It’s been way too long since I posted and I am starting to get grief from one of my two readers (Wifey), so, I figured I would post something quick until I get a real post together
Tag Archives | football not soccer
Sort of Disappointed
As many long time blog readers know, along with being an avid mountain biker, cyclist and cycling fan (both road and mountain), I am also a football fan. Football as in soccer, not football as in brown, pointy, throw, carry and only occasionally kick throughout the game ball. But for the sake of this blog post, I am going to make it easier on my five readers and refer to football in its (apparent) God-given, American, Christian name: soccer (vurp). I will also add that much of this post is aimed at my American readers, for in America soccer is not the in your face, national headline dominating sport that it is in the rest of the world, it’s primarily known as a sport for kids that don’t/won’t play “real” sports like football, baseball, basketball, hockey, softball, volleyball, golf or tennis. You many have noticed that amongst the sports I just listed there is another sport absent… cycling.
Yep, whether you like it or not fellow cyclists, there is NO doubt in my mind that most of America does NOT view what you and I do as a sport and that cycling is way more like soccer than some of you would care to admit. This is why I have to confess, I am a little disappointed at seeing some of the recent Twitter and Facebook posts from cyclists bashing soccer players as weak, faking, diving babies who need to “harden the fuck up and race bikes.” I expect these sort of things from mainstream American journalists who make their living off of football, basketball and baseball and attempt to gain readers and listeners with over-the-top statements every four years when the World Cup comes around. You know, sort of how every July when the Tour happens, some dick headed sportscaster or journalist goes on a diatribe about cycling… cardio freaks, funny hats, too tight clothing, get off the road, slowing my commute, not a sport, yada, yada, yada.
Sigh…
The Wurst In Me
Sunday night as I prepared to watch the emotional roller coaster that was the US vs Portugal match, I put down my burger spatula, picked up my wiener tongs (NOT to be confused with wiener tongues! Thank you spell check for helping me avoid some awkward page hits from folks looking for something a bit different) and grilled up some bräts.
The Off Days
Today (Monday) marks my sixth consecutive day completely off of the bike. No short spins, no trainer rides, no wide seated stationary gym bikes, nothing. And I am sort of OK with it.
Spinning & Feeling Kneady
The stationary trainer is a strange beast. Hated by almost everyone and used by nearly as many, it allows for nothing but the vaguest feeling of actually riding your bike. In my opinion it’s WAY worse than running on a treadmill. Running sucks whether you are being chased by a gang of unruly thugs, doing a 5K, a marathon or on the treadmill at the gym… it just sucks. I respect and admire the folks who do it and enjoy it, but it sucks. When I do it, it hurts, it feels dumb and I ALWAYS think “this would be SO much better if I was on my bike.”
The Lack of Riding
This post has nothing to do with cycling and everything to do with respect. Read on if yinz wish, if you don’t… well, I really don’t care.
Yeah, sissies
Just like cyclists, football (soccer) players don’t get much respect from most of America. They are believed to be “sissies” in contrast to “real ‘Merican man” athletes like American football players, hockey players, bowlers and poker players.
Bullshit.
Take a look at today’s carnage from 4th round FA Cup matches…
Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel had his split open bloody head stapled on the side of the pitch, then continued to play the remaining 40 minutes.
Jonathon Parr of Crystal Palace was knocked clean out after a challenge with Wigan’s Callum McManaman.
And probably the worst: Bryan Oviedo (Everton) snapped leg like in two.
Yeah, sissies.
Who & What Is Nasty?
Don’t forget to wash those bottles, lest ye get bouts of extreme bowl spackling. Nasty.
Wiggins & Baines, Cycling & Football
Sunday, I was watching the Everton vs Tottenham match on NBC. At one point Everton (and England international) left-back Leighton Baines went over to take a corner in front of the visiting Spurs’ fans. As he walked over they were chanting something at him, but it was inaudible on the TV. Whatever it was, he noticeably laughed out loud and gave them a thumbs up.
Rides of Varying Lengths & Qualities
The past “work” week did not hold much in the way of riding, just a short 15 mile mountain bike ride sandwiched in between 1.5 hour workouts at Maury’s. Thankfully that changed on Saturday, sort of.