The Hypocrisy of Bicycle Racing

The most efficient race bikes are able to correlate 90% of the power exerted through the pedals to forward motion. A statistic that is unparalleled when compared to other forms of transportation. The lack of fuels used as a direct result of this design is clearly evident in the amount of bikes seen on CU campus every day. Every bike on campus may not be 90% efficient, expressed by the incessant cry for help most chains yell while passing me to class. Yet most are still more than able to justify bicycling to class instead of walking. However, the individual passing me on the way to school has an entirely different viewpoint of the bicycle then the bike race culture of Boulder. Individuals spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to decrease mechanical resistance and increase the aerodynamics of their steed(s).Purchases include aero carbon deep dish tubulars, aero helmets, airfoil carbon super light frames, slipstream pedals, and in extreme cases, hours will be spent in a low speed wind tunnels perfecting race stance on the bike. Add this paraphernalia to 15+ hours of training on the bike per week and the result is a very fast and efficient human-powered mechanism. While training for a bicycle race, it can be argued that road riders are just as environmentally innocent as commuters for the temporary period of October through March. Come March, a sudden shift in bike racer mentality occurs where they temporarily put their efficient machines on top of a four wheeled contraption and head of to socialize with others of their kind. The shift surprises many how these people (like me) can invert their feelings of efficiency into plain hypocrisy. I.E. strive for the pinnacle of economic power transfer then jump into a car that is only 13% efficient. To make matters worse, bike races are rarely located in the near proximity. Driving distance can be up to six hours each way and in some cases a plane is needed to get to the start area. This finally brings me to the point of this post. The competitive bike industry has both the ability and mentality to be an efficient sport. So far I have not seen this come to reality in any way or form but if the opportunity does arise, I feel the racing community can turn a new leaf on efficient hypocrisy.