I’m fortunate to have never encountered assholes on bikes (only in cars and on foot) but this story made me fume in disgust!
Two cyclists come past me quite fast, one in black and red Castelli, the other in black and yellow Castelli cafe kit. ‘…off the fucking road you fat bitch…’
Whenever I come across assholes in everyday life, I’ve learned to brush it aside quickly. I wonder to myself, “Who has time to waste on being angry over little things?! They must be so miserable with their lives.” That also makes me feel grateful for what I have… and I just continue on with my day. I love the fact that this wonderful woman didn’t let that stop her and continued her way up the hill!
Nothing inspires me more than seeing “unfit-looking” people trying to improve their health and fitness. This is super stereotypical as we know fit comes in all shapes and sizes, but I’m always secretly cheering these guys and gals, some on older and heavier bikes, some with bulky backpacks, trying to keep up or pass me on my super aero, carbon race bike on the bike lanes. Or the ones we see slowly slugging up a steep climb with unbroken determination to make it to the top. I’ve been passed by tons of cyclists “heavier” than me and on “slower and heavier” bikes than mine— physical appearance and equipment are just facades. We all have our own reasons to get fit so be unapologetic and don’t judge others… don’t forget that we all started at the same place.
Remember to enjoy the journey and do things because you want and love to.
When you are getting fit or losing weight to impress other people, you will fail and wallow in your own misery. Those guys who belligerently screamed out those insults, represent a tiny percentage of the fitness community and must have been riding because they felt like they had to rather than because they love it. You shouldn’t rely on KOM’s, PR’s and expensive gear to make you feel content because that equates to nothing in the long run. When you are doing what you love for yourself, you will evolve psychologically and you’ll be too busy loving life to have room for negativity.
Any time you waste being angry, sad and negative is time you will never get back.
Most of us ride bikes because it’s fun and it makes us happy. Life is too short for anything less.
Happy pedaling!!
