In the thrilling and mesmerizing world of fantasy literature, one concept that has captivated readers for generations is that of the dragon rider. In various mythologies and fictional works, the idea of a brave individual forming a bond with a majestic and powerful dragon is a recurring theme. One such example is the character of Amu Et, a dragon rider who embarks on a heroic journey. Amu Et is portrayed as a fearless and determined individual, fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to protect his land from evil forces. With his unwavering courage, he forms an unbreakable bond with his dragon, a creature of immense strength and intelligence. Together, they become an unstoppable force, fighting against enemies and defending their world from imminent destruction.

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

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)

Related

Related Posts

Best 16 Arizona Road Cycling Routes

Bassett unstoppable on Oak Glen, Doebel-Hickok wins Stage 3

Results + photo gallery: Sun Devil Criterium p/b clippedin.bike

UCI teams ready for epic battle at this year’s Tour of the Gila

Mogollon climb returns to Tour of the Gila

Doebel-Hickok wins UCI Women’s Tour of the Gila Tyrone Time Trial, cuts GC lead to 14 seconds

Eaton 10th in world for U23 time trial

Kuss soars up Mount Nebo for race Lead at Tour of Utah

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Log In

Subscribe to our mailing list

Clipped In is the biggest online resource for cycling events, races and news in the United States. We are putting all cycling events, group rides and other helpful resources like news and local training routes all in one place. Find your favorite cycling events and bike races on clippedin.bike so you can stay up to date with your cycling community, get better at what you love and enjoy the best sport in the world.

We provide a one-stop shop with cycling news, events, discounts, store, a comprehensive cycling event calendar, races, rides, bike shops, teams in road cycling, mountain biking, cross-country mountain biking, downhill mountain biking, cyclocross, track cycling, BMX and triathlon. You can create your own bike race calendar with our My List feature. You can also post bike races, cycling events, group rides, cycling team information, bike shop and coach bios.

Finally there’s one place where you can find both sanctioned events and fun rides, gran fondos and gravel races, crits, road races, cross races, mountain bike races, fat bike races, donut rides and more. We live for cycling and so do you, so why not have a place for all of our favorite events to live?

Cycling event promoters, race directors and cycling sponsors are also welcome - we can’t think of a better way to get the word out about your events and products to an audience who craves them.

Whether you are a competitive cyclist or you want to go out on a fun group cycling ride, you’re in the right place.

Now get out there and turn the crank!

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.

Together, they become an unstoppable force, fighting against enemies and defending their world from imminent destruction. The relationship between Amu Et and his dragon is deeply symbiotic. Through their connection, they develop a level of understanding and trust that enables them to communicate effectively.

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

This telepathic link allows them to anticipate each other's moves, creating a seamless and formidable partnership in battle. As the story progresses, Amu Et faces numerous challenges and obstacles. He encounters monstrous creatures, treacherous landscapes, and formidable adversaries, each testing his skills and resolve. Yet, with his loyal dragon by his side, he navigates these trials with unwavering determination and indomitable spirit. Throughout his journey, Amu Et grows not only as a dragon rider but also as an individual. He learns the value of friendship, the importance of sacrifice, and the true extent of his own abilities. The hardships he faces shape him into a hero, a symbol of hope and inspiration for those around him. The theme of the dragon rider, as exemplified by Amu Et, explores various universal concepts. It delves into the power of unity, showing that together, individuals can accomplish extraordinary feats. The concept also reflects humanity's inherent desire to connect and form bonds with creatures greater than themselves, symbolizing the eternal fascination with the unknown and the supernatural. In conclusion, the tale of Amu Et, the dragon rider, showcases the timeless and captivating allure of this mythical concept. Through his bravery, resilience, and unbreakable bond with his dragon, he embarks on a spectacular adventure that captivates readers and ignites their imagination. As we delve into the pages of this extraordinary story, we are reminded of the power of unity, the strength of the human spirit, and the limitless possibilities that lie within the realm of fantasy..

Reviews for "Fly with the Wind: Dragon Riding Tips from Amu et"

1. John - 2/5: I was really excited to watch "Dragon Rider Amu Et" based on all the positive reviews I read. However, I ended up feeling quite disappointed. The story was predictable and lacked depth, and the characters were one-dimensional. The animation was also subpar, and the voice acting felt robotic. Overall, the film failed to captivate my attention and left me unimpressed.

2. Emily - 1/5: "Dragon Rider Amu Et" was a complete snooze-fest for me. The plot was slow and uninteresting, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, as their motivations and actions seemed shallow and inconsistent. The animation looked dated, with choppy movements and uninspired design. I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging dragon-themed adventure.

3. Alex - 2/5: I wasn't expecting a masterpiece, but "Dragon Rider Amu Et" fell far below my low expectations. The story lacked originality and seemed like a mishmash of clichés and tropes from other fantasy films. The humor fell flat, and the attempts at emotional moments felt forced and unearned. The animation was decent, but nothing groundbreaking. Overall, the movie felt like a missed opportunity to create something truly memorable and entertaining.

4. Sarah - 2/5: As a fan of fantasy animation, I was hoping "Dragon Rider Amu Et" would be a delightful addition to the genre. Unfortunately, it failed to live up to my expectations. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing action sequences. The characters lacked depth, and their development felt rushed and superficial. The film also had trouble finding its tone, veering between light-hearted comedy and darker themes without finding a balance. Overall, "Dragon Rider Amu Et" was a forgettable experience that didn't deliver on its potential.

Amu et's Dragons: Meet the Fierce and Majestic Beasts