The wicked witch bike is a peculiar and mysterious sight to behold. It is said to have been created by the wicked witch herself using her dark magic and supernatural powers. The bike is unlike any other, with its ominous black frame and intricate design that gives off an air of foreboding. Its wheels are made of twisted metal, resembling the talons of a predatory bird ready to strike. On closer inspection, one can see disturbing symbols and markings etched into the bike's surface, hinting at the witch's powerful and malevolent presence. Riding the wicked witch bike is said to be an eerie and unsettling experience.

Happy Halloween: Did US cyclocross start with Miss Gulch?

The well-known movie quote has permeated American pop culture for decades, an instant one-liner hit since 1939, when the movie “The Wizard of Oz” debuted.

But what most assume is an emphatic statement directed at Dorothy Gale by the Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Almira Gulch could actually be competitive “locker-room talk” directed at her cyclocross competitors.

Gulch was a socialite and neighbor of Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and Dorothy. Using her status, she rides her bike to the family’s home in Kansas in the beginning of the film to threaten to have Dorothy’s dog, Toto, put to sleep for biting her.

Gulch appears to have a swift cadence on the bike trundling along dirt roads and an impressive dismount (seen at end of video above).

Although cyclocross origins have been traced to the early 1900s in Europe, the first U.S. cyclocross national championships did not take place in until 1963. Before that time, historical records are murky at best.

One fact we do know: Gulch’s first name, Almira, is strikingly similar to a Specialized bike model – the Amira.

Could it be that Gulch pioneered the early beginnings of cyclocross in the United States and she competitively raced her rivals on the dirt paths of Kansas, dodging cattle, jumping over barbed wire and cornering fence posts?

One thing’s for sure: Had Gulch been alive/real today, she likely would be a Cat 1 racer taking on the U.S. pro cyclocross calendar.

Happy Halloween from Clipped In

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The Wicked Witch and the Lovely Beast

"The Beast" is the name given to the climb from Neuhaus to Bürg by the Ironmen, who race in Rapperswil-Jona every year in June. The Beast is nowhere near as bad as "Witches Hill", which you climbed a few minutes earlier. This climb leads from the centre of Schmerkn via the old country road towards Eschenbach. It is no steeper than "The Beast", but about three times as long. The climb from Bürg to Goldingen is even more demanding. It drags on and varies its gradient so often that it is difficult to find a good rhythm.

In order: The start of this 90-kilometre tour (if you ride it twice, as in the Ironman) is completed between the Rapperswil Lido and Schmerikon. This is followed by the already described Hexenhügel (witches' hill). On a short descent before Eschenbach you can let your legs hang for a few minutes. But the recovery is short-lived. The supposed flat section to Neuhaus is not a flat section at all, but a slight incline on which the wind often blows in your face.
There is a lot of wind after the culmination point above Goldingen. If you don't want to lose time on the road to Laupen, you need courage. You speed downhill at around 70 km/h. Between Diemberg and Ermenswil, scooter skills are in demand. If you lean low over the handlebars on this section, you can keep the biggest gears going. After Ermenswil there is another short climb before you reach the Obersee again in Schmerikon. The real ironmen return from here to the turning circle in Rapperswil's southern quarter. But you can also shorten the tour by 20 kilometres here and ride the three ramps Hexenhügel, Biest and Bürg-Goldingen again straight away. The tour not only impresses with its versatility, but also offers beautiful sights and views.

Note(s)
At the Ironman you will find refreshment, first-aid and toilet stations at the following locations:
- Witches Hill
- Goldingen
- Turning Point Rapperswil

MothersRest

A love letter to moms, journeying from sleep deprived to joy-arrived.

Riding the wicked witch bike is said to be an eerie and unsettling experience. Some claim to hear faint whispers and cackling laughter as they pedal along, as if the bike itself is possessed by the wicked witch's spirit. Others speak of feeling an unexplainable chill in the air, despite the weather being warm.

Why momma turns into the big bad, wicked witch of the west

Legend has it that those who dare ride the wicked witch bike are cursed forever, doomed to carry the witch's mark upon them for the rest of their days. The bike is rumored to have the ability to glide effortlessly through the night, guided by an invisible force. Its riders are said to become one with the bike, their movements becoming fluid and synchronized, almost inhuman. It is believed that the wicked witch bike grants its riders enhanced speed and agility, allowing them to escape from pursuers or carry out wicked deeds undetected. Although the wicked witch bike is shrouded in darkness and mystery, it is also a symbol of power and fear. It serves as a reminder of the wicked witch's existence and the consequences of crossing her. Many view the bike as a cautionary tale, warning against engaging with supernatural forces beyond one's control. Its presence instills a sense of unease and trepidation, ensuring that the wicked witch's legend will continue to haunt the imaginations of those who encounter it..

Reviews for "Dare to Ride the Wicked Witch Bike"

- Sarah - 2 stars - I really wanted to enjoy "Wicked Witch Bike" but I found it to be too slow-paced and boring. The characters lacked depth and the story was unoriginal. I also didn't appreciate the heavy-handed moral lessons that were thrown in. Overall, it just wasn't as captivating as I had hoped.

- Michael - 2 stars - I can see why some people may find "Wicked Witch Bike" charming, but for me, it fell flat. The writing style felt forced and overly simplistic. The plot lacked any real excitement or depth. I struggled to connect with the characters and their journeys. While the concept was interesting, the execution left much to be desired. I won't be recommending this book to others.

- Emily - 1 star - "Wicked Witch Bike" was a major disappointment. The storyline was predictable and lacked any originality. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't bring myself to care about their struggles. The writing felt amateurish and poorly edited. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this book based on the premise, but it was a complete letdown.

Explore the Dark Side on the Wicked Witch Bike