He was a smaller man on a smaller bike. And he appeared to be more flexible, as he was able to maintain the crouched racing position favored by professional bike racers.
So, I did what any male across the globe would do, I tried to keep up with him.
Alas, it wasn't to be. He made it through a light that turned red before I got there. And though after the light turned back to green I huffed and puffed, trying to catch him, he remained an elusive yellow dot in the distance.
He was quite likely in better shape (i.e. cardiovascular health) than me, but I also feel his literal shape played a large role. He presented a strikingly reduced frontal profile as compared to my own.
This raises two important questions:
1. Why does the simple fact of being passed suddenly motivate me to try harder?
2. Why should small, flexible guys have the advantage in wind-resistance?
I think I know the answer to question one, and if I don't it's going to require a psychiatrist to unravel.
Question 2 is not so ambiguous.
The answer: they shouldn't!
I'm not particularly small and I'm exceptionally not flexible, but I can simulate both conditions by getting in a streamlined recumbent velomobile.
When I do, who will motivate me to try harder? Probably anyone passing me in a Prius. Hybrid power? I've got your hybrid power.
But that's a topic for next time.
4 comments :
There's almost always another "rabbit".
A city bus springs to mind.
And you could always run across Crazy Joe.
There's just no way that you are ever going overcome that huge difference in cross-sectional area to the wind; nor should you regret it!! You were born to be tall and broad; just remember, if you run into that guy again, just challenge him to a game of One-on-One on a court of his choosing.
You'd win, hands down (pun intended).
Grumpy,
My hope is that when I run into that guy again, I'll be in my Quest. Then we'll see who has the worse "cross-sectional area to the wind".
[evil smug laughter here]
You won't "run into him again" if you merely steer around him; but not too close. You don't want your wake vortices to tip him over.
Or maybe you do!
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