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Post by triitout on Jun 19, 2022 21:16:45 GMT
Two weeks of back to back first place finishes and three for the season in my sprint triathlons got me thinking what am I doing different? Is it retirement? Maybe, but I have another theory. I've shed my tri top racing jersey and have worn my black replica "Coventry Olympic Viscount Cycles jersey instead. Emotion and confidence is often worth faster times and better results. I think I'm channeling 1970's Viscount racing at it's best. Having spent so many years as a middle of the pack finisher, this is really a nice stretch I'm going through. I'm superstitious so I'm going to keep wearing it until the streak ends or it's just too dam hot for black!
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Post by brianbutler on Jun 19, 2022 21:23:27 GMT
I think you are onto something there.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jun 20, 2022 0:08:10 GMT
It seems to me that you now have a "lucky jersey". When wearing your lucky jersey your "I can't do more" level is higher. You have more courage, can push harder, catch someone, have strength beyond what you think you have. This power is in your mind, not the jersey; the mind is an amazing thing. Not everyone understands, but if you believe, it does work. Sadly, I am still searching for my lucky jersey.
Ride Happy
Jim
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Post by triitout on Jun 21, 2022 1:01:41 GMT
It seems to me that you now have a "lucky jersey". When wearing your lucky jersey your "I can't do more" level is higher. You have more courage, can push harder, catch someone, have strength beyond what you think you have. This power is in your mind, not the jersey; the mind is an amazing thing. Not everyone understands, but if you believe, it does work. Sadly, I am still searching for my lucky jersey. Ride Happy Jim Jim, you are spot on......now go find your lucky jersey! The last time this jersey made it to the podium was well over 40 years ago so here's to it's resurrection, even if it's from a 100% amateur and I rode my Trek carbon!  race_131946_158327_770eefb4-85df-40c9-9a50-21a454896ecc |
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Post by brianbutler on Jun 21, 2022 11:01:16 GMT
Congratulations, Michael.
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Jun 21, 2022 14:43:43 GMT
Congratulations, Michael. Brian Excellent! Nice to see you doing well, and the Viscount publicity is icing on the cake. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by triitout on Jun 21, 2022 20:04:28 GMT
Call me delusional/optimistic but I keep thinking one of the participants comes over to me and says "I've got a Viscount buried in the shed that I forgot about. Come get it"! One of my triathlon friends, a well connected multi race Hawaii Ironman finisher always introduces me as the guy who rides the old English bikes so maybe the fantasy will bear fruit one day.  |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390 
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Post by Jem on Jun 21, 2022 20:09:34 GMT
Congratulations Michael, that is some accomplishment.
This isn't a wager we would ever be able to verify, but I'm putting money on it being the result of your retirement and feeling good about it. But, that said, you have got to keep wearing the shirt!
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Post by whippet on Jun 24, 2022 6:08:11 GMT
Well done Michael, you’re looking fit.
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Post by triitout on Jun 25, 2022 0:17:03 GMT
Congratulations Michael, that is some accomplishment. This isn't a wager we would ever be able to verify, but I'm putting money on it being the result of your retirement and feeling good about it. But, that said, you have got to keep wearing the shirt! Thanks Jem! It also helps that I'm just outlasting the other old farts! |
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Post by triitout on Jun 25, 2022 0:18:44 GMT
Well done Michael, you’re looking fit. Thanks Kevin! You might want to try wearing your Viscount jersey at the next club TT. I guarantee it will save you at least 2 seconds! |
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Post by sprockit on Jul 3, 2022 21:07:06 GMT
Great to see the Coventry Olympic Viscount Cycles shirt is bringing you luck, and long may that continue!
My work these days is as a cycling instructor, coaching 9 to 11 year olds, in the techniques of riding safely amongst the traffic on the roads.
Your lucky shirt reminds me of an incident where a trainee carried his bag on his back during his turn at doing the right turn out (from a minor road to a major road) onto a busy 40mph road, and didn’t get squished or killed - to the amazement of himself and his peers - so they all borrowed and carried his ‘magic’ bag to bring them luck when they each had their turn!
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Post by triitout on Sept 12, 2022 2:11:12 GMT
I wrapped up the racing season yesterday having completed 3 more sprint triathlons since my last checkin. Still wearing my lucky Viscount jersey, I PR'd the bike courses in all 3 by a few seconds. I've mentally built up a connection with the old Olympic Coventry team that gives me just a bit more daring and confidence on the bike. I'll take whatever help I can get. Two 2nd place age group finishes and a 5th in a 5 deep awards race made for an excellent season. Next year will be tough as I'll be 69 and at the top of the 65-69 group racing against those young 65 year olds. Ah, if I could only get my swimming straightened out, I'll be OK for next year.  race_131115_162615_2758d802-3e9b-4b0e-b9d5-0cfe1c6858f0 |
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Post by whippet on Sept 12, 2022 6:18:48 GMT
Great photo Michael, you all look very happy. You’ll be a world champs contender in two years in the 70-74 category! ( especially if you wear that jersey ).
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Post by wheelson on Sept 12, 2022 20:33:30 GMT
Great photo Michael, you all look very happy. You’ll be a world champs contender in two years in the 70-74 category! ( especially if you wear that jersey ). Congratulations on an excellent season. I need to get my order in for one of those mojo jerseys! I need all the help I can find. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by triitout on Sept 13, 2022 0:38:24 GMT
Thanks for the kind words Kevin and John  . At this point I feel like I'm playing with house money. My so called training rides on my Viscounts are slower than ever. I guess I'm just saving my power for race day. I'm actually the baby in the group shot. The asian gent is 75 years young and my buddy Randy in the blue top is 69 and psyched to age up next year! These guys are my inspiration. |
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Post by 54roadie on Sept 21, 2022 22:03:07 GMT
What an excellent season, Michael, congratulations. Yes! Keep wearing that lucky jersey. The glimpses you catch of it while riding remind your sub-conscience that you are indeed a Coventry Olympic Viscount rider and capable of just that extra bit more.
That's my theory, anyway.
Never mind my babbling. Congratulations on a great and well-deserved season.
Frank
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. At this point I feel like I'm playing with house money. My so called training rides on my Viscounts are slower than ever. I guess I'm just saving my power for race day. I'm actually the baby in the group shot. The asian gent is 75 years young and my buddy Randy in the blue top is 69 and psyched to age up next year! These guys are my inspiration.