datlas 

BTW we were getting so many robocalls and telemarketing come-ons despite being on the "Do Not Call List" (what a joke!) that it was very easy for us to cut the cord and not have a home phone. We also cancelled cable/FIOS tv since we watch it so little. The only wired telecom service we have is FIOS high speed internet which is $40/month.

#thrifty

indyfabz

Killing time in the airport waiting for an 11 a.m. flight. So far, no one has called me today.

WhyFi

For some reason, it bothers me when a non-cyclist friend/family member asks me if I have a Peloton. My involuntary scoff at the question lead one of my friends to declare that I was more snobby about cycling than any of our friends were about anything else. I think that's an exaggeration.

WhyFi

I really can't remember the last time that we had a landline - it has to have been at least 8 years. I know that we've had cable service as recently as three years ago, but we only had it because the internet/TV promo package was cheaper than the internet service by itself'. The cable box sat in a closet for three or four years until I returned it upon going to fiber.

datlas 

The other annoyance was that Verizon was charging something like $15/month for our router/WiFi. I did some research and bought a gently used one from ScamBay that was compatible and like $75 so it paid for itself quite quickly. Back when we had the TV etc. they were giving us teaser rates but charging $15/month for each channel tuner (we had two) and the router. Sad!

datlas 

I feel the same way. It's akin to them asking me how I like the local MUP. I try to smile and say that's fine for others but not what I do.

When they ask about Peloton, I sometimes say no I do Zwift. They don't get it. Try to smile if you can.

datlas 

Are you heading out for a bike expedition??

WhyFi

Yeah, they did that monthly modem charge with us, too. I noticed that pretty early on and bought a comparable unit that paid for itself within 5 or 6 months, too.

I told them that it's like the Jazzercise of the cycling world and that for the price of a Peloton, I could have a real bike and a trainer. Yeah, they still don't get it.

datlas 

I like the analogy.

Many of my patients know I am a cyclist, so when the bad weather starts, they sometimes ask me what I do in the winter. I tell them I bundle up and ride, unless roads are not safe in which case I do something called Zwift. The invariable reply is "Oh, is that like Peloton?" I usually say that Peloton is a virtual spin class while Zwift is a virtual group bike ride.

I may want to try the Jazzercise line next time.

LAJ

I tell them it's cool that I get to ride a Peloton in the garage with Lance. That takes care of that pretty quickly.

indyfabz

No. Jacksonville overnight trip for work.

I will be doing Bikeout-New Hope this weekend. Friend of mine couldn’t use her ticket.

rjones28 

Or a compliment.

MoAlpha

We have NOMOROBO, which worked for a while and now only blocks unspoofed numbers. I would love to get rid of the land line, but it occasionally works in emergencies when the cellular networks are down.

rjones28 

We transferred our local phone number to a cell phone like 12 years ago, when the cost of an additional cell line fell below the cost of a land line.

MoAlpha

No one has ever asked me that.

sbxx1985 

Jazzercise is a bit much. It's a spin class without going to spin class.

I did think it was kind of silly when my wife got it four years ago, but I'm in no position to judge when it comes to bikes. She doesn't want to ride on the road and wants the option for a quick intense work out year round in the basement. Spin class is not my cup of tea, but it works better for me than my trainer or rollers. I like to suffer alone and in the dark.

sbxx1985 

She uses it, but has been really into barre this last year. She quit her job and started her own executive coaching business for lawyers. She has a lot more exercise flexibility now and doesn't need to quickly hammer out a Peloton ride. She's on a hike with a client right now. After 18 years of being a practicing lawyer, she's now inactive and happy. Legal profession kinda sucks because lawyers kinda suck.

WhyFi

But "spin class" doesn't quite capture the disdain.

sbxx1985 

Roadie bravado, WhyFi. You're all skinny and riding a lot. The snobbishness comes with it. And pink Rapha gear. I get it. I have it too, minus the pink Rapha gear.

In other news, people screaming at you to ride faster or harder or to get out of the saddle is irritating. No matter how "good" the music, there will always be crappy songs. It's a terrible combination.

MoAlpha

I did a spin class once. There was a lot of yelling and I didn't like the music, but the worst part was that it appeared I was getting effectively smoked by some of the pathetic, soft, non-roadie, spin class people there. At least they couldn't really drop me.

rjones28 

Crappy music while riding the trainer season is upon us. I play what the group wants down at the shop.

sbxx1985 

I did go to a bunch of spin classes at the gym one winter about 10 years ago. I went with my wife and sat in the back, usually with my headphones on. Doesn't seem to make a lot of sense thinking back at it, but I do recall a decent percentage of very attractive kitted out women with their Sidis.

datlas 

I did a few classes at the "Y" several years ago when my kids were doing some lesson or another. The instructors knew jack **** about real cycling. They would have us turn the tension up super high and drop cadence to like 15, then have us do a "jog" maenuver where every 10 seconds we would be standing/sitting....then some pushups against the front handlebar.

It was essentially an aerobics class on a fixed gear spin bike. I know it could be a good workout for some people. But not my cup of tea.

seedsbelize 

Big marketing will take your soul if you let them.
Cue @datlas

datlas 

wut