Guest Article: The Art of Noodling
Like almost anything in Japan, the creation of noodles is a deeply ritualized art. Recipes are closely guarded secrets, and cooks apprentice for many years in the creation of a restaurant’s specific type of noodle.
Not surprisingly, this type of ritualization can be appreciated by the Velominati, and Cyclops (who happens to be a bit of a gourmand with a particular interest in Southeast Asian foods) has drawn the parallel here and classified the progression through La Vie Velominatus into different types of “noodling”. A unique approach to say the least, but not without merit. Also note that I skipped lunch and the Article Photo may be skewing my impression of the approach.
Yours in Cycling,
Frank
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Noodling falls into three distinct categories. The most common noodling – Level 1 Noodling – is usually done unawares by the common cyclist but true art is achieved when one does something exceedingly well without thinking about it. It just naturally flows from the inner being. It is when he or she is out solo and is just turning the pedals with no pressure on them. They might be commuting to work in no hurry or going to the park and Sturmey-Archer 3-Speeds and Birkenstocks are usually involved. A quick Googling of cycling in Amsterdam confirms that the Dutch excel at this level of Noodling. Beautiful young women with Dutch accents, flowing skirts, and flowing hair gliding down cobbled lanes with windmills in the background can’t be considered anything but art.
Level 2 Noodling is an entirely different animal. This level is usually done by the serious/competitive cyclist and is usually performed in one of two ways. The first being the solo recovery Noodle. At first glance it seems as though this version of Level 2 Noodling wouldn’t qualify as art. I mean any meathead can plop some cash down for a discounted Discovery Channel jersey and plod along at 24 kph. But when we consider that the average competitive cyclist has an extremely hard time not going all out all the time we see that there is more than meets the eye going on here. What looks like a Lance Armstrong wannabe (Cadel Evans for those on the bottom of the planet) to the outside observer is actually a practice in refinement. The artist is honing his skills by relaxing the shoulders, all the muscles in the face go into Ullrich mode. There is a smoothing out of the pedal stroke. Little details that are ignored when one is in the red zone or pedaling squares come into focus and are given the care and nurture given to the grapes in a French vineyard.
The other version of Level 2 Noodling is the one I like best – because at this late stage of the game I doubt I’ll ever reach Level 3 Noodling. This version is also known as the early season training ride. While one might see the aforementioned meathead out on the roads of summer you’ll never see him under the overcast skies and single digit temps of late winter. While Meathead has been busily stuffing Cheese Whiz in his face at the neighborhood Super Bowl party we’ve been sitting on the trainer watching race videos and chomping at the bit waiting to get out on the road. I actually like riding in early season cold weather kit more than the mere bibs and short sleeve jerseys of the heat of summer. A serious artist has all the tools of the trade at his/her disposal. Neoprene booties, windproof bib tights, long sleeve jersey and matching wind vest, various base layers and different weights of gloves. These are the signs of someone that loves what they do. We may not get paid to do what we do but there is a certain level of professionalism to the matching kits, the immaculate bikes, and desire to be true to the art that Meathead will never understand. While going at this solo is commendable there is something truly sublime about a group of friends in a double paceline easily cruising in the stillness of (very) early spring. The only sounds being that of the casual chatting and well maintained drivetrains. No testosterone flowing. No attacks by the Cat 2. No urgency in the pedal strokes. This is Level 2 Noodling at its finest.
Level 3 Noodling. This level is reserved for professionals and those at the highest levels of racing. It is when someone such as George Hincapie or Philippe Gilbert is at the front driving the pace all the while oblivious to the damage he is doing to those behind. They are in an effortless zone that is free of suffering. A walk in the park. Yet those behind are struggling to hold their wheel. I would think that the satisfaction that comes from this level of Noodling could almost rival that of crossing the finish line in victory. As mentioned above – most of us will never reach this level but sometimes the gods smile and peel back the veil and we get glimpses of it. Like when the casual acquaintance that fancies himself fit dusts off the old 10 speed to join you on a “ride”. Or when you see a rider struggling up the climb a half kilometer up the road and you smile to yourself as you reel him in in the big ring.
I really need to buy cold weather gear. I haven’t been on the bike this late in the fall before in any serious aspect. The other day I decided to break a rule instead of freeze and wore soccer socks to keep the guns cold. In my defense it was raining out and I was climbing, which also means descending. I want the velominati arm warmers (I want the whole kit for that matter) but spent my spending budget this month on a trip to Montreal.
Which reminds me, anyone here going to the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal?
@King Clydesdale
I’d hoped to be able to skip over, but no. Grounded in Ontario.
scaler – Tried to flush & clean with alcohol. No luck yet. Let me know if your pal figures out a fix.
I really don’t like Sram at all. Not a fan of the movement, the too long push for a downshift. A right Force shifter seems to be around $200. I think all I’d need is shifters, FD, RD + cableset. Hmm, could get the 105 5700 series at around $350 for all that. I might switch over if I can’t fix/warranty the Force shifter.
@King Clydesdale
Was planning to but it now does not look like it… dam going to be one tough race and fun to watch – God I love Montreal! Hope you make it, give a report if you go.
@Steampunk
I think I get your confusion but unless its a low, low budget i.e. no budget LBS team or club team in your area, so that you in effect are a helpful advert for them, then no I would not wear the kit unless I was on the team.
While I respect Rule #17 and never contravene it I regret that 35 years ago, before I knew better, I did not wear Moltini, Team Raleigh or the like. Now it is too late but the mighty V kit has solved all those issues since I no longer race…
@Rob
It’s actually a question that’s been percolating for awhile. It came up last year as Europcar stepped in at the last minute and rescued Bernaudeau’s team. They were rewarded with a very successful season, but I couldn’t help thinking “good on them.” (It doesn’t help that they came up with some ridiculously hideous kit, mind). More recently, it’s come up with respect to Canada’s lone professional team, Spidertech. The team is fine financially, but it occurs to me that the North American fan base isn’t nearly what it could be, and whether showing a bit of support would be a positive thing, Rule #17 notwithstanding. Rest assured, this is more theoretical than practical, but I was just curious…
@Ron
How do you like the Van Dessel? I’ve been eyeing their road bike. (do a lot of eyeing but not a lot of buying)
@Ron
Sram and Shimano are compatable aren’t they? You should be able to run Shimano shifters with Sram derailleurs. If that’s not the case I’m sure someone will pipe up…
@King Clydesdale
Rain and cold? Embrocate.
@Steampunk
Methinks you need a higher authority, I only have a very basic intuitive grasp of Rule #17 based on my meager experience with low level team kits and then years of using them outside of racing until I lost the ability to squeeze into them. Then the real problem started…
I do like your thinking on the team Spidertech support but then you live in a sane and sensible country where common sense rules.
@Rob
Actually, I live in Canada, not Sweden. My sense is you’re right on this, but it’s become a rambling relationship with the Rules. As it happens, I have no plans of purchasing their kit, but I was on their site the other day, and it’s not a bad looking kit (especially when paired with the arm and leg warmers).
@Ron
What did you flush and clean with alcohol? The pawls or the lever?
And totally agree with the second part!
@minion
Incorrect, I’m afraid. It doesn’t work (in either direction) due to cable pull issues.
@Jeff in PetroMetro
Which catfish was Sonny Terry and which Brownie McGee?
“If I was a catfish swimming in the deep blue sea
If I was a catfish swimming in the deep blue sea
Have all the pretty women out there fishing for me
Singing hey hey hey hey”
@Oli
Oh boy are my cheeks red. Now that I think about it (whut? Nevarrr!) it makes sense.
@Steampunk
@Steampunk
Yeah: what’s that all about? I’m the same; just ordered Castelli AND Giordana skull caps so I can match different kits while I ride. WTF??
just a sign that you are happy with your velosexuality dude
@minion
No need for red cheeks, mate!
@Dr C
Ooooh, Doctor…
I can’t remember what thread we were talking about it on, but we’ve established the dog’s bollocks, the cat’s cock, the duck’s nuts, and now we have Souleurs’ Pencil.
Careful where you point that thing fella.
@Oli
on the subject of intercghanging stuff – I’ve been told I can’t change the Tiagra shifters for the 105s, yet surely they both just pull the cable the same distance at the derailleur? Happy to ride with the Tiagra on my new CX bike, but would prefer the 105 shifters, as the Tiagra I had before were a bit wishy washy, non positiveo etc…
Keskesay?
Back to the noodles… I quite like them but it’s not something I’ve ever tried to make. Would someone care to share some starter recipes ?
Re Rule #17, I don’t break it but only through luck than obedience i.e. never really identified with a pro team enough to want to wear their kit. The volatility of the teams doesn’t help either – the kit lasts a lot longer than the team.
I don’t have a problem with it though – maybe that’s because in football (soccer) having and wearing your team kit is a pretty central part of being a fan and showing your support. There’s no suggestion that it is only for pro footballers.
I’ve noticed a lot of people in the UK wearing Team Sky kit lately. I suspect the same will be true of Green Edge next year in oz.
BTW, while I’m here and for want of anywhere else to mention it, can I say that I have zero interest in Rugby.
@ChrisO
tell me you are not watching Jeremy Kyle whilst wearing a Liverpool shirt….
I’m pulling my hair out not getting to watch the Tongans vs the All Blacks – arghhh!
Agree on the Team kit thing – Saxo Bank kit just looks shit this year (maybe COTHO’s fault), and I’m glad in retro I didn’t get the Leotard Schleck kit – that said though, I do love tht Amerkan one with the M+Ms or whatever sort of sweeties they are – seriously cool/whacky
ps. are we going in the right direction posting recipes on this site (maybe a separate section?) – maybe a bit too happy with your velosexuality there Chris? ;o)
@Dr C
If they are both the same speed I don’t see why not? I don’t see Tiagra much but the Shimano derailleurs are interchangeable with any STI unit as far as I’m aware.
Re Rule #17, I must confess to buying up some of the Castelli Cervelo Test team stuff. While I can appreciate the monstrous faux pas of wearing Cervelo kit on a Cannondale, I justify it to my self as in keeping with the ways of the Velominatus Budgetatus. My eldest has just started at a new school and high end bike gear may have to take a back seat to the fees.
Careful and dedicated perusal of ebay can through up some top end gear at the same sort of prices as much lesser kit that isn’t emblazoned with sponsors names but doesn’t come with a progetto 2 pad. My ‘rse isn’t massively bother about Rule #17 after a few miles with a lesser pad!
I’m never going to look pro, other than in a sort of Cadel’s oversize head way, but I’m going to look alot better than if I were to wear alot of the kit that costs the same sort of money but is really only fit for sandal wearing beardy recumbentists.
As I said, though, I recognise the error of my ways and a LS V-Jersey is in the pipeline.
@Oli
that’s how I would imagine it – I’ll see when I get it – just fancied switching it before I used them – more the shifters I am interested in – I’ll switch the RD once I’ve mangled it in my spokes during the steep learning curve of CX
Well you’re the one asking what I’m wearing ;-)
I am actually watching the All Blacks v Tonga match (the All Blacks are winning, by a lot) but only because I am waiting for the Australian Rugby League game to be shown (the electronic programme guides in the UAE are totally useless), and failing that they usually show an Aussie rules game around this time. I would be equally happy with cricket, either Australia or England.
The only sports I won’t generally watch are Rugby, Golf and Formula 1. I even quite like baseball and American football.
But my football team is Queens Park Rangers, newly promoted to the premier league this year.
And I have never knowingly watched Jeremy Kyle. Maybe I should – Marcus thinks I am binationally conflicted.
Oh I forgot to tell you what I was wearing…
Funnily enough I am sitting here in Skins recovery tights and not much else, so take that mental image and try to scrub your brain clean ;-)
@ChrisO
takes all sorts Chris, takes all sorts….
@Dr C
….and thanks for telling me the score, NOT
that seriously questions your velosexuality!
@Dr C
The shifters will work with any RD, chain and cassette. :thumbsup:
Any SHIMANO RD, etc., etc…
@Dr C
Maaate… I just said they were winning. Hardly a shock was it ?
Having said that, the League started so I didn’t watch the rest – for all I know Tonga launched an amazing comeback. (N.B. My above dislike for Rugby will be temporarily suspended in the almost inevitable event that NZ choke in the semis).
Anyway, my favourite Kiwi today is Benji Marshall :-)
@Oli
Muchos grassyarse oh learned one – I see a new set of 105s are £150 on Ebay, a set of Tiagra on Ebay fetch £26 – maybe that says something….some watchful Ebay waiting required before the pounce
@Dr C
Caught one while out fishing with the VMH and she thought it was so ugly she started to cry.
Wild channel cats are good eating, I can’t stand the farm raised ones
@Steampunk
I would say so. They had some pretty sweet Cadillac team cars at the Tour of Utah.
@Oli
I am not an authority but does Tiagra come in 10 speed? Dr like Oil says it must be the same speed… I know I spent a few hours trying to get Tiagra shifters to work as ten speed when they were off a nine speed bike to no avail. Just a thought….It was so tantelising too…they so nearly worked…
Dr…just a guess but you’re not really a Dr are you? Otherwise I’m guessing you’d just go with the Gylenhall principle.
@Cyclops
I never saw the words sweet and cadillac in the same sentance before. Probably never will again. Except just then of course..
@Cyclops
that sure is a nice Cadillac – did they buy that of Leopard Trek?
@paolo @Oli
yes, I’m just discovering that – Tiagra all seem to be 9-speed, so I guess I would need the 10 speed casette and the RD too to take up the chain – frig it, I’ll just ride what it comes with and put the funds into the 2012 Roubaix Pro “don’t tell the wife” Ui2 coffers
@paolo
me, not a real doctor….. who is Gylenhall?
@paolo
It’s not my fault that all you Europeans need 12 cylinders and dual overhead cams to get the same performance we can get out of an eight cylinder with push rods.
@Cyclops
It’s usually the Europeans having a go at the Americans for needing to go for size to get the power!
3.8 litres and 6 cylinders seems to be the way to go to me.
@seemunkee
Agreed. Fried wild catfish and hushpuppies. Yes, please.
@Chris
@Cyclops
My BMW 530xit has an inline 6 with tons of power. Europeans, in particular Germans, know all kinds of things about getting lots of power out of a fairly small motor. With the long pistons you get out of the inline 6, you can accelerate just as well at 60 as you can from zero. Amazing motors.
Regarding Rule #17:
The intent is that you show the actual members of a team the respect they deserve; they have worked hard to earn a place on the team and wear the kit that represents that achievement. It is akin to wearing a military costume if you’re not a member of the military.
If you’re talking about a small team, it gets to be a bit of a gray area, but the bottom line is that if you need to earn a place on the team, others who have not earned that place should not be wearing the kit. This is the same philosophy behind race leadership/national championship team jerseys.
@Dr C
If the Tiagra is 9 sp maybe some older used 9sp DA or Ultegra levers would work. You can probably find a super deal on kit like that.
@Nate
Tiagra is the only Shimano shifter still made in 9spd – there’s no 10spd version at this time. It’s really your only option if you want a new shifter and on a 9spd drivetrain, Otherwise it’s eBay. From what I’ve read, they were with all 9spd drivetrains, but I’ve not used it at all.
@frank
Actually the 2012 version of Tiagra is 10 speed. But I would go the ebay route. thats what I did. I got some nice DA 9 speed shifters for the price I would have gotten new Tiagra shifters. the DA looks way nicer.
@frank
Right, so what I’m saying is, if Dr C wants to upgrade the Tiagra shifters without having to re-group, maybe he could get a used set of 7700 Dura Ace or equivalent Ultegra, probably pretty cheap. But I’m no Oli and I don’t have a copy of Zinn laying around my office so I don’t know if it’s actually compatible.
@Cyclops
As pointed out by others Cyclops, it’s the other way around mate! And watch who you’re calling a European. I’m bona fide American since 2007!! I do like to play both sides of the fence though in Euro American flame wars!! It’s fun!
@Dr C
Hey Doc, not to overthink this but I don’t know if I got the entire convo. If you wanted to put 10 speed 105 shifters on a nine speed bike..yeah if it’s all shimano its all good. Just set the limit screws right on the RD and you’re golden
(I think.)
If you are looking to put 9 speed tiagras on a ten speed set up it won’t work. It so nearly works as to make you spend several hours saying ” just another 1/16th turn of the cable and…shit…back 1/32th…bollocks..hang on hang on I almost have it..” ad infinitum.
Gyllenhall…seek out the Lexicon. If you were a Dr I would assume you’d just stick Dura Ace on all your bikes regardless and say sod it! ( I’d do a smiley winky thing now but it’s frowned upon in these here parts)