Heroes of Cycling’s Past. Velocio.

The man who inspired practically the whole of France to take up cycling, Paul de Vivie extolled the virtues of cycling by word, print and deed. His love of cycling and France’s desire for two wheeled freedom collided to create the sport of cyclo-touring with his publication Le Cycliste as his mouthpiece. Known for riding 40 hours at a stretch, he rode for the love of riding. 350 miles in 32 hours. 400 in 48.  He owned a bike shop, imported bikes, designed bikes, conceived the derailleur, and rode on into his 50′s, 60′s and 70′s stopped only by death itself, his life cut short by a streetcar accident. For all those who desire to ride far but race not, there is Velocio.

From an article by Clifford Graves M.D.:

“This gradual emergence of Velocio as a dominant figure, not only among cyclists but among the people of his age, is one of the most interesting things about the man because he never made a conscious attempt to attract public notice. All he wanted was his bicycle and his friends. He never moved his shop, he never had much money, and he never rested on his laurels. Twice a year, he would have a little notice in Le Cycliste, inviting all and sundry to a rally. These rallies became famous. At first strictly local affairs, they eventually became national institutions and some of them are still observed, such as the Easter gathering in Provence. Velocio himself was not aware of his stature until he was invited to appear in Paris in the Criterium des Vieilles Gloires when he was seventy-six. Then it was obvious that he completely over-shadowed all the others. Thousands gathered around him, just to shake his hand and wish him well.”

His Seven Commandments of Cycling

1. Make your stops short and infrequent, so as not to lose your drive.

2. Eat lightly and often. Eat before you’re hungry, drink before you’re thirsty.

3. Never ride until you are so tired that you cannot eat or sleep.

4. Put on extra clothing before you’re cold, and take it off before you’re hot. Don’t be afraid of exposing your skin to the sun, air and rain.

5. Don’t drink wine, eat meat, or smoke, or at any rate while in the saddle.

6. Never rush things. Ride within yourself, particularly during the first few hours of a ride when you feel strong and are tempted to force the pace.

7. Never pedal out of vanity.

In His Own Words.

“Every cyclist between twenty and sixty in good health can ride 130 miles in a day with 600 feet of climbing, provided he eats properly and provided he has the proper bicycle.”

“…people do not realize that vigorous riding impels the senses. Perception is sharpened, impressions are heightened, blood circulates faster, and the brain functions better. I can still vividly remember the smallest details of tours of many years ago. Hypnotized? It is the traveler in a train of car who is hypnotized.’

“After a long day on my bicycle, I feel refreshed, cleansed, purified. I feel that I have established contact with my environment and that I am at peace. On days like that I am permeated with a profound gratitude for my bicycle.”

“There were two of us on a fine day in May. We started in the sunshine and stripped to the waist. Halfway, clouds enveloped us and the temperature tumbled. Gradually it got colder and wetter, but we did not notice it. In fact, it heightened our pleasure. We did not bother to put on our jackets or our capes, and we arrived at the little hotel at the top with rivulets of rain and sweat running down our sides. I tingled from top to bottom.”

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