About
Who, what, where, when and why is Ciclirati?
I’ll answer those, just maybe not in that order…
What is Ciclirati? Ciclirati is a site dedicated to all things cycling. From commentary on all aspects of the sport that is an all-consuming passion including the pro scene and cycling culture to product reviews, epic rides, training theory and nutrition.
Who is Ciclirati? My name is Jeff Ernst. First and foremost, I am distinctly not a big deal. Pretty well educated, seen more than my fair share of the world, and passionate about cycling both as a sport and as an integral part of life and improving society. My perspective is a little different than most because I live in a small town in Southwestern Minnesota, surrounded by hundreds of miles of beautiful pavement, courteous drivers and a non-existent cycling scene other than the handful of locals who get together for a small group ride. My cycling qualifications read like the CTS ad – I’m attempting my own cycling comeback as a busy father of three. However, my aspirations are far below Tour contender. An avid cyclist/racer in my early to mid 20′s, I found myself 13 years later about 75 pounds overweight, unhappy and wondering how I let cycling slip out of my life. Two years, 50 pounds and a few thousand miles later, I realized how much I love this sport. It is a sport of the world, a sport for everybody and a lifestyle that could save society. I’m limiting my goals to getting legitimately fit, winning a few local crits, possibly a state championship or race series; accomplishing that would be just fine with me.
What is/are Ciclirati? – There are twitterati, illuminati, literati and glitterati. I thought it sounded cool, I googled it to ensure nobody else was using it. I took it and filed trademark papers. Why, you ask? Because it sounds cool. By (my) definition, ciclirati are simply people educated and interested in the ways of cycling.
Where is Ciclirati? – I’m located in Southwest Minnesota. As the cliche goes, I’m close to nothing, but not far from anywhere. By the miraculous technology of this interweb thingy, the Ciclirati are everywhere. We may be small in number, but you’re never sure where we are.
When is Ciclirati? – Ciclirati is now. It has to be now because most people don’t want to read about things that are past-last-week old. That doesn’t mean we’re the most current, it just means it isn’t ancient history.
Why is Ciclirati here? – Well, apparently you’re still reading. I write, it’s what I do. I believe cycling is the greatest sport in the world and I’m passionate in the support of how this simple machine can transform society, push you to new individual limits, take you places you could never imagine otherwise and break a person’s spirit…all simultaneously.
