Autumn: A Lament
I have ridden a’plenty this year
And I have become fast
I have stood atop podia
(sometimes rightly, sometimes not)
And in short
This has been
A fast year
Explain to me then
I say to myself
Staring at my legs
Furiously
What the hell has happened
In the past couple weeks?
How is it possible
I continue
Aghast and befuddled
To have gone from fit and fast
To fat and slow
And frankly unmotivated
Overnight?
I blame the weather!
I blame exhaustion!
I blame all and sundry
But I do not blame myself.
Thank you.
Comment by Barton | 10.19.2012 | 10:34 am
aww… I get not blaming self, but autumn is the BEST season to ride in. Maybe it’s time to focus on the ride and not the race? Get in the last few (hundred) miles before the snow flies?
That said, I totally feel where you are coming from: my knee hurts, the snot is running freely w/ the change in weather, it gets dark so early, and the wind is killing me. Honestly, I love autumn.
Comment by GenghisKhan | 10.19.2012 | 10:35 am
The blaming is in the dark
wherein life and
motivation
both
are sucked rightly
out of you;
the solution is
pie.
Thank you, thank you very much.
Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 10.19.2012 | 10:56 am
Autumn in Marin
this week
the best
crisp cool mornings
by mid day high 80
I ride a little
but mostly
this week
I stay inside
making cupcakes.
Thank you
Fatty- never blame yourself. With just a little effort you can always find someone or somewhere else, to lay your lament.
Comment by owen | 10.19.2012 | 10:56 am
sounds like its time to get that cross bike out for a “fun” race.
Comment by Bob Johnson | 10.19.2012 | 11:18 am
Rode in the rain today. Cold. Just pounded 2 pieces of cake. not sure why. Maybe because your message depressed me so. Cake will make you feel better.
Comment by babble on | 10.19.2012 | 11:27 am
If of a morn
you discover
there is no power in your stroke
don’t despair.
There’s always Coke.
If you’ve a penchant for other things
don’t worry.
Red Bull gives you wings.
Thank you.
Comment by Dave T | 10.19.2012 | 11:52 am
Winter is near
download to Strava
achievements still appear
but as light fades weight will creep up
personal best will soon disappear
Comment by berry | 10.19.2012 | 11:56 am
I’m just fat
I’ve been fat all summer
and even back in the spring
not enough riding (never enough riding)
and way too much eating
but I always have hope…
Thank you.
Comment by TominAlbany | 10.19.2012 | 12:07 pm
The human side
of my bicycle interface
has kept me
mostly
off my ride
since labor day weekend.
I wish I was
burned out
on riding.
Oh how I wish.
How I wish.
How I wish you were here.
We’re just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl
Year after year.
With apologies to Mr. Pink Floyd.
Comment by Napleszen | 10.19.2012 | 12:59 pm
Come on down to Florida, the riding is just getting good.
Comment by rich | 10.19.2012 | 1:14 pm
Autumn is upon me
and so are extra punds
dark comes early
my weight rebounds
my bike goes quiet
where did I put my lights?
thank you.
Comment by Saso | 10.19.2012 | 1:27 pm
Bikes dream silently in my garage
Belly growing, fat accumulating
But my legs feel itchy
Yes, running season starts!
Suddenly I feel better
But still I gobble up cake with cream
Because it is darker and colder every day
I will be gasping for the air
Tommorow while running up the hill
But for now I am sitting still
On a couch with chocolate nearby
Thank you.
Comment by Clydesteve | 10.19.2012 | 1:38 pm
Rain come down
I go out.
Down and out.
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 10.19.2012 | 2:14 pm
Though you raced as with eagle’s wings,
seemingly flying o’er the courses,
Season’s end brings the let-down.
The body and mind must rest
and recuperate.
You cannot maintain
an edge
without time for rest and reflection.
We have seen your busy-ness,
still waiting
for posts on races long ago completed.
You need a break.
Thank you.
Comment by Scoottay | 10.19.2012 | 2:36 pm
Move to Arizona. You’ll get your stoke back quick.
Comment by Anonymous | 10.19.2012 | 4:18 pm
Autumn Fitness, Honest Fitness
Hoping fitness reigns…
Goodbye feet see you next spring
Declined fitness: rains.
Thank you.
Comment by Kukui | 10.19.2012 | 4:19 pm
And by Anonymous, I mean Kukui. =)
Autumn Fitness, Honest Fitness
Hoping fitness reigns…
Goodbye feet see you next spring
Declined fitness: rains.
Thank you.
Comment by Mark | 10.19.2012 | 5:07 pm
Rainless in Seattle
85 days!
Forecast is rain so…
I go for a “last” ride.
Too bad. I crash. It hurt.
Bikes hung up
collecting dust.
Recovering.
Indoor workouts for Autumn.
Thank You.
Comment by gogogo | 10.19.2012 | 10:22 pm
rain is coming down
i am cold
i stay in my pajamas and
eat snacks all day
ride tomorrow?
thank you
Comment by Triflefat | 10.20.2012 | 3:49 am
An Antipodean refrain:-
Blue skies appearing
Cold and wet are receding
Spring is here with its attendant miracles
Shoe covers are discarded
and arm warmers dispensed
How to revel in these simple joys when half the friends of Fatty are descending into sloth and despair?
But to demonstrate exuberance and compassion in one brief missive
Is a task
Too hard for me.
So I turn my mind to
The main issue
That Spring always poses
“To shave or not to shave, THAT is the question?”
Comment by Dee | 10.21.2012 | 10:46 am
I hear you, the best thought is to not take it seriously and move on to bicycle repair and upgrades and new accessories, just a thought.
Comment by Sunny | 10.21.2012 | 3:49 pm
Sounds like a someone just needs to take a break. It’s been exciting for us to read about and live your adventures, but maybe your mind and body need a rest. Go on a cruise!!!!
Comment by GJ Jackie | 10.21.2012 | 10:08 pm
Maybe what you’ve been forgetting
is how to go out
and ride
Just for fun.
Comment by mims | 10.22.2012 | 5:51 pm
Autumn’s extra weight:
Padding for winter’s cold
Cross country ski fuel
Comment by Rich Baker | 10.25.2012 | 7:48 am
I loved this! I’m a fellow fat cyclist who started riding a year and a half ago after a fifteen year break weighing in at 19st 8lbs. I’m taking part in my first MTB event for charity on November 4th and I’ve lost 2st in training for it over the last twelve weeks getting down to a slimline (for me!) 16st 12lbs. I’ve got lighter, faster and fitter. But… Autumn has arrived here in Nottingham with a vengeance this last week and it feels like hitting the wall! Loving riding in the colours of Autumn though :-D
Wet leaves sucking at my tyres,
crud grinding in my chain,
darkness falls early now,
I ride on.