We have nearly all had periods when our riding ability was limited. Many of
us who put mileage on bikes have suffered the slings and arrows of
outrageous misfortune. Often we were lucky to ever ride again. Whether
bouncing off cars, water fountains, pavement, or suffering less dramatic
things like illnesses, crap just happens. I'd sure hate to think that
anyone encountering someone during such a period would jump to the
conclusion that someone riding only a mile or so to a bike shop to discuss
his beloved hobby would be hastily judged a Poseur. I remember carrying a
sling in my pocket to put it on after arriving somewhere on more than one
occasion.
Some like myself now find that the longer 65 mile rides they once enjoyed
are so uncomfortable that they engage in them on only special occasions.
Even sleeping through the night is often impossible thanks to old cycling
injuries sometimes...go slow judging others...
I might add, though, that getting out of bed at 3 AM because your shoulders
or back hurts and checking E-Bay sure brings you a lot of neat just listed
cycling stuff...I probably shouldn't be letting that one out of the bag!
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi USA