Sailing the seas

Recently I've been tweeting with a sizable group of American cycling fans. During the end of season big races we've shared humour, opinions, and daft nicknames whilst watching the events unfold. Off the back of that I've read some blogs written over there and the cycling culture that entails. Blogs like Velominati are fascinating to me, as a Euro-cyclist. Growing up in the UK I've had two disparate yet linked cycling cultures to enjoy, so when I read about what my world looks like from across the Atlantic I can't help but find it interesting.

Culture One: British Cycling
Ignore what Rapha or anyone else might tell you, cycling in the UK hasn't ever really been a gentleman's sport. Cycling took off as a very working class activity, matching closely to the rest of Northern Europe. As it became more popular the national body of the time imposed a ban on mass start races that wasn't repealed until the 50s, by which time a Time Trial scene had developed, and bloomed. To be a road racer in the UK isn't easy. There are a few purpose built circuits and a reasonable mass-start calendar, but to be a British cyclist you really need to Time Trial. When 4 Brits are in the top 5 of a time trial at an international level it serves to remind you of how much effort goes into getting bikes fast over here. Traditionally cyclists in the UK graduate through the club system. They start as a boy or girl and through the advise of older riders quickly learn the rules, the ways and means of racing, and how to love the bicycle. My apprenticeship in cycling isn't a common experience in the post-Beijing-Olympics days of cycling, and that is a shame.

Culture Two: Europe.
Once you get over the Tour de France there are two events that capture the imagination of new cyclists, usually. The Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Living so close to foreign shores has it's perks; I've ridden them both. Twice. Most big pro events have amateur equivalents, and with my old man I've been lucky enough to complete two monuments of the sport. Riding in another culture lets you learn quickly. I learned style, I learned perseverance and I learned that sometimes it's OK to put the hammer down and really give it some welly. My blue-collar cycling background translates perfectly into the modern semi-PRO scene you find at most euro bike events, and I've developed having ridden there. I've ridden with big names, survived stage racing, and have a cobble on my windowsill that proves I'm not just a soft touch. Europe is my home, even if my passport isn't sure at the moment.

America is developing, in cycling terms. There is no longer Armstrong-ignorance, where unless the Uniballer is racing the event can't exist. Cyclists are educated, and willing to learn. I read the Velominati 'rules' laughing. On reflection, though, it is spot on. They are a perfect mid-point between the rules I grew up with, the rules I learned in a pack of Italians racing to hit the cobbles, and the stylish modern sport that the professional scene is breeding.

America has done a lot for cycling, from Oakley, Giro, and Nike through Trek and Specialised and out to Greg Lemond or the Phinney clan. The point of this blog is that I would like to give some respect to the third cycling culture in my world. Fighting the world-prejudice that American's don't get it, American cyclists have developed a funny, intricate, and wholly acceptable sub-culture that I am very willing to participate in. Can someone just make sure next time I ride over there the F-150 drivers realise that I'm not a target. Thanks.

Oh, and if you manage to spot that I'm wearing Lion of Flanders socks in both photos then you also must realise I am a badass. FACT.