The vast array of talent that normally lies hidden within the ranks of cycling fans has revealed itself most spendidly in this year's writing contest.
This year's entries, taken as a whole, express in fine fashion the essence of why cycling is so loved. As you read, you will receive many different views of cycling's magic: How its passion can be life-long, its many shades of punishment and reward, and why it is always so highly personal, whether one's ride is a private struggle, a struggle back, or to dish out pain amongst the pack.
Here now, are the Honorable Mentions in the Essay with Photo category, the Photo-Essay category, and all the Honorable Mentions in the Essay portion of the 2004 Daily Peloton Writing Contest - Why I Love Cycling.
Photo with Essay - Honorable Mention - Jerry Kelly
Many of us take for granted the impact of Lance Armstrong's incredible story. Jerry Kelly tells us why we shouldn't.
Photo-Essay - Honorable Mention - Jeff Dale
The world discovers what cycling enthusiasts have always known, when professional bike racing come to Georgia...
Michiel Williams
Sadly, Michiel's quick finish did not get him on the podium this time, but it is a great atmospheric piece of writing - a fine expression of the passenger who is also the exquisite engine...
"Everything about you breathes power; toned up muscles, your arms in the braces, you feel no pain, no heartache."
Simon Alexander
A fine description of that most unique brotherhood - cyclists...
"As I putz around in my boxers and ragged tee-shirt, coming up with a new route, I envision not just a normal, run of the mill ride. It must be epic. Something to talk about. Something to leave the rest of the group wanting more and at the same time never wanting to ride with me again. "
Chris Brown
Chris conveys a breath-taking, almost child-like quality in capturing the excitement of the peloton. Race fans will know exactly what she means when she writes
"The hum of chains flowing over cogs, the click of gears shifting, the whir of wind generated by the pack."
A great effort that puts Georgia on our mind.
Luis Nunez
A great opening line:
"I click on my pedal and the world changes."
An article that gives a very fine answer to the question "why I love biking." An excellent effort that we all enjoyed.
Gail O'Connor
Gail has written a deceptively simple piece that beautifully illustrates the joy of cycling.
"I ride in short sleeves for the last time of the year..."
Kevin Sherman
An optimistic and energetic work from Kevin - evocative and well paced, made the break but just missed out in the final selection.
"I have always been more partial to sunrise vs. sunset."
Brian Hsieh
Ah, the dancing chain is always a delight. A marvelous study of gears and relationships.
"Handing the bike back to the nine year old's father..."
Cathy Mehl
A personal account with fine touches of observation. A great effort.
"I love riding in this particular peloton. It feels like the perfect ride."
Scott Mares
Amidst the travails of urban cycling, there are bright spots...
"After about 5 minutes the Bronco is approaching from the rear and pulls up next to me..."
Matt Pacocha
How many of us have dreamed of competing in Europe? Matt tells us of his day at a Belgian kermesse.
"This particular course was one of the ones that scared me before the race even got started. It was crazy, there were two sets of hacked up railroad tracks and a million corners, but the worst was a 90 degree corner..."
Kori Dean
The dream of conquering a famous ascent becomes a reality...
"I decided that was a good opportunity for another little pause since I haven’t quite mastered the skill of riding while not breathing."
Ben Lyon
Great nostalgia. It brings back my own memories of cyling as a child. Shiny rod brakes and Sturmy-Archer gears for me...
"Chevrolet turned it from a child’s bike into modern art. Sorry, I need to pause here, talking about it is like giving a eulogy."
Jennifer Kopecko
We loved this straight up, rough-and-tumble attitude!
"There are certain clues, the way they are aware of their body when they walk, the little hollows in their cheeks, the veins popping over the bones the tops of their hands, the twenty or so vertical lines that show up only on the backs of the calves of cyclists, and the little purpley spots of scarred over road rash."
Julie Warren
Why love cycling? The answer is expressed so simply here!
"They break bones and yet still they won’t quit.."
Steve Buzzard
A spare but eloquent nod to the cyclist's ever-present companions. A very fine effort.
"I ride into the teeth of the wind. I have ridden this route faster, but not today. That invisible hand pushes against me."
Shari Heinrich
Perhaps the ultimate utility of a bike is expressed in this story, entitled Decompression.
"I am headed down to my river. The negative energy, trapped inside me from the tempestuous day, spills into my legs, demanding to be used."
" i love biking because..it brings me back to when i was a kid, everything seems so much more simple and great!"
Posted by: warren jacob | April 14, 2006 at 04:31 AM