ON BEING A GIVER

Everyone likes to win. Everyone likes to be spared from the wind. Very few people can ride at the front the entire ride. (at least around these parts)

Problem is, most folks are TAKERS, not GIVERS.

Take Chris Horner for example. Classic example of a giver. He pulls Cadel all over France and when the timing is right, Cadel TAKES from Horner. Of course Horner is paid to give. But that doesn't make it right. Horner is arguably the the strongest domestic pedaler of the bike. He possesses a strong motor. He has also paid his dues. He has been involved in most of the failed domestic pro teams. Teams that have folded without paying the riders. That kind of shit. But Horner still gives.

Point being.......we have too many takers around here. TAKE, TAKE, TAKE.

You know the kind I am talking about. Types that always complain, bitch, moan about everything. The kind that will gladly drink all your beer, eat all your food, talk about you behind your back, borrow your shit and not give it back. TAKE,TAKE,TAKE.

Another example.....dude sits in at the back all day and gets pulled around town in the group ride. Then when it comes time to sprint up the last hill at the end of the ride.....dude comes alive and jets up the hill. Then has the balls to post something after the ride complaining about how slow the ride was and how shitty everyone rides. TAKE, TAKE, TAKE.

The kind of guy who will gladly use you up and then have the nerve to bitch about it. Not just on the bike either. He runs around thinking he has IT. He is IT.

God forbid you are riding alone with him and YOU happen to have a flat. He won't stop.

If HE has a flat, he will gladly TAKE your last tube. Cuz he is too lazy to bring his own stuff. He would also ask you to change it. TAKE, TAKE, TAKE.

Another taker move.

Dude goes into the LBS to "try" on a new pair of cycling shoes. Dude makes sure he i.d.'s the right size and then bolts. The following week dude has a shiny new pair of shoes. But he bought them from Nashbar with his 50% off coupon. And then he expects LBS to "get right on" a problem he has with his freehub body the next day. TAKE, TAKE, TAKE.

To be fair......we do have givers. Not many, but a few. Guys (or gals) that will gladly give you an extra water bottle if you forget yours. Or at the mid-way regroup point give you a buck to buy some ice cream or preperation h if so desired. So my hats is off to all the GIVERS.

We need a few more like ya!