Porsche or Bicycle?
#26
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Right off the bat I'll say this is a silly post, but being that it's here in the 50+ I figured some may enjoy and even relate. Half tongue in cheek, half "This is why I ride", please don't take it too seriously.
(FYI - I have absolutely nothing against old guys driving expensive sports cars)
A few Saturdays ago I was riding back from a ~45-mile ride coming into my neighborhood from the country roads I ride. I was almost home and felt good so I thought I'd do a final push. I was standing and pushing, doing about 25 mph with the wind pushing at my back. Feeling really good, really strong, feeling like I was years younger. About that time a guy, probably a few years older than me, came up driving in a beautiful new Porsche convertible with his woman in the passenger’s seat. He would have passed, but there was a car in front of him making a left so for a couple of hundred feet we were side by side doing our 25 mph; him sitting in the driver's seat, me standing and hammering. I look at them, but neither he nor his woman look at me. I mean, I’m right there, looking right into their car, and they are stiff like statues just looking straight ahead obviously avoiding looking at me.
Why? Because with me hammering and working and looking like a freakin’ 20-year old (OK, maybe a 49-year old), that nice new Porsche that he was so proud of only moments before, suddenly, instantly became absolutely meaningless. In that split second, he realized that as nice as that Porsche motor is, it ain't HIS motor, and his motor can't even think of keeping up with my motor.
(FYI - I have absolutely nothing against old guys driving expensive sports cars)
A few Saturdays ago I was riding back from a ~45-mile ride coming into my neighborhood from the country roads I ride. I was almost home and felt good so I thought I'd do a final push. I was standing and pushing, doing about 25 mph with the wind pushing at my back. Feeling really good, really strong, feeling like I was years younger. About that time a guy, probably a few years older than me, came up driving in a beautiful new Porsche convertible with his woman in the passenger’s seat. He would have passed, but there was a car in front of him making a left so for a couple of hundred feet we were side by side doing our 25 mph; him sitting in the driver's seat, me standing and hammering. I look at them, but neither he nor his woman look at me. I mean, I’m right there, looking right into their car, and they are stiff like statues just looking straight ahead obviously avoiding looking at me.
Why? Because with me hammering and working and looking like a freakin’ 20-year old (OK, maybe a 49-year old), that nice new Porsche that he was so proud of only moments before, suddenly, instantly became absolutely meaningless. In that split second, he realized that as nice as that Porsche motor is, it ain't HIS motor, and his motor can't even think of keeping up with my motor.
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#27
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Porsche or Bicycle?
I'll take one of each, thanks.
I'll take one of each, thanks.
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#28
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#29
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It's not an either/or choice for me either. I don't own a Porsche, but I drive an auto that is high on the fun to drive quotient. So I get the best of both worlds .. driving it over to my weekend bike rides. And yes, there are times that after the ride, I go out on the same roads and have some fun in the car.
But I will say this. Would I rather spend a nice sunny day driving a Porsche or riding my bicycle? The bicycle wins, and it's not even close.
But I will say this. Would I rather spend a nice sunny day driving a Porsche or riding my bicycle? The bicycle wins, and it's not even close.
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Last edited by Biker395; 09-18-17 at 08:39 AM.
#30
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My Alfa Romeo is gone so no sports car for now, but I do have a few motorcycles and almost as many bicycles. I love em all, each at their time. Some days a bicycle is the thing, other days a motorcycle feels like the way to go, and others I sure do miss that old Alfa.
Never really wanted a Porsche. Nice cars I know, but the design just never caught my attention. I was at a British car/bike show yesterday though and had a chance to look at a Lotus Evora 400. Yep, I really do like those and could see one replacing that old Alfa I had. Then my garage would be complete again.
Never really wanted a Porsche. Nice cars I know, but the design just never caught my attention. I was at a British car/bike show yesterday though and had a chance to look at a Lotus Evora 400. Yep, I really do like those and could see one replacing that old Alfa I had. Then my garage would be complete again.
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#32
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I think we all have overactive imaginations and delusions of grandeur when we ride, believing that motorists notice our kits or are impressed with our speed.
The truth is that most couldn't care less that we even exist beyond the need to get past us without denting their car.
-Tim-
The truth is that most couldn't care less that we even exist beyond the need to get past us without denting their car.
-Tim-
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#33
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When I was younger I was pretty good at it, better than most actually. Have always been a mechanic so there's a chance to push cars most weeks. Got tired of being the first one called so I started avoiding it as I've gotten older. Still get to push them sometimes. Pushing is easier than steering the trucks that don't run, for sure.
#34
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Never had a Porsche but I worked for a shop where we modified 930 turbo cars, along with non-turbo cars. They were impressive and I even got to drive them sometimes.
A customer dropped off a 356 once and told me to drive it all I wanted. That car was a lot of fun! Not fast but just enjoyable on a twisty road.
Nowdays I drive Corvettes, including the 650hp supercharged monster, (part of the job). No lust for them, however, or any other car.
I don't really have bike lust, either. I like my Seven, but would like to try something else.
Would also like to try some different mountain bikes.
A customer dropped off a 356 once and told me to drive it all I wanted. That car was a lot of fun! Not fast but just enjoyable on a twisty road.
Nowdays I drive Corvettes, including the 650hp supercharged monster, (part of the job). No lust for them, however, or any other car.
I don't really have bike lust, either. I like my Seven, but would like to try something else.
Would also like to try some different mountain bikes.
#35
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That's quite a scenario you've conjured up riding next to them for what 30 sec? Personally I don't give a hoot what the guy and his babe think as long as they give me my space and let me do my thing.
I saw a good one while I was out on the bike a while back there was a guy around my age, 65, with a vintage Mustang in pristine condition. He was parked on a hill and had a babe that could have been his granddaughter with hot pants and a belly shirt draped over the hood in a classic Vargas pose. Between the car the girl and the pose it was a classic scene. He was taking photos and as I rode by I caught his eye and he got that sort of I'm busted look on his face. Funny two old dogs me on the bike and him up to whatever not acting our age I love it.
I enjoy driving but I would take the bike hands down any day. I don't have a bonafide sportscar but my car is quick and a fun to drive Mazda Speed3 with a turbo and a six speed that scratches my itch. Not to mention the bike easily fits in the rear. I also have a hitch rack for when were traveling and need the space for luggage.
When I retired three years ago I decided to get myself a retirement gift I never considered a car but I did put together my dream bike and got a Pinarello Dogma F8 with DA Di2 and Zipp 303's - since replaced with Zipp 454NSWs. I could be ridiculed for having a TdF bike at my age but when I swing my leg over that sexy Italian filly I must say I feel a younger than my years. So I try not to pass judgement since you've just got to find whatever it is that floats your boat and go for it.
You're only young once but you can be immature forever.
I saw a good one while I was out on the bike a while back there was a guy around my age, 65, with a vintage Mustang in pristine condition. He was parked on a hill and had a babe that could have been his granddaughter with hot pants and a belly shirt draped over the hood in a classic Vargas pose. Between the car the girl and the pose it was a classic scene. He was taking photos and as I rode by I caught his eye and he got that sort of I'm busted look on his face. Funny two old dogs me on the bike and him up to whatever not acting our age I love it.
I enjoy driving but I would take the bike hands down any day. I don't have a bonafide sportscar but my car is quick and a fun to drive Mazda Speed3 with a turbo and a six speed that scratches my itch. Not to mention the bike easily fits in the rear. I also have a hitch rack for when were traveling and need the space for luggage.
When I retired three years ago I decided to get myself a retirement gift I never considered a car but I did put together my dream bike and got a Pinarello Dogma F8 with DA Di2 and Zipp 303's - since replaced with Zipp 454NSWs. I could be ridiculed for having a TdF bike at my age but when I swing my leg over that sexy Italian filly I must say I feel a younger than my years. So I try not to pass judgement since you've just got to find whatever it is that floats your boat and go for it.
You're only young once but you can be immature forever.
#36
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I could just go to the Lotus dealer in Denver, but I really hate dealing with dealership sales folk. I'd much rather get an honest opinion from an owner.
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I was just drivingto lunch with my wife and we slowed down due to traffic. This creepy assed old guy on a bike ended riding like a crazy man to pace us so he could stare at my wife the whole time.
We ignored him. Should I be worried?
We ignored him. Should I be worried?
#40
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The "reality check" is that we often project things that don't exist. eg. "racing" another cyclist that didn't know (or cared less) you were racing against, people caring about what bike you have, or Porsche drivers giving two thoughts your "motor" was stronger than his.
#41
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#42
Senior Member
A few years ago I wanted a sporty 4 seater convertible really bad and got a used 06 Saab Aero. Mainly because used car values for Saabs bottomed because of the bankruptcy. I know although being from Germany it should have been a German car but I am too cheap. I am not willing to pay for German expensive over engineering. Nowadays I mainly commute by bike and don't really drive the car that often anymore. I have experienced more fun with bicycles meanwhile and for the car payments of such an expensive car I can buy many bikes.... lol
No I am not jealous of these folks in their expensive sports cars. Especially when they are stuck in traffic and I just cycle by....
Oh and by the way my new to me but old Lightning phantom causes more heads to turn than my convertible...
No I am not jealous of these folks in their expensive sports cars. Especially when they are stuck in traffic and I just cycle by....
Oh and by the way my new to me but old Lightning phantom causes more heads to turn than my convertible...
#43
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That looks like how I would carry my Colnago inside my vintage Fiat 500. Remove the passenger seat and put it upside-down behind the driver's seat, then put in the Colnago and wheels.
I do have a custom roof-rack 90% built for the Fiat, just need to finish up the attachment point, but haven't been driving it lately, nor have I been carrying the bike inside of a car, so it hasn't been a priority.
99% of my bike rides begin from the doorstep.
Of course, there would also be the possibility of building a trailer hitch and hitch rack for some cars (not sure how well that would work for the Fiat 500 as there isn't a lot to securely bolt onto).
I do have a custom roof-rack 90% built for the Fiat, just need to finish up the attachment point, but haven't been driving it lately, nor have I been carrying the bike inside of a car, so it hasn't been a priority.
99% of my bike rides begin from the doorstep.
Of course, there would also be the possibility of building a trailer hitch and hitch rack for some cars (not sure how well that would work for the Fiat 500 as there isn't a lot to securely bolt onto).
#44
Senior Member
A little throw-away factoid: Did you know, Porsche has a line of bicycles?
It would have been awesomely ironic, if you had been riding a Porsche bicycle next to the Porsche car...
It would have been awesomely ironic, if you had been riding a Porsche bicycle next to the Porsche car...
#45
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#46
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#47
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Thread Starter
I think we all have overactive imaginations and delusions of grandeur when we ride, believing that motorists notice our kits or are impressed with our speed.
The truth is that most couldn't care less that we even exist beyond the need to get past us without denting their car.
-Tim-
The truth is that most couldn't care less that we even exist beyond the need to get past us without denting their car.
-Tim-
Like I said - Don't take it too seriously. It was just one of those times when I just felt so lucky to have discovered cycling.
I appreciate the humor in the responses, and cool that the side topic of Porsches and fast cars had some legs as well.
Thanks, y'all!!
#48
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Thread Starter
Dude...That was me!!! Why didn't you look?
#49
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Re: roccobike's photos: I've never been a fan of Tupperware. From an aesthetic perspective as well as a driving feel perspective.
As you've seen in other replies, you would lose your silly bet. Just to pile on a bit, here's two bikes inside a non-SUV Porsche (farm5.staticflickr.com/4391/37172771131_f598f43453_c.jpg).
What's great, from a bike carrying standpoint only, about a Porsche vs. a plug-mobile is that they are actually built with dedicated hard points in the roof for a rack system so you can carry your bikes while having fun flogging the back roads.
#50
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