A Tale of Two Super Sports

[Jeff Higgins]

One requires a bit more effort to ride than the other, but they are both "Super Sport" models from their respective manufacturers. I took the pedal powered one out for about a 30 mile loop this morning on a crisp Pacific Northwest fall day. Felt great. I'm in my tenth month of my return to cycling, and I think I can finally call myself a "cyclist" again. I've lost over 30 pounds, the strength is back in my legs, my endurance is up to where our big steep hills are no longer an obstacle for me, and I'm having just a fantastic time.

1995 100th Aniversary Edition Super Sport from, of all companies, Schwinn. This was a one year only kind of "tour de force" from Schwinn, kind of trying to show what they could do. Welded aluminum frame, mix of Shimano 105 and Ultra components, some upgrades (Mavic CXP 14 wheels, Brooks B17 saddle, SPD pedals, etc.). A very light and lively old school road bike.



My other Super Sport requires no introduction. I've shown it off on this forum for years. After a shower and some breakfast when I returned from the bike ride, I decided to roll this one out on what is apparently our last dry day for awhile.

So, while suiting up, I managed to "pop" my four times dislocated hip while I was bent over pulling on my right boot. It didn't come completely out, but it both scared the hell out of me and served as yet another reminder of my current condition (I've done the pre-opp screening, met with the surgeon, and have a green light to go in and fix it in the next few weeks, waiting to hear from scheduling). It hurt a bit, but mostly just kind of pissed me off. My wife suggested it might not be such a good idea to go ride "The Princess" as she calls her. What does she know? I couldn't think of any better way to ride off my frustration.

The end result was an all out "Isle of Mann" level assault on one of our local river valleys. I rarely ride that way anymore, but today was the day. Boy did it feel good. The Princess was on song. She really "had the bit in her teeth". We were communicating very nicely with one another. I'm sure I left many innocent motorists behind that were either cussing me or dialing their cell phones to report "that crazy kid on the crotch rocket". And, well, they weren't wrong, except this "kid" is 65 years old.

I got it out of my system. I feel much better now. What a contrast, though. The quiet, serene glide of a road bicycle in the early morning light vs the booming, barely muffled exhaust note of a 900 twin at full song. Two Super Sports that couldn't be more different. Or more satisfying, in their own ways. Life is good.

[oldE]

Jeff, Excellent! Sometimes you just have to make sure you're a mile away when the dust finally settles. Glad the doc will get your hip sorted out soon.
Be well.