Fellowship of the Chainring

Those magnificent pacelining cyclists you saw this morning in Prospect Park? None other than the intrepid riders of Team in Training, being whipped into shape by their estimable coach, Felix Calderon (center, surrounded by [l. to r.] teammates Jan, Margie, and yours truly, with intrepid teammate Lerida behind the camera). I did not invest in the red zoot suit, and of course, now I'm sorry--although I do have a nifty team T-shirt on, and an even cooler jersey to wear for the Big Event this Saturday.

Being coached by a pro was electrifying; I've never enjoyed a ride so actively, or learned so much. He started by yanking off my helmet and completely rejiggering its mysterious straps while I stood there like Gomer Pyle in front of Sarge. Then we raised my seat several inches (apparently I have very long legs), and also moved it back to open up the distance to the handlebars. I felt as if I'd ridden in on Arte Johnson's Laugh-In tricycle and rode out like Lance.

Then we were off, with Felix tearing alongside like a Border Collie barking input on technique, form, speed, grouping. I think I rode up the Dreaded Hill in a gear usually reserved for the Terminator, and it felt good. I haven't had this much fun glimpsing the distant promised land—mastery of a cult sport—since my college days in adult-beginner ballet class. Furthermore, Felix seems to be a sort of park legend; steely-legged Lycra dudes kept zooming past and hailing him on frequencies known only to cycling mavens. He seemed utterly unashamed of us hard-pedaling ducklings in his wake, bless him.

We did 18 miles; it felt like 5. Our coach's last piece of advice on a gorgeous Spring morning rang in my ears as I headed homeward. "Just enjoy it. This is not a ******* race!"

Comments

[Jenn]

Oh, that is more than excellent! To have the bike 'fitted' and the extra encouragement. Such a great journey for you!

[Felix]

You girls were amazing to work with and I am very proud of your progress! Keep your confidence up and practice practice practice...