14 years of biking
Ten things that cycling taught me over the last fourteen years
I recently came across a blog post by Austin Kleon, an artist and writer. He discovered cycling a year ago and shared the ten things he learned from life on the bike. Many of his thoughts resonated with me. I discovered cycling fourteen years ago. Kleon motivated me to share the ten things I learned in the past fourteen years.
1. If you get on a bike, you are a cyclist.
A few years back, I attended a 3-day seminar encouraging more people to use their bikes for errands and commuting. The sentence above was the mantra of my instructor. She reinforced my view of cycling being for all. The person who rides a few blocks around the neighborhood is just as much of a cyclist as the weekend century warrior.
3. Find your tribe.
Cycling has many tribes. Find your way to a group that shares the same cycling style as you. Many things define cycling style. It may be the type of bike, speed, distance, health, mental well-being, and age to name a few. Find the people who share your style. That is your tribe.
4. It’s not cool to shame other cyclists.
Respect cyclists outside of your tribe. Some cyclists ride faster, longer, and more often. Others cycle slower, shorter distances, and less often. Some ride Wal-Mart bikes while others ride carbon fiber road bikes. The greater cycling community will surprise you in ways they support and inspire you regardless of your style.
5. Cycling solo and with a group are both fun.
Group rides have many positive attributes that grow your social circle and cycling ability by learning from others. One of the most enjoyable things about solitary cycling is enjoying nature, having time to reflect, and having the freedom to discover more about yourself and your surroundings.
6. A bicycle is your ticket to discovering a new world.
My bike led me to adventure in my youth. This remains true sixty years later. Discovery by bike is not about where you start or end but the experiences you enjoy along the ride. A new world is just around the corner and a bike ride away.
7. Life is better on a bike.
I have made many lasting friendships. I became a healthier and happier person. I found a passion for trails. My bike led me to advocate for people of all bodies, abilities, and ages to cycle. Your life will be better after embracing cycling.
8. You are never too old to ride a bike.
Cycling is for all ages. Cycling is aerobic exercise that treats your body better than most aerobic exercises. It’s a perfect pastime as you age. I encounter many seniors on my rides. All of them are smiling and enjoying life on the bike. Don’t let your age define you.
9. There is always a headwind and a hill ahead.
I hate hills. I hate wind. You will encounter a hill on a bike ride. Winds are unpredictable and seem to constantly change to be in your face. 14 years have taught me to accept wind and hills as challenges. There is no shame in walking a bike up a hill. Cycling is better when you take on challenges and celebrate your victories.
10. A bicycle is an endless money pit.
Becoming an avid cyclist leads to a variety of addictions. There is always a gadget or accessory that you must have. The same applies to bicycles. I now have a stable of bikes I ride for various reasons. You know that you are serious about cycling when the number of bikes in your garage outnumbers the cars.
Happy Trails!
Tom on the Trails
One cycling experience that I had many years ago…
As a teenager, I was just getting into cycling…, and joined a local cycling club (Rapid Wheelmen) from my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
There was an older cyclist that was always riding 100-mile centuries, which impressed me.
He told me that he didn’t really get into cycling, until after his wife passed away (when he was 70).
At the time that our conversation took place, this gentleman had just turned 100 years old…, but you never would have guessed it, by his regular century rides.
That’s my cycling inspiration!
I agree with all the observations.