It Is Definitely Not About The Bike... But Sometimes It Might Be A Good Idea To Consider

Old man rides his Dick in the market

Another recent story that has been making the rounds through the Chinese language media about geriatric cycling in Taiwan, is the curious tale of Li Rong-yu, a trim athlete in his mid-fifties, who has found triathlon success despite his unusual handicap.

In the sea of molded carbon fiber racing bikes, Mr. Li insists on riding his trusty old steel framed utility bike... complete with rusty vegetable basket.

Mr. Li, from Taichung, who has been a regular long distance runner, decided to try his hand at triathlons and rescued the old bike from the trash heap to use during the bicycle leg of the competition.

Despite some ridicule and other riders questioning the legality (and safety) of his equipment, Mr. Li successfully competed in the 113km Taidong Triathlon, in which he placed 4th in the Master's Over 55 age group with an official time of 6:46:58.

In watching some of the news reports featuring Mr. Li, I don't think I would recommend doing the same... despite what I have seen from Mr. Li and Ryan B.

Mr. Li is quoted as saying, "One's ability is not reliant on the tool".

I still think Mr. Li should invest in a bike that fits properly to avoid the elevated risk of injury from a poor fit and low seat.

For more info and pictures:

Liberty Times Report (Chinese) United Daily Report (Chinese)

Tragedy On The Giro: Wouter Weylandt (1984-2011)

Wouter Weylandt

1984-2011

I was watching as tragedy unfolded at the Giro yesterday and went to bed hoping everything would turn out ok. Sadly it did not. On the descent off the Passo del Bocco, the Belgian rider for Leopard TREK apparently clipped a pedal going into a corner as he tried to make up ground on the pack.

The televised images of a rider face down on the tarmac was chilling and a sobering reminder of how dangerous this sport can be... and how fragile we are as riders.

Ride Safe!

-------------------------------------------

"I am unbearably saddened by the loss of Wouter today. As many know, he was my friend, training partner, and in many ways, another brother to me. His death marks and irreparable change in my life but more importantly, in the lives of his family and most loved.

"Wouter was one of the kindest, funniest, and most admirable people I have ever had the opportunity to know and his death is a tragedy to his family, his friends, and to the sport as a whole.

"I can only convey my deepest of sympathies to everyone who cared about him as deeply as I did, especially his family, his friends, his team and his fans – we celebrate his life and morn his death in equal measure.

"Wouter was and is the soul of this sport we all love – an athlete who sacrificed himself for the better of many and a champion who celebrated each glory as a victory for his family, his team, and his friends and fans.

"I will remember him always, and will always strive to do him proud, as he has always done for the sport and people he loves."--Tyler Ferrar (Cycling News)