It's Not About the Bike: Week 2 Post A

VOCAB

Surrogate (49): Put in the place of another, substitute. (My surrgote father never meant the same...)
Bravura (61): marked by a dazzling show of skill (...the bravura rider from Spain...)

APPEALS

"Cycling is a sport that embarrases youth, rather than rewards it. As I had planned, I turned pro immediately after the Olympics-and immediately finished dead last in my very first race." (48) This is a logical appeal because it make a statement and backs it up with personal evidence.

"Maybe it was the end of the long, hard climb of childhood" (63). This is an emotional appeal because it makes us think back not only to our childhoods but also to the childhood of Lance and how hard he had to climb back to become a champion. It creates a bond between the reader and the character.

"'Hello, I'm Lance, and I'm from Texas'" (57). In this sentence, the loaded word, at least in context, is Texas, because he is with a group of Europeans who view him differiently because he is from America. He goes on to say how people from America, and specificlly from Texas, are very loyal, patriotic, and content.

QUOTE

"It was like the start of a dreamlike summer season. Next, I won a suprise victory in a stage of the Tour de France with another late charge..." (59) This is important because it shows how Lance becomes a dominant force in cycling, and starts to move up in the rankings so that people notice him.

THEME

I think the theme is "work your butt off," because Lance at first is not all that good of rider, but as he works and works he becomes better, and his work pays off magnificantly. He never gives up, and his work just keeps him motivated.