The spectrum of cycling
Cycling is something quite unique. We can’t adequately label it, nor describe it, for it has so many forms, variations and a rich tapestry of people who choose to ride. There are people like my like mum, who rode her bike to work, and where I would go after school with my bike, then ride home together. She’d also ride for fun at the weekend, when younger; often going on long bikepacking trips to Youth Hostels with friends.
Then, we have the club riders who like to social scene and riding to stay fit. Some club riders choose to race, and some become elite. We have road riders, mountain bikers, BMX riders, gravel riders, trails riders, Enduro riders, bike packers, commuters, tandems, and even bicycle polo! Add to all of this, we have amazing Olympic cycling events, the Tour de France and some truly breath-taking places to visit on 2-wheels, all over the world.
Independence on 2-wheels
Yes, cycling is a way of life, a sport, a means of transport, a way to get fit and a means for exploring this goddamn beautiful world! It releases endorphins that makes us feel better, and it burns calories – so, what’s not to like. We feel good, smile more, look good and live longer! As a parent, it’s a great activity to share with the family. There’s something quite special about seeing our children ride independently for the first time. It’s as if they’re experiencing their first f=real independent moment of adventure – riding off into their own world.
Cycling can rescue us in a chaotic world. Let’s be absolutely blunt and honest – the world is most certainly confusing. WE have expectations laid down by society, by friends and by communities. Everything seems to be heading into a narcissistic abyss, and altruism and kindness seem to be frequently outdated. Socialising has too many expectations and social media is an anathema – it’s anything other than social. For me, cycling has always been escapism, giving me a sense of independence on 2-wheels.
A return to childhood thinking
Do you remember those days, walking to school, passing by sweetshops, model shops, pet shops… and bike shops. I remember one time, aged about 9 or 10. There was a blue Peugeot, road bike in the window, and I loved it. I would stop by and look at it longingly. I dreamt of winning the Tour de France on that bike; and, when a bike finally arrived at Christmas, I wrapped new bar tape at least once a month – just because I could. I rode it everywhere. As I grew older and into my teens and track field took over; I would ride my bike to training and races – even riding back afterwards. I bloody loved life and I bloody loved cycling and finding adventure.
Long before mountain bikes, I’d take my bike into the forests near to home and ride for hours. When visiting my grandma’s house in the country, she’d send me off cycling, and I would ride into the hills all day, returning later for cake and treats. As adults, we don’t like to admit that inside all of us, we are just that same kid we always were -especially where cycling is concerned. We love our bikes, we love dressing up and looking good, and we love riding alone and dreaming.
Add life to your living
Cycling for me has helped me through so many moments in my life. When I became seriously ill some 6 months ago, I thought that I’d have to give up cycling. And so, imagine my feelings as I wrapped the handlebars on my custom-built Bianchi this week, and then climbed onto it and rode to the nearby farms – no helmet, and with my trouser leg tucked into my sock, just as I had all those years ago in childhood! Thanks in particular to friends at Tailfin bags and panniers, I can take everything I need with me and still find adventures with my now adapted life.
We can’t change the world, but we can change small worlds. We can be kind, warm-hearted, generous and altruistic. We can defy this crazy and chaotic and selfish world and we can ride wherever we want to and be that child again. We can smile, seek adventure, stay fit, stay focused and stay alive! Yes, cycling is a unique way of life for each us, within a surprisingly varied global community, and I’m looking forward to riding again – on winding country roads and into the isolated hills on hidden trails, as I seek new adventures, and new places to eat cake at; although, I’m convinced that it will never taste as good as the cake my grandma made just for me!
