As many of you may know, I place high value in community. I’m a kind of guy who wants to go where everybody knows my name and they’re always glad I came.
Last night, the Hermit-man and I were rolling around the streets of RO and got into a discussion about all of the nicknames that embody the Michigan cycling community. It’s a bit absurd if you really stop and think about the wealth of cleverly-nominated associations out there.
Why do we do this?
I’ve narrowed it down to two reasons:
1. Term of endearment, symbolizing acceptance
2. Term of ridicule
My short-lived first roommate I had in college, with whom I went in blind, was one of those social outcast akward types that anyone who took one look at would immediately file him into some kind of “that guy” category. He had so few of friends that he took it upon himself to nominate his own nickname which was never adopted by a soul despite his dedication and persistence of referring to himself with this self-proclaimed nickname. I only lasted two weeks with this fellow before I went nuts and had a little talk with my RA to move me to another room. The straw that broke my back was coming home to 8 cans of polished off tuna fish adorned on the floor with a side of whitie tighties casually laying around fully equipped with skid marks so defined an accident reconstructionist could of determined exactly what was served up in the cafeteria the night before…but this is a different story. Nonetheless, back to my point; Rule #1 when it comes to nicknames-it has to be bestowed upon you from your social group…without exception, no self-nominations!
So, after brainstorming for a few minutes, I came up with this list. Feel free to add to it or share a story of how your nickname may have come about.
Also, there is something special at stake for any person who can correctly identify every name with the proper person.
-Rockstar- -Hermit-Man- -Pain Guy- -Simonster- -Peanut Butter- -Beer Champ- Lil’Pony- -The Donut- -Stewey- -Hedge Hog- -White Bread- -Unguided Missile- -Porn Stash- -Hot Rod- -Monster Cell Phone- -Flab- -Papa T- -Black Ace- The Eagle- -The Godfather- -The Jew- -Frodo Baggins- -Girl of Steel- Domo arigato- -the Legend- -Hammer Man- -Hairy Man- -G-Man- -Frenchy- Cruz Missile- -SippinWhiskey- -Kuhncapie chappie- -Soupy- -Twinkle Toes- Finkelstein- -Dolpinator- -The German- -Click Man- -K-Man-
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I owe Hal Needham a big Thank You!
“What’s new lately”, asked my mom late Sunday night as I am driving and conversing with her on my cell phone. “You haven’t been updating your blog, is everything OK? Isn’t anything interesting happening”. Truth is, this time of year I seem to always slip into my mundane state of mind. Although I entertained the notion of racing every weekend in October, it seems the call of fun base miles rolling out from my front door and post-ride beers seemed overridingly more fun. I was supposed to race Peak to Peak this weekend and even thought about doubling up and suffering some cross the next day but after my teammates were on the fence about making the northern excursion, I found it easy to throw in the towel. So the weekend was spent rolling over leafs on my squishy fat tire bike, getting in the ever-so-important therapeutic miles, and engaging in general TCOBing (taken care of business).
On Saturday, Adam York rode with us and I discovered that he was unaware of the greatest movie ever made. Recently, John Coyle posted a “If it weren’t for Claire Young” story which got me thinking. In a nut shell, his story expressed that he was unsure of where he would be today had Claire not looked at him when he was 8 years old and commented, “You look pretty good on a bike, you should race”.
It made me realize that one movie taught me virtually everything there is to know about life. Folks, I’m talking about Rad, the greatest story ever told…it’s a fact. The movie instilled my passion for bikes, taught me about relationships, love, struggle, money, greed, honor, and the fruits of hard work and dedication. It was 1986 and I think I was playing outside at the time. My eldest brother’s future wives’ brother brought over two movies he had just rented and asked if I wanted to watch them. One was Iron Eagle (another great flick, but that’s another story), the other was Rad. How was I to know my life would change from that day on? I can still remember my first viewing, the tricks amazed me, the soundtrack got my adrenaline pumping, and the plot sucked me in like a dyson. My mom quickly had to enforce the rule that I was to have a 1 hour waiting period, or cool down session if you will, post-viewing before I could ride my bike for fear my elevated state would cause me to surely attempt some kind of stunt that would wind me up in the ER.
Who you I be today if it weren't for Rad?
If anyone has been deprived of this movie and would like to reserve a VIP screening in the Stein Theatre, feel free to contact me anytime and I will personally facilitate your very own evening of life-changing cinematic excellence.
Mom, I hope this provides you with fodder to make it through your week.
On Saturday, Adam York rode with us and I discovered that he was unaware of the greatest movie ever made. Recently, John Coyle posted a “If it weren’t for Claire Young” story which got me thinking. In a nut shell, his story expressed that he was unsure of where he would be today had Claire not looked at him when he was 8 years old and commented, “You look pretty good on a bike, you should race”.
It made me realize that one movie taught me virtually everything there is to know about life. Folks, I’m talking about Rad, the greatest story ever told…it’s a fact. The movie instilled my passion for bikes, taught me about relationships, love, struggle, money, greed, honor, and the fruits of hard work and dedication. It was 1986 and I think I was playing outside at the time. My eldest brother’s future wives’ brother brought over two movies he had just rented and asked if I wanted to watch them. One was Iron Eagle (another great flick, but that’s another story), the other was Rad. How was I to know my life would change from that day on? I can still remember my first viewing, the tricks amazed me, the soundtrack got my adrenaline pumping, and the plot sucked me in like a dyson. My mom quickly had to enforce the rule that I was to have a 1 hour waiting period, or cool down session if you will, post-viewing before I could ride my bike for fear my elevated state would cause me to surely attempt some kind of stunt that would wind me up in the ER.
Who you I be today if it weren't for Rad?
If anyone has been deprived of this movie and would like to reserve a VIP screening in the Stein Theatre, feel free to contact me anytime and I will personally facilitate your very own evening of life-changing cinematic excellence.
Mom, I hope this provides you with fodder to make it through your week.
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