It’s been no less than 10 years that I’ve considered cycling a conduit for my spiritual well-being. Finding words to describe this experience is difficult, and so I’ve taken to just bringing people with me. I’ve been slow to accept that there are obstacles in this pursuit, and have finally come to terms that a handful of categories that simply needs to be declared in order to convey this experience. It should be noted that no “enlightenment” can be achieved without all of the facets of cycling being pursued, in alternating sequence, simultaneously, or completely focused on one abstract. In all measures, these attempts should be pursued with one’s whole being or not at all. Not only will one achieve results aligned with their own personal goals, but more copious results within the pursuit itself. This is my pursuit:
The First Abstract will be found as Off-Road; a pure cycling tradition. It offers deconstructed oneness with the bicycle, within a natural environment, a test between the human and the earth. It begs one to observe evolution through time of all beings, by studying trail conditions, foliage transitions, weather patterns, and distances achieved in short time spans, otherwise inaccessible. These variances also provide distinct challenges on a daily basis, utilizing strength, creativity, and logic to pick a line. This type of riding provides a strong connection with bicycle, transmitting a great deal of the terrain experience into one’s body as gravity can be both utilized and defied.
The Second Abstract is a powerful compliment to the First: Urban Cycling pushes the observations inward, studying biology, rhythm, and development of plans to conquer a geographic destination. In the example of a particular mountain peak that one may see in the distance day to day – pushing onward with sheer determination towards the summit is a labor of love. Reaching the top fills one with such great pride and hope, that all pursuits are conceivable.
The Third Abstract is the required perpetual art-form needed to develop thorough respect the sport of cycling: Kinetic Mechanics. In addition to basic maintenance that one needs to complete any given ride, there are ways to “tune” the instrument to hum in any key one desires. Learning each part of a bike’s construction develops the bond one can have with their bike, as well as respecting that of other riders. Making mistakes brings the greatest learning opportunity, so one must take their time.
The Fourth Abstract is professing one’s love, otherwise known as Advocacy. Working with skeptics isn’t easy, especially when they seem to be in every facet of the community: clubs, retail, politics, family – but these traditional hangups have to find a home elsewhere. Humility is the foundation of the shared goal. Compiled facts about health, economic, and environmental benefits combined with a personal story can be quite disarming. This quality takes true leadership, benevolence, and tolerance.
The Fifth Abstract requires great personal sacrifice to develop Performance by strength, pain-tolerance, and constant self-review. Through in-depth planning, balance can be moderated towards athletic prowess. Much like Kinetic Mechanics, the construction of one’s body and its fuel becomes a study. Further into this abstract is Coaching, providing organization and leadership for others in the community, using psychology, academics and experience to invigorate the whole community, cyclists and non-cyclists alike.
The Sixth Abstract is Expression, that which identifies our spirit to ourselves and to others. Through art and music, practices that have no tangible function, we find ourselves communicating and resolving issues that would otherwise be incommunicable. This practice has the greatest potential to develop the cyclist persona in the event of a catastrophe that restricts one from riding.
The Seventh Abstract is Utility. Necessity is the mother of invention, right? A bicycle can do anything, take one anywhere, if one is aware of the previous 6 abstracts. Improvise and re-engineer the bike, one’s path and life. Become empowered by failed attempts as much as the success.
The Eighth Abstract is Get Outside, including, but not limited to one’s home, neighborhood, city, state and country. Whenever possible. Reviewing progress against that of others can offer profound insight into issue resolution and development ideas. Share ideas, and listen deeply.
Finally, it is essential that all of these are pursued simultaneously, or at least with elements of the others at one point in time, in order to achieve as close to complete understanding of the pursuit itself.
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