thanks!!!

  78. Comment by Korymu | 03.12.2010 | 12:36 pm

    Any guy out there who doesn’t think women cyclists are hot I have two words for you… Liz Hatchlizhatch.jpg

  79. Comment by NYCCarlos | 03.12.2010 | 3:19 pm

    There’s also victoria pendleton…

    VictoriaPendletonOlympickit2008.jpg

  80. Comment by Kate | 03.12.2010 | 3:28 pm

    Continuing on with the comments… where do I find a guy about 20 years younger who feels the same way?

    Glad you had a good honeymoon!

  81. Comment by Yitzhak (Isaac) Ben-Moshe | 03.12.2010 | 4:11 pm

    Amen, amen selah! And blessings on the inventor of the jog bra!

  82. Comment by Greg @ Greg Rides Trails | 03.12.2010 | 4:50 pm

    AMEN on the sexiness! My wife looks so hot in spandex! That being said, I bought her a pair of baggies to wear because I don’t want anyone else checking her out, haha! That girl is all mine!

    Oh yes, I’ve done many a stupid thing to impress a girl before. Luckily, I haven’t embarrassed myself too much in the process.

  83. Comment by Jenn | 03.12.2010 | 5:26 pm

    @korymu…I’m 100% hetero. That said…DAYUM!!!

  84. Comment by Derron | 03.12.2010 | 7:23 pm

    Hey Fatty! I just you and your lovely new riding partner heading down South Suncrest. You were in the lead, but she was riding with much more style and finesse (and of course better looks)! You make a great pair. Can’t wait to see you guys at the local races (and the roads and trails around here) this spring! Don’t ever let the honeymoon end!

  85. Comment by judi | 03.12.2010 | 8:00 pm

    yes, and wetsuits. dominic loves to see me in the wetsuit. gear of any type pleases him. :) he loves to go to dicks and have me try on different outfits, :)

    congrats on your new found happiness.

    xxoo!

  86. Comment by Anssi | 03.13.2010 | 6:02 am

    AMEN BROTHA!

  87. Comment by Kristen | 03.14.2010 | 1:35 am

    My fiance regularly slaps me on the ass when I am in my bike shorts.
    I return the favor :-)

  88. Comment by Bicycle Bill | 03.14.2010 | 10:20 am

    I stand corrected on the Ti rings. Thanks for the info, and I really appreciate the lack of snarkiness that could have accompanied it.
    -”BB”-

  89. Comment by sarah | 03.14.2010 | 2:21 pm

    it’s been said, but i’d also like to add +1 to boys in spandex!

  90. Comment by kalli@fitandfortysomething | 03.14.2010 | 5:32 pm

    very cute….personally i think my husband looks extremely sexy in his biking clothes too!

  91. Comment by Lisa B in Seattle | 03.14.2010 | 7:07 pm

    There’s a reason cycling is the only professional sports I will watch on TV. ;)

    Congrats, Elden & Lisa – may the honeymoon never end!

  92. Comment by John | 03.14.2010 | 8:06 pm

    OK Iron couple-

    Time for some serious recon reports on the St George course. Did you run the IM Marathon loop? Is it crawl on your knees steep like it looks on the course profile? I need to know if I should be training on a treadmill, a Stair Master or a Versa-climber.

    P.S. I just ordered an 808 with a PowerTap hub for St George…I may even be able to hold you off on the bike ;-)

    There is very little flat on that course — except for the mile and change connecting the transition area to Bluff street, you’re always going up or down. Which suits me — I don’t like the flats. It is not evil-steep, however. ‘Course, that’s easy for me to say when I’m running it fresh. My guess is I will walk almost all of it during the actual race. – FC

  93. Comment by Chris Betterton | 03.15.2010 | 6:15 am

    As well as wholeheartedly agreeing with the whole “girlfriend / wife kitted up for biking / running is uber hot” thing, I’d also like to point out that she’s even hotter when she points out to you the girl cyclist coming the other way with, shall we say, not the most aerodynamic but apparently still very impressive and highly visible cleavage, as happened to me yesterday.

    And to add to the “men are dumb” thing, because we were riding laps of Richmond Park in London, I spent the next two hours not really concentrating on what I was doing, because I was busy trying to spot said girl cyclist coming the other way.

    Didn’t see her again though :-(

  94. Comment by Jay Peitzer | 03.15.2010 | 7:56 am

    We’re not dumb….REALLY. It’s the testosterone. It’s what I call tetosterone poisoning. It clouds your brain and makes you do dumb things. OK….we’re dumb.

  95. Comment by Matt | 03.15.2010 | 11:14 am

    amen. two times.

  96. Comment by Constantin | 03.16.2010 | 4:16 am

    Oh yes! I find myself in dumb situations for the very same reason – to impress my lady.

    So true what you said about the cycling wear – I would wear it anywhere now :-).

    Greeting from Romania!

  97. Comment by Marc | 03.16.2010 | 11:07 am

    Yea for the Bear Claw Poppy trail! When we were in St George, everyone told us it was an awesome trail… but for some reason, we avoided it until the last day. Bad, bad mistake…

    Great post!

  98. Comment by MRangel | 03.17.2010 | 1:14 am

    Amen

  99. Comment by triathlon bike | 07.20.2010 | 10:09 pm

    Great post. Very informative. Site has been added to my RSS feed for later browsing.

  100. Comment by triathlon wetsuit | 07.20.2010 | 10:13 pm

    Very informative post. So site will be popular day by day.

  101. Comment by Angie | 03.10.2011 | 1:19 pm

    HA HAA! I always feel completely androgynous when I ride. I have only been a rider since I’ve been involved with the man who is now my husband, so I never had the opportunity to view biking from a single mindset. Maybe I would have noticed hot guys in that case, but the way I am now, I simply think about the ride, competition with every single rider I see (whether it’s a race or not), and improving my skills and speed. If I saw a hot guy in a group ride, I would size him up only so I could tell if he’s so fast he’ll ramp up the speed of a group road ride, or so inexperienced he’ll be dangerous to draft behind. In the woods, I size up men to see if I could beat them in a race or not. My competitive nature has me comparing myself to every other rider’s ability level. If they’re better than me, I latch onto them in order to learn from them. If they’re slower than me, I tend to ignore them unless they ask me a question or give me a compliment. I’m a bit elitist, I think….

  102. Comment by dentist high point | 05.31.2011 | 5:07 am

    More than already I’ve commented that I charge REALLY like my boyfriend’s base — back I am about attractive at it during best of our rides together.

 

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