Has anyone been following the writings of Gordo on his forum. He’s biking across the US and write a jounal pretty well every day. The journal is full of the activities that he and some other uber-bikers do as they travel across the country. there’s alot of boring dialogue between he and his buddies that I’m sure was funny at the time but loses something when it’s written.
I have tried to read a few of the journal entries but found them just too damned boring and lacking in any substance.
reminds me of someone that writes a really boring race report and tries hard to be funny when they aren’t funny at all
I dread reading things like this. I worry my stuff is perceived like this. It is the kiss of death. If anything, sometimes my stuff may be too over the top.
The ultimate fear of a writer is that people read your stuff and think it sucks.
It is tough to make some things sound interesting. It seems like you have to practice a lot (writing) and also do a lot of reading to stay fresh as a writer. You also have to always be afraid of going stale.
I liked the ones where he tells about their suffering (the one where Baron was at 160 bpm and was really hurting).
How can 160 be pushing it? Baron is suppose to be like 25 right? This is pure estimation, but lets say his max HR is 195. That’s 82%, and I’m sure his LT is way higher than that.
Maybe with all that low hr/AeT work when their hr rises a little they start hurting?
I’m 23 and if I were sitting above 160 for 2 hours within a heavy training block like they are, then I would be suffering. 165 might be more applicable to me, but still pretty close.
Justin D
p.s. I have really enjoyed Gordo’s journal. Since he’s been in the desert recently, its been easy to relate to some off his situations. He and Clas are giving an inside look into two guys training to be top IMers and I always find that to be quite interesting.
Remember: they are journal entries and nothing more. I think Gordo has written some wonderful material (minus his poetry, of course). I read these recent entries as off-the-cuff updates that he’s written on a laptop in parking lot after riding all day. I mean, even the greatest writers (Henry James comes to mind) wrote spotty journals. When I want Shakespeare I read Shakespeare, you know what I mean?
I actually really like their journal entries. I probably enjoy their dialog more than anything else, but it makes for good reading IMO. shrug Different strokes…
The first thing I do when I get into the office in the morning is check out the lastest from Gordo and the latest from Tom D…I know, pathetic, but I love reading their stuff. Keep it up.
I’ve found the journal entries to be a fascinating view into the world of the elite triathlete. The snippets of conversation are, to me, an invariable barrel of laughs. Keep it up G-Man!
I too have been enjoying reading the ongoing saga of two intrepid adventurers biking, running an d swimming thier way across America and with great people they are meeting along the way. I especially enjoy reading about his quivering organs - 'cuz I know that I always enjoy it when my organ quivers ;)…but then maybe I need to get a life beyond my cube
Question: Are these guys independently wealthy? It sure seems like they have the liberty of Epic Camps and trans continental trips at will. I realize they are pros, but I can’t see the numbers adding up. It’s none of my business I suppose, and, I’m just a bit envious I guess. But, unless your’e routinely knocking off Hawaii top three placings and/or WINNING IM Qualifiers regularly (which these guys are not), the average pro needs to have either of two things, an extremely frugal lifestyle, or a ton of sponsorship and outside resources to live that lifestlye. Perhaps a journeyman pro or two out there might shed light on this. Again, no question I’d rather be doing what they do on Monday morning than grappling with my clients/career. Ooops, gotta run, time to finish my taxes!
From what I’ve heard, Gordo worked for Vandelay Industries where he was top latex salesman for 3 years straight. When you read his stuff you can sense his deep love for rubber and rubber products. I think this is why he can sit in the saddle forever. He’s feeling at home, riding the rubber (so to speak).
It appears that Gordo had a really good run while at Schroder Ventures and Schroder Capital Partners, venture capital and buyout entities . He became partner in record time (4 years) in their Asia group. He may still do some work for them. Unclear to me.
I enjoy reading all of his updates. I have been following his development as posted on his webpage since 2000 or 2001. He is a unique example of someone taking a chance to pursue his passion.
With regards to anyone who finds Gordo’s writing boring there is a very simple solution, don’t read it. I find tons of stuff on the internet boring. I just don’t read it if I find it boring.
As far as Gordo’s income goes (it’s really only his business) I know that he was very successful with working in international ventures worth 10’s of millions of dollars. I have a feeling that with his knowledge that he probably has an investment portfolio which is stronger than the “average joe”. I come in contact wiht people everyday who have done so well with their investments that they can live a life of leisure and do whatever they want. I don’t think that Gordo lives off of prize money and endorsements as many pro triathletes have to. He definitely makes some through coaching and probably is doing well in investments.
