Convergence of the Two Fives
Physics tells us that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The conservation law extend beyond the physical world and into mystical where the V and Anti-V are also in a constant fight for balance. The Ancients on Mount Velomis understood this well, and taught that the Anti-V expresses itself within the universe as two principle kinds of weakness and that in response there are two fundamental Fives to counter them.
The first is weakness of the mind; this sort of weakness is expressed through pain as it the weakness is converted into muscular and mental strength through Training Properly and quieting the signals that tell you to stop as you learn to use your mind to drive your body beyond its perceived limits. This is the First Five, and the most commonly recognized form of The V.
The second weakness requires introspection and discipline: it is recognition of the flaws in our technical skills. To be a complete rider, we must be skilled in all aspects of Cycling, we must find areas where we need to improve our skills and work hard at them until they become a strength. These weaknesses can be difficult to recognize and usually requires a Sensei for guidance. It takes humility, practice, and a willingness to fail time and again until finally we break through and conquer them. The willingness to shed our pride and fail in pursuit of perfection is the Second Five; it is never ending – as we improve in one area, we must find another weakness and work to raise our skill in that area. It is only through total commitment to always recognize our flaws that we will continue to improve to become a better Velominatus.
May 5th approaches, V.V. The Ancients called it Die Congnoscentus, or the Day of the Five. It is the Velominati New Year and a chance for reflection, a chance to celebrate the convergence of the Two Fives. We must always remember that we are all Pedalwans, that we all have much more to learn, and that improvement is a journey with no end. It is a day to renew our resolve to work at our weaknesses until they become strengths.
Go with Merckx fellow Pedalwans; Vive la Vie Velominatus.
@Ccos If thats the case, I go to 12.
@rfreese888
What a amazing picture. He looks like he burn his name with his eyes.
I think we should talk about Coppi more. Alpe d’Huze climb times:
38:37 – Ulrich 2004 (ITT)
37:36 – Armstrong 2004 (ITT)
39:06 – Mayo 2003
38:01 – Armstrong 2001
39:02 – Virenque 1997
38:23 – Ullrich 1997
37:35 – Pantani 1997 (current record)
39:30 – Riis 1995
39:28 – Indurain/Zulle 1995
38:04 – Pantani 1995
38:00 – Pantani 1994
39:45 – Indurain, 1991
41:50 – Fignon 1989
48:00 – Hinault/Lemond 1986
45:22 – Coppi 1952
Coppi was on dirt roads, and they hadn’t invented EPO or blood bags. His bike was a bit heavier than modern ones, too.
Permanent reminder on my top tube from the bikes from Mount Fuji, just down the road frm Mount V I believe
@Barracuda That is a beefy top tube you got there.
@RedRanger
The Fuji SST has a “beefy” top tube and an even bigger bottom bracket area. I do like the lines of the overall bike however and having a dirty great V under the clear coat doesnt hurt in moments of weak mind and body either. Its a ” nuggety ” little bastard
@The Grande Fondue
That is pretty amazing. Though I wonder if he had much in the way of his own teeth left after all the speed-grinding.
Further research (reading ‘Pedalare Pedalare’) reveals that an inverted W or M signifies the casting of anti-V aspersions e.g. ”Fans, journalists and others were furious and they took out their frustration on Fiorenzo Magni ( for allegedly getting an organised push up a climb in the Giro 1947 causing Coppi to withdraw in protest). Alongside ‘Viva Coppi’ and ‘Viva Bartali’ now appeared ‘Abbasso Magni’ (down with Magni, usually written with an upside-down W’.
you can’t get more Newtonian cause and effect than that!
@RedRanger You will need to say that with a vapid sense of complete earnestness for the full effect to work.
And true about the limp pharm bastards sullying the good name of the V.
@Francisco
Righto. Isn’t the conservation of momentum ultimately built upon the conservation of energy? The energy required to overcome friction to move or slow down a mass etc?
@The Grande Fondue
Thats amazing. Of course, Hinault/LeMond slowed quite a bit near the top but nevertheless its incredible how close his time is.
@frank I think Fignon’s time is possibly the most amazing – and I mean that in a good way. While he didn’t ride 100% of the time on bread and water, he sure wasn’t full of rocket fuel like most of the names above him.
Dan Martin: the first few sentences of this article — loaded with V — courtesy of Rouleur
“When I won a stage of the Vuelta, I attacked at the bottom of the climb. I vividly remember thinking, about thirty seconds later, ‘what the fuck are you doing? What are you doing? Really?’ Then it’s like ‘I’m here now, I might as well continue’. And then it kind of worked out.”
@Haldy
Getting passed so hard your bike frame turns to wet noodles in fear.
@Mike_P
You said a mouthful right there, son. Thank god Frank is back. It beats arguing about pedals.
@unversio
Awesome! Words to live (or possibly die) by right there!
@Buck Rogers
+1. The more I read about Dan’s thoughts & attitude, the more my respect for him grows. Chapeau.
@Geraint
Good example of how committing and submitting to the V — then unlocking the V.
@unversio
As Morpheus said to Neo- “There is a difference between knowing the Path and walking the Path”…
@Haldy
Didn’t they say the same thing in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure ??
Hmm…not sure about that…I think this is the quote that comes the closest-
Bill: So-cratz – “The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing”.
Ted: That’s us, dude.
V Day falls on a Bank Holiday here in the UK. Absolutely no excuses to not get and meet the man with the Hammer!
@VeloJello I suspect the man with the hammer would catch me within yards of setting out on V Day – Mrs Chris and I are off to Warsaw for the weekend with some friends but no kids. Monday will be a true recovery day.
The V Month however will be blessed with an abundance of V – as of Tuesday or Wednesday I’m on Gardening Leave before starting a new job in June. If I can’t get properly fit by then there is no hope for me.
@asyax I just got chills…
@VeloJello Strong work. That’s stunning countryside but it looks like it could get brutally windy!
Hoping to start my gardening leave training tomorrow but I’m a bit afraid that the weekends excesses are going to hurt. The Warsaw diet included lots of vodka and little in the way of salad!
@Chris Ha ha, slow and low to start off with then.
@VeloJello Nice – The VMW come from that area (a bit to the south – Boldon), I’m going to have to bring the bike next time I go up there.
@Teocalli Brill! You’ll get to ride through the historic pedestrian and bike tunnel under the Tyne too (if you’ve not already) as that ride is North of the river. I’m considering trying to organise a North East Cogal at some point this year…
@Teocalli Let me know if you do by the way, riding in a group is more fun!
Along with those of traditionalist tendencies, most religions tend to clash with the concept of homosexuality.
In 1789, employee orientation and training did not exist.
Since it is also a time for renewal, it will
be time for renewing staff, and make changes, which can be good even for people looking for work at this time in their lives.
A few key murders committed by Giancana’s crew allowed the
Outfit to take over the numbers business and add millions of dollars
more in annual revenue. In the 1980’s the family was
dealt a substantial blow when a high-ranking member named
Vinnie Teresa turned informer.
@clash of lords 2 cheats more jibberish