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And if you love Europe, you can love North America

By Joe Hall • 10th November 2009 07:31pm • Posted in Misc

Slate Olson has waxed lyrical over the European heritage that is ours, and ours alone. The years of stunning rivalry, the similarly stunning geography that has witnessed some of the most exciting battles that cycling has to offer, concentrated into bordered regions that are dwarfed by Mr. Olson's homeland.

But I propose that we should temper our smugness, if indeed it can be viewed as such; North America has more to offer than we may have first thought, encompassing a heritage that may not revolve around human personalities but that of the vast territory that makes up 49 of its fifty states. It too has character.

This has been amply demonstrated by the recently completed 2009 Rapha Continental exploring unknown regions, roads, trails and corners, testing riders, writers, videographers and photographers in ways every bit the equal of the European colossus.

The difference is in the accessibility of it all: in Europe we have had the luxury to bear witness; America offers the opportunity to help shape both history and future. Tradition is written less deep in stone, and the stone has offered us all a pen.

Cycling is more than big enough for both of us, if you catch my drift. Much that is happening across the pond could help us shape a new heritage for both. Two continents perhaps separated by a common language, but surely joined by the same machine and sport?

Comments

Slate Olson

10th November 2009 11:25pm

Well said Mr. Hall. Imagine your refined heritage combined with our rugged good looks and sense of our adventure…the Rapha Continental.

Joe Hall

11th November 2009 12:55pm

Not my words, Slate, the words of a Scot - Brian Palmer. But I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiment and the small amount of riding I have done on the USA's left coast is up there with the rides I've done in Europe. Plus the wine (not sure about the beer) isn't bad either.

JON CANNINGS

11th November 2009 01:38pm

those big open roads need riding by the UK contingent. Fully Euro'd up to the max. White oversocks.

Joe Hall

11th November 2009 01:41pm

Are you saying that Slate and the Continental crew aren't Euro? Perhaps they should define the North American Rules: Beards and steel bikes, energy burritos etc.

Stefan Rohner

11th November 2009 03:34pm

they only have steel bikes? ;)

a pity that Brian Palmer "discusses" alone there on his nice place, would be cool having cycling community discussions there.

pretty sure that there are WONDERful cycling places over there, but history creates feelings and legends, thats what happens when riding the famous cols of Tour, Giro and Vuelta.

Paul Isabella

11th November 2009 06:16pm

For sure, American riders have the chance to shape the future of cycling in this country. Our nostalgia is a bit closer to the imagery of Kevin Costner with a moustache doing canyon descents in the 80's, rather than Coppi and Gaul climbing like beautiful mountain goats.

JON CANNINGS

11th November 2009 10:12pm

Joey,
they are American, they aren't Euro ;-)
Although, if they hang around me long enough I am sure some of my uber-euro-coolness will attach to them. Mr Dunn is constantly emailing me for fashion advice.
In all seriousness, the US has a definite mix of scenes. Just like Europe. Having attended Vegas Cross, their enthusiasm was wonderful. No doubt the copious amounts of Sierra Nevada beer helped.

Stefan Rohner

12th November 2009 06:57pm

yes Paul, holllllywooood ;)

Stefan Rohner

12th November 2009 07:03pm

you remember:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnJvU0ofskc

;)

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