“Honey, I’m riding in a Century (100 mile bicycle race/ride), on such and such a date, will you be there to support me?”
'What date? Oh, Sweetie, you know that’s the Buffett concert and me and the kids always go! Sorry!"
Right. Okay. She’s my SO, not my wife, but would it hurt her and the kids to do something different for a change?
It’s not much of a rant is it? But it’s my rant! I’ve been training for a friggin’ year to get to this point, and now I’m not gonna have anyone except me to be proud of me and cheer me on.
Nothin’ against “The Pirate” , but where’s his latest hit? And it’s not only that! The closer it gets to Christmas, guess what? The Nutcracker Ballet and A Christmas Carol and who knows what else?
Just because it’s a certain time of the year doesn’t mean you gotta do the same thing you did last year! Hell! Do something different! Don’t be so cyclical!
Pretty soon you’ll say: “Oh! I’m 85? Time to die!”
Oh, big whup. I’m generally far more annoyed by people who go back into bad situations (read: relationships) because it’s familiar territory for them. They’d rather do what they know rather than do something new and healthy.
Yeah, they could, but we’re talking about a mom in her 50’s and the kids who think the sun rises and sets on her.
The kids aren’t Parrot Heads as much as they are traditionalists to their mother and do things out of respect for her.
The Century starts in the morning and the concert is in the evening, but they don’t wanna miss tailgate parties and to be there when I finish (I’m a slooooooow rider) would rush them.
It’s okay. I once ran the Atlanta Marathon under 5 hours (after 5, they take up the traffic cones) and there wasn’t anyone at the finish line then either.
Let’s see. On one hand, a Buffett concert (for which they probably already have tickets). People in wild costumes having a great time. Tailgate parties. Good music. Party atmosphere.
On the other hand...wait an indeterminate amount of time at the finish line for a sweaty guy to pedal his bike across. High five and go home so sweaty guy can collapse. Whee.
I'm not on your side on this one, Quasi. I think you have to consider this a personal victory.
Uh, isn’t the bike race also an annual (read: cyclical) event? And I’ve been to Buffett shows at the Coca-Cola Lakewood Amphitheater. You don’t want to miss the tailgate parties there. No way, no how. mmmm… fond memories of public nudity.
Sounds like you need a riding buddy. Bicycling isn’t much of a spectator sport; probably the reason it goes largely unnoticed in the U.S.
I remember my first un-official century, from Oxnard to Santa Barbara Ca. and back. My ex-wife was proud of me as I came crawling inside at 8pm (left about 1pm) but it was the journey with a couple of riding buddies that is most memorable.
I don’t have a bicycle at the moment but plans are in the future. Best part is, my wife wants to join me. Best of luck on your Century, don’t allow the lack of interest from your SO to damper your achievement or fun.
On the other hand…wait an indeterminate amount of time at the finish line for a sweaty guy to pedal his bike across. High five and go home so sweaty guy can collapse. Whee.
I don’t really give a shit if you’re on my side or not, Finagle, but let me just tell you that my SO and her family are aware of my average speed and don’t have to sit at the finish line for an “indeterminate amount of time” at all. They can just be there for the final 20 minutes and get out of the air-conditioned car to greet me and then we could have gone to the concert together.
My guess is you’ve never ridden a Century or ran a marathon, right?
No, 84 miles is my personal best on a bike. But I don’t recall desiring a cheering crowd when I got home after that ride. A cold drink and a particularly soft chair, yes.
As long as you’re complaining about the arbitrary nature of dates, why do the Century on that date? Are you doing the ride to please yourself, to impress your SO, or to qualify for some future event? You say you’re slow, so it doesn’t sound like you’re actually going to win. Ride the course the next day. Get some friends to ride with.
I’m far from an expert in relationships, but generating resentment because your SO has a cherished tradition that clashes with your new hobby doesn’t sound like a good idea.
As someone who’s run 3 marathons, I can feel your pain.
My first marathon I had about 5 people waiting for me at the finish - it was a special moment.
At the other two, I didn’t have anyone, but since it wasn’t as big of a deal to me, I didn’t care. But it’s nice when someone is there to help your tired ass across the lot to the car.
If I were anywhere in the vicinity of Georgia, I’d come out and give you a cheer. Since that’s not an option, I’ll be thinking strong thoughts for you. When is it??
Nosir. I almost posted a rant about her a couple weeks ago. I decided against it, primarily because I was drunk at the time and ranting is hard when you’re drunk (at least, ranting coherently).
On one hand, I see your point. My dad did a 100 mi bike ride and everyone except me went to see him finish. (He called them on his cell when he was 30 mins away, they packed up and went to pick him up.) Its really cool and I’m very proud of him for doing it.
However, if we had a family event scheduled, especially something that we did every year, demanding that we not do that for some guy’s hobby? (And frankly, if my mom and dad split and she got a new guy, he’s just some guy on or off a bike.)
I’d hate him. Not dislike. Not feel uncomfortable around. From the moment he bitched about MY time with MY MOM I would be out for blood. I’m a patient bloodsucker, but they day would come when he would rue the day he ever tried to bust up my traditional family time. My family is big on traditions, however silly they may seem to outsiders, and the person who messes with them is persona non grata with my family, instantly.
You may not be dealing with a crew like my family, but I still have to side with them. People are pattern seekers and find safety and comfort in tradtions. This may or may not be a good thing but its how things are.
Well, I personally think it sucks eggs. I’m going next week to the NY State Fair to watch the wine judging because my father entered his champagne again this year (he took a bronze last year, which ain’t too shabby for NY). It is BORING as hell, watching these people sit there tasting wine and it takes 3 years for them to call all the names, but I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I want to be there for the 1 minute that they call his name, hand him his medal, and he beams with pride. It’s important. Very important, IMHO.
Good luck on your ride- if I were there, I’d cheer you on. I really would.