On Memorial Day last year, I rode Arielle out to Somerville to see the Tour of Somerville. For a decades, when there were no professional races in the US, Somerville was probably as close as we came to having an event that in any way resembled European races. The top cyclists in this country--and a few from overseas--would compete.
When I think about some of those riders--Jackie Simes, for example, and even John Howard--I have to wonder whether they would have been among the world's elite had they been able to train with, and compete against, Franch, Italian, Belgian, Dutch, Spanish and English riders throughout their careers. Sometimes I think that might have been the only difference between them and Greg Le Mond and Lance Armstrong (putting aside, of course, the issue of drugs).
Anyway, Somerville has remained a showcase for the best American racing cyclists. But there are other races--and a plethora of other organized rides--on the calendar for this day. My guess is that for a lot of people, cycling season begins with Spring, whenever that comes, but the season really swings into high gear about now.
Gotta love that bow!
When I think about some of those riders--Jackie Simes, for example, and even John Howard--I have to wonder whether they would have been among the world's elite had they been able to train with, and compete against, Franch, Italian, Belgian, Dutch, Spanish and English riders throughout their careers. Sometimes I think that might have been the only difference between them and Greg Le Mond and Lance Armstrong (putting aside, of course, the issue of drugs).
Anyway, Somerville has remained a showcase for the best American racing cyclists. But there are other races--and a plethora of other organized rides--on the calendar for this day. My guess is that for a lot of people, cycling season begins with Spring, whenever that comes, but the season really swings into high gear about now.
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| From Will Bike For Change (or Pie) |
Gotta love that bow!
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