Funny Moment On The Sunday Ride

On the way to the medieval city of Oudewater, we're riding through the speck of a town called Blokland when up ahead on the narrow path we see what seem to be two other cyclists. That's always a moment of anticipation, because meeting other cyclists like that, you can get to ride with new people. Something different, and potentially something exciting. But as we get closer it turns out they're a middle-aged couple (Asian looking, if I remember correctly) out for a walk, wearing Rabobank cycling jerseys of the team's early period. You just never see that. They're cycling jerseys, and the Dutch care about sticking to what's supposed to happen. Unlike the much more easy-going Americans, they don't wear whatever feels comfortable. Instead, they wear what tradition requires you to wear in a given situation. Personally, all I could do was try to process this unusual sight. John, at the head of our three-man train, however, was more quick to the draw. As we rode by them, he called out: fietsen vergeten? (forgot your bikes?)