Ted Ernst wrote:
> Next weeks challenge:
> 1) Wheel
> 2) Machine
> 3) Half-wheel
Wheel as I remember it. Was part of the request or command to "get on his wheel", or "stay on his wheel". To control or protect oneself by being at the right place right behind someone or for insuring others not to be there.
Half-wheel, was that particular drag race that often took place on Pacific Coast Highway 30 years ago where two riders during training, with an exchange of a word or smile would initiate a drag race, the plan was to stay in the saddle at least one half wheel ahead of the other, an open stretch of road was required, the speed of escalation would vary, eventually one or the other would loose by more than a half wheel for a period, ending the match.
In '74 I was locally gear limited to 84.9" so while I got my share of matches, was at a disadvantage, my revenge came just prior to the district State Championships, the gear limit was off, but the seniors with which I trained were not all keeping track of this, the match started, we were away, fortunately no loser this time as the competition ended as a match of who was going to brake first, rules were no running signals and we were fast approaching a long red light, I braked first. Upon stopping we saw that the group was far behind, the light gave the group a fighting chance to catch.
That was a good week, was also the week my coach at the time Clif Halsey, advised me that "if you don't win this weekend, its all in your head, you are breaking legs out there" In training I was, but had not been able to put together a winning sprint finish in races. By the State's I still was concerned about my sprint, but devised an alternate plan, a solo break. Strategy & surprise prevail from time to time.
John Jorgensen
Palos Verdes Ca