reconditioning old parts

Okay let's start off by saying that this isn't some "woe is me post", nor is it another post about how cheap Dug is(we'd need a larger internet). I've been noticing more and more lately that I am not 19. This has snuck up on me as I'm often oblivious to such things. My 40th birthday a couple of years ago was a hint, but I ignored it. The next year I was officially "in my forties" but Jay-Z said 30 was the new 20 which made me 30 as far as Jay-Z was concerned and what better arbiter than Hova. I know, a jewish man in his 40's quoting hip hop stars seems a pretty transparent effort to self-delude, but hey what's all this escapism worth if I can't be my inner 19 year old right?

The domestic goddess/social chairperson and I have friends that run the gamut of ages and interests. We kind of take folks for who they are and what they bring to the party as far as being fun/interesting.

It has only been in the last 12 months that people have been determined to point out the delta in my age and various people, music and land formations. Its not how old you are its how old you feel until the snot nosed snowboard instructor calls you sir. Or the new hire that you're training tells you that "you look great for your age".

What's the point, what's the piint right? Why am I rambling thru what many of you(old bastards) have already made peace with. Did the domestic goddess want to punch the wasted 16 year old that told her "its great that old people come to shows too"? Probably.
I guess the great thing about this whole racing thing is that as we get close to the Barry-Roubaix and the next cross season that its about what you put out there and not the gray hair you have(or that fell out)

I ride with a spectrum of people that differ in as many ways as they are similar. But on the bike? On the bike its all commonality. We all want to ride, we want to challenge ourselves and push past some limit. Beating each other up hills or to green signs or to finish lines.

I guess I felt like this was important or "front of mind" because its the time of year where we're all preparing for whatever is coming in the spring. Digging deep on the trainer while it snows and rains you start asking these questions. Why do I do this to myself? Why don't I go have a donut and kick back?

I guess the answer is that this ridiculous hobby let's you totally escape into it and focus on each turn, each pedal stroke and each ride. You only get "old" when you stop setting and reaching for goals. Or at least that's the way this old fucker sees it!

Now I've gotta put this soapbox back where it goes here by where I keep the Geritol and salve.