It isn’t learned. It is genetic. Example: very early on, they are able to manipulate their environment with just one long, loud cry in the wee hours. After that, the skill develops with practice, because they won’t tolerate make do answers from adults. Then there is adolescence, followed by the dreaded teen angst. As adults that we learn to mask that particular trait, but sometimes not very well.
Every spring when I trade the winter bike for my time trial Cervelo, and pump the tires to 150 psi, it doesn’t even feel like cycling, but flying low over the ground.
I don’t see that there’s a functional difference between “mak[ing] it easier” and “go[ing] farther and faster for the same effort.” If one refuses to do anything to make it easier, all use of even the simplest tools would be eschewed.
Reminds me of the avid cyclists who show disdain for those who ride bikeshare bikes. Riding those heavy beasts for weekday transportation allowed me to increase my average speed on weekend recreational rides by about 1 mph. (And taking those bikes up one big hill was a more exhausting workout than a 30-mile ride on a road bike.)
Frazz’s fault is a sort of personal moral superiority in his choices of activities – and particularly their merit in exercise. That is a choice – but not a moral one and his excuses about convenience expose it. But heck – we all are flawed in some way or another, I don’t hold it against him.
Darsan54 Premium Member over 3 years ago
If I don’t cheat as I get older, how can I expect to win?
Concretionist over 3 years ago
Nicely twisted. Swimming in a wet suit is, imo, “swimming” the same way that dancing in work boots is “dancing”.
Bilan over 3 years ago
Uh-oh. When those young kids learn treachery also, we’re in trouble.
sandpiper over 3 years ago
It isn’t learned. It is genetic. Example: very early on, they are able to manipulate their environment with just one long, loud cry in the wee hours. After that, the skill develops with practice, because they won’t tolerate make do answers from adults. Then there is adolescence, followed by the dreaded teen angst. As adults that we learn to mask that particular trait, but sometimes not very well.
Island Boy over 3 years ago
And Penicillin is for sissies!
Geophyzz over 3 years ago
And if you put that wet suit in salt water, it becomes so easy that even I could swim.
Geophyzz over 3 years ago
Every spring when I trade the winter bike for my time trial Cervelo, and pump the tires to 150 psi, it doesn’t even feel like cycling, but flying low over the ground.
Bluejay Premium Member over 3 years ago
I’m just in it for the smiles. Good job, Jeff. You help me think and laugh at the same time.
robin.axten Premium Member over 3 years ago
Huh?
The Brooklyn Accent over 3 years ago
I don’t see that there’s a functional difference between “mak[ing] it easier” and “go[ing] farther and faster for the same effort.” If one refuses to do anything to make it easier, all use of even the simplest tools would be eschewed.
Ukko wilko over 3 years ago
Age and treachery however, will triumph.
Richard S Russell Premium Member over 3 years ago
But clearing the driveway in a snowstorm is real shoveling. Wanna grab a shovel instead of just kibbitzing, kid?
anomaly over 3 years ago
Try swimming the English Channel without a wetsuit.
fishbulb239 over 3 years ago
Reminds me of the avid cyclists who show disdain for those who ride bikeshare bikes. Riding those heavy beasts for weekday transportation allowed me to increase my average speed on weekend recreational rides by about 1 mph. (And taking those bikes up one big hill was a more exhausting workout than a 30-mile ride on a road bike.)
Thinkingblade over 3 years ago
Frazz’s fault is a sort of personal moral superiority in his choices of activities – and particularly their merit in exercise. That is a choice – but not a moral one and his excuses about convenience expose it. But heck – we all are flawed in some way or another, I don’t hold it against him.
bigal666 over 3 years ago
Close. Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.
falcon_370f over 3 years ago
Experience and treachery always overcomes youthful enthusiasm
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 3 years ago
I prefer wearing my skin only in swimming. Amazing how fast you become without clothes getting in the way.