that killer line

As a “writer”, or at least someone who likes to think they peddle a bit in the words or whatever, I am always jealous when someone tells a story with some killer line. Something sharp and clear that says a lot with little. I’m always having to say a lot with a lot.

Like Justine.

Who kindly got back to me regarding the ladies who cross the cycles. She said she was into helmets, handsignals and cyclocross. I knew we were going to hit it off just fine. Then, when I  asked for a few more details about her ultra fun ride on the weekend (quote – “the thing that hurt the most after the race on Sunday  – ok so maybe I didn’t go as hard as most people – was my face, from smiling so much!”) she bounced back with this killer line which has stayed with me all day. I asked about her cycling background and what had/had not encouraged her to participate in the race on the weekend, the place where this smile took place.

(PIC thanks to someone that Justine forwarded to me)

She said:

“I never had a bike as a kid because my parents thought it was too dangerous.”

Smash.

Since then, however, Justine has been living on the edge. Starting out with a Mongoose Hybrid, Justine moved eventually to riding more regularly, riding more distances, and falling off less often. (This I sympathise with, I was really about 26 when I purchased a commuter/hybrid/utility truck and tried to learn to ride a bike again – and asking for training wheels at that age seems really daggy).

Recently, however, she and her partner in crime upgraded their rides with some genuine love from the crew at Commuter Cycles. Justine has nothing but good to pass on about the service from Huw and the team there and I have to say that I have been similarly referred and recommended by others whose opinions on such things I trust. (And I believe Huw himself didn’t do too shabby in this most recent race!)

With a little google, asking friends, encouraging from Huw and aforementioned partner, the DDCX blog, Justine decided to take the plunge.

Armed with a Commuter Cycles spruced Surly Cross Check (which I myself have looked at, mainly because I’m really very happy with my surly and kind of don’t like having to change once I am there. I had love at first site with my bike too. Soon as it stopped being the horrible poo brown colour it came in) Justine entered her FIRST DIRTY DEEDS CYCLOCROSS THIS SEASON. (see how I am living in CAPS? Because I’m not sure this is actually true, but it would help the story a bit if it was.)

And the answer to the big question? Would Justine recommend Cyclocross?

Hell yeah! It really is the most fun you can have on two wheels and the encouraging atmosphere and the friendliness that you feel from the other competitors and spectators makes it undeniably one of the greatest cycling experiences I have had. I love being a part of something so special and the wonderful people I have met through riding makes me feel truly blessed.

SEE THAT – BLESSED.

Ladies wavering on the edge, when was the last time you got blessed? Get baptised in mud. Go forth and be good to yourselves. The sooner you get hooked, the better value for money you’re going to get out of your licence.

Justine will wave at you on the course.

I’ll be all the way over here in Vegas waving at Justine, because I think she sounds cool. Totally normal, just interested in life and doing things, and being a part of good stuff. Not some amazing ultra-marathon runner, or recuperating superstar who just wanted to smash some off season cycling.

And I absolutely loved her socks and saw them first in all the crazy muddy footage. I dig a stripe like nobody’s business.

I don’t know why I post this entirely unnecessary photo of me, but I feel bad about the previous post only having one.