Accepting the Cycle of Life
The Philosophy of an Aging Athlete and Writer
Two years ago, I visited my doctor and was immediately admitted to hospital. My general health was significantly affected from that point forward, leaving me with a profound sense of the importance of simply being happy and content.
Since that time, I’ve thought through several issues, philosophised on life, and weighed the true character of many people I’ve known for years. I’ve always valued integrity over popularity, cherished altruism over arrogance, and memories over money. Unfortunately, not everyone I know shares these values, and at times this disappoints me. However, since my health changed, I’ve realised that these people were never really worthy of my attention.
I now take a self-preservation viewpoint regarding my daily life. I’m more inclined to cycle slowly and less frequently. I hike more, as I once did, and I visit cafes with my sons to drink tea, hot chocolate, and eat cake.
Lifestyle Over Trying to Be a Legend
Lifestyle is more important to me than trying to be something at 60+ that simply doesn’t make sense, or no longer deserves the time commitment. There are so many things still to do in life, so many sights to see and places to visit. I simply won’t commit to cycling four times a week. Why should I, when there’s a whole range of other activities that are just as rewarding and enjoyable?
Fundamentally, once we realise that we’re not likely to trouble younger, fitter pro cyclists, we ought to pause and reflect on the time, money, and effort we spend trying to replicate the pro peloton. At heart, our love of cycling was formed as free-spirited young children. We didn’t need Strava, Wahoo, or Zwift. We just needed a bike, friends, and the spirit of adventure.
Too often, somewhere along the timeline of aging, we’ve forgotten this. We’ve forgotten to ride slowly and in pace with others who aren’t willing or able to break records. We’ve forgotten what a social ride ought to be. And we’ve forgotten that life isn’t a dress rehearsal—we need to simply enjoy being relaxed, healthy, and loved.
Coffee and Cake Over Cycling Status
Sharing a slow ride with friends, followed by coffee and cake, is far more pleasurable than sweating your pants off on a turbo trainer every night of the week. My advice: check out a local night school or pick up a new hobby, but do add something cultural or interesting to your existence.
Yes, the last two years have had a profound effect on me mentally, physically, and philosophically. I no longer give a damn about certain things—and yes, certain people. I’m far more inclined to ride slowly along the ribboned lanes of the local countryside, stopping at quiet, neatly tucked-away tea stops in village halls, than I am to ride in faux pelotons, chasing dreams that never existed nor ever likely will.
Warmth, Integrity, and Happiness: A Three-Point Plan
For me, cycling, hiking, and climbing mountains have always been spiritual experiences that offer an opportunity to bond with nature. It strikes me that we’ve forgotten this in modern life. We’ve forgotten that memories are forever, and that helping others shouldn’t be conditional on getting something in return. Too many people have forgotten how to represent their friends in absent rooms, because at heart, their friendship is too often based on need rather than warmth. These same people value others’ perceptions of them over actually being themselves. Lives are too often lived in fantasy the moment a camera or social media is present.
Having a serious, life-changing health issue two years ago made me realise that when I ride my bike at age 61, I should be at my happiest breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the views—not struggling and breathing out of my arse in a pointless attempt at false online fame! The simple fact is that life is for the living. We get 86400 seconds in each day. We should use these in a varied and fulfilling way, ensuring that they generate smiles, whilst enabling us to spend time with friends and family as we explore the world – on 2 wheels or 2 feet.
Cycling for me as an important aspect of who I am and what I do. But, it’s not the most important aspect – it doesn’t come close. That honour lies with the time given over to creating memories… and cake of course! Don’t take life or cycling too seriously, and spend those 86400 seconds wisely!
