While commuting to work this week I took this year’s first real tumble. Navigating the icy conditions along Norrmälarstrand had more in common with riding the pavé of Paris – Roubaix than a regular commute but to me it came as no surprise. I knew the risks and I had taken precautions – slowing down just enough to maintain traction, helmet on, cyclo-cross style gloves, both eyes on the road. I was also very aware of the risks I factually was taking – commuting in icy conditions on a fixed gear set-up with no breaks.
Nevertheless, I still crashed. No major harm done, but still.
One of the classic cycling anecdotes is that you’re not a real cyclist unless you’ve broken your clavicle. When Lance Armstrong broke during the Castilla y León last year twitter was alive with commentators joking about how the seventeen year pro and seven time Tour de France champion was finally a cyclist.
Why am I telling you this; well crashes, accidents and risk-taking are significant attributes in our culture – and that includes purchasing. On many occasions I’ve had the pleasure of listening to procurement pro’s swapping war stories; bailing out suppliers in far off countries, manipulation, bribery, you name it. And although the stories are both compelling and at times quite exciting one wonders why we pay so much attention to (and show so much appreciation for) what could be seen as risk management failures.
I’ve got six words for it: scars impress in the male world.
It makes one wonder what would be premiered had there been more Barbara Kux’ out there.
