After running it by my generous teammates, I have decided to change my long-standing blog name from Mr Patterson Goes to Languedoc to The Vicious Cycle. Although I still have a little attachment to the old, quaint name, it doesn’t really speak to what I’m all about these days (other than me being in Languedoc, I guess).
The Vicious Cycle, however, nails it just about perfectly. I often feel like I’ve been sucked into a world I can’t (and don’t want to!) escape from, and I just go deeper and deeper into it. Know what I mean? Please tell me I’m not the only one…
In honor of my new title I am also changing the header photo to rotate randomly (click ‘refresh’ to test!). I’ve also tried to choose photos that reflect what this vicious cycle has led me into. Although not really ‘vicious’, it is a ‘cycle’ of sorts.
Welcome to the new/old blog!
The Vicious Cycle 
The change and new title are very appropriate. I find it’s like a vortex that gathers momentum each week and as the bike gets more and more focus other things get spun off as well. How else do we find those extra hours for training. Best, JS
I like the vortex image, too. Maybe ‘Velo Vortex’ would also be a good name for a blog.
Oooer.
Should I take that as a compliment?
Love it! Have you considered buying a domain name for your blog? I checked and ViciousCycle.com is not available (motorcycle site has it, whatever), but I’m sure you could find a variation.
I did think about it, actually. Everyone seems to say it’s best to have your name and domain the same name. Makes sense, of course. Thanks – another winter project…
It’s really easy to do with WordPress and doesn’t cost a lot of money. The tough part is finding a domain name, but that should also be easy since you have a starting point.
I’ll look into it today. The fear is that a couple of years down the road I might want to make another change. Keeping the url as ‘gerrypatt’ might free me up to be a fickle as I like 😉
Aaron, check out the address line next time you travel to the blog. ‘viciouscycleblog’ was about as close as I could come without spending $3000 for premium url. Thanks for the suggestion!
Love it! I’ll update my link.
And one day I might be stealing your idea of rotating images. That is terrific.
I just happened upon it while thinking I was changing the header to just one other. Steal away.
“A man searches for meaning … in between leg shavings.” That’s a hoot!
You win the prize for observation, Suze! I was quite pleased with myself when the idea popped up. Glad you like it.
Well done Gerry!
Merci, Clément !
Good stuff! It seems that your blog is growing up, moving from infancy into teenager years…..well done Gezz! It might take a while to get used to the new you! The good doctor nailed the best description for the impact cycling has with “Vortex”!
Steve, I think there’ll some growing pains along the way, but I need to break the hold that Languedoc has on me! And yes, ‘vortex’ sums it up nicely, I agree.
Gerry, just discovered your blog after Aaron landed on mine, and now I am keenly following Team Vicious Cycle’s progress towards the Haute Route 2013. Always brilliant to keep tabs on fellow amateur riders who set a goal and work hard to achieve. Wishing you all the best as you pedal furiously towards the Alps. Cheers! James.
Welcome to the blog, James! I’ve ‘seen’ you around, I think, probably on Aaron’s blog, I guess. I’ve taken a look at you ‘bucket list’ blog and is a great read, too. Are you a Montrealer? I’m catching the whiff of ‘Brit’ from the little I’ve read.
Born and raised in the UK (first 20 years of my life) and a Montrealer for the second 20. Love living over here but we could use some more hills! I am envious of you living in France. My folks have a place within sight of Mont Ventoux and I rode there one summer – incredible. Can’t wait to get back one day. Will have to live vicariously through your training for the next little while. I’s getting cold out here but I keep riding outdoors until the snow lands, then it’s into the basement! Ride safe!
I lived in Quebec for 10 years – you’re a brave man for riding at this time of year…then again, it was colder in the ’70s.
I live within sight of Ventoux as well (if I climb the hill behind my place), so probably have passed by your parents’ place once or twice. Sounds like you don’t need many reasons to come over for a visit.
Don’t need a reason to come over, more the money and the time! Next time I visit my folks in Apt I’ll give you plenty of notice and perhaps you could show me some of the good climbs around you…and of course we could tackle Ventoux. I still have to do that!
Sounds like a plan. I’m (nearly) always up for a Ventoux climb!
Funny, I remember a very similar exchange that led me to getting suckered into Haute Route. Beware, James! There may be no turning back from here!
On Tue, Nov 13, 2012 at 1:44 PM, The Vicious Cycle wrote:
> ** > Gerry Patterson commented: “Sounds like a plan. I’m (nearly) always up > for a Ventoux climb!” >
Aaron, I shall tread (pedal?) with caution, but between you and me, the idea of the Haute Route is very appealing! I love a challenge and I have not done a major one since competing in RAAM in the corporate division in 2005. We crossed the country in 6 days 7 hours 33 minutes (team of 8 in relay). It’s got to be time for a new challenge soon!
Of course I am kidding, and we are all very excited about the adventure. Too bad we didn’t bump into you a couple months ago when we were looking to fill some spots.
RAAM sounds amazing. A friend of mine did it. That’s one for my bucket list.
I was thinking that very same thing, Aaron. James would have been perfect for the team.
Perhaps another year….I would consider it a challenge and privilege to ride with other like-minded challenge seekers! We’re all young right? Plenty of thrill-seeking years ahead of us!