Another Horizon

It’s interesting how many newspapers and websites are asking variations of the same question: Can cycling be saved?

Cycling does not need saving. Not the act of cycling anyway. Maybe the ProTour needs saving. But that isn’t everything that cycling is. The last few months have been interesting for me, as I have gravitated more to low key, un-sponsored events. I watched the Great Divide Race with much more interest than the Tour. The Colorado Trail Race had everything the Tour has, and a lot it doesn’t. I mean that in the best possible way.

Here in the U.S., cycling doesn’t really live well enough to die. At least from a financial/commercial standpoint. The Average American doesn’t care about the Tour. They read the headlines about these dopers with an expected indifference. But these ridiculous scandals are going to change the face of the Tour. It may cause the event to scale back, because sponsorship dollars are lost. It might also just simply make the event irrelevant.

But enough of the Tour!

Cycling doesn’t need saving. People are simply looking in the wrong place for the inspiration they crave. To the press, I say, turn your tunnel vision to the mountains, the deserts, and the lonely singletrack of a solo TT. Forget the money mongers and the arrogance of the ProTour.

Wait. On second thought…don’t!

Keep writing about cheaters and liars. I like the quiet solitude your absence provides.