When I was in grade four, my teacher put a poster on the wall and to this day I have never forgotten what it said: Happen to things. This statement was etched in the sky over a mountain biker that was speeding down a pretty wild trail. As I grew and matured, that simple statement started meaning more and more.
Since 1903, the Tour de France has evolved to become one of sports most prestigious events. With a rich history and international profile it is easy to get caught up in the excitement. People wear the jersey of their favorite team to work. Adults have their faces painted with team colours. Flags blow in the wind from the window of every other vehicle, putting on display a loyalty to one rider or another.
I am being sarcastic.
The Tour de France is the most famous of the Grand Tours, and for three weeks each year many fraudulent fans come out of the woodwork and pretend to care about the sport. It would be safe to say these are the folks that jump on the Stanley Cup bandwagon, the World Series bandwagon, the Grey Cup bandwagon and on and on it goes.
I have to chuckle when people talk about a sport they have nothing to do with and have never taken part in as though they were once a pro and wrote the rule book. Just because you have a mountain bike and have taken it out for a ride or two around the park does not entitle you to provide daily commentary. Sorry to be the bearer of hurtful news.
The root of my frustration is straightforward. Assuming you are capable, if you love a sport, get off your butt and play it. Dont make up facts about a sport you dont even take part in. Dont read the sports section of the local rag and drop bits and pieces of news that you stumbled upon throughout the day. And, most importantly, dont kid yourselfyou wont fool everyone.
I am a very committed roadie, but do you know what I would rather do than watch the Tour de France? Ride my bike.
Dont take this as me discouraging you from developing a passion for the sport, but I need to be honest, I have no interest in seeing more cycling fans. What I want to see more of is people riding their bikes. The way I see it, these are two very different things. Any halfwit can be a fan. Not any halfwit can call them self an athlete.
Dont be the know-it-all wannabe athlete who regurgitates stats. Get outside and playexperience life and sport by doing and not watching.
Happen to things. Create your own stories to tell. Experience what the famous professional athletes on TV experience. Push yourself to become faster, stronger, and better. Be comfortable calling yourself an athlete and do away with being just another fan.
