LittleBigMan

As a cyclist, do you ever get the feeling you are being
watched?

People are watching us. They comment about the bike at work. They ask us questions, both good and bad, like, "Where's your bike today," "How many miles do you ride," "You need more sun on your legs," "Don't lose too much weight."

Unfortunately, whether comments are good or bad, they reveal the same, sad fact: all are spectators.

"Sports" are not played, they are observed. "News" is not made, it is listened to. We can sit and become a part of any story, absorbed as if we are an active part of it. We are a society of spectators, substituting passive observation for active participation.

Once I got on the bike, that changed it for me. I couldn't
stand to be on the sidelines anymore. I can be inspired,
even thrilled by someone else's achievements, but I can't live my life through them. Not anymore. I've got to get my thrills firsthand!

riderx

I agree, most people are spectators, not participants. I could never be that way. In general, I find it very boring to watch sports. Even though I love mountain biking and have a constant need to do it, when it's on TV I might watch it for 5 min. After that, I'm just not intested.

JonR

Maybe they ought to put bike commuting on TV to raise public interest.

aerobat

I think in many cases it comes down to the easiest choice.

It's easier to get into the car and drive to work than it is to get up a little earlier, plan your meals, clothes etc. to allow for riding into work. The same for entertainment, it's easier to sit down in front of the TV with a beer than to get out and do something active.

The odd day when I don't have a chance to ride to work, or get out on the bike when I get home, or some other activity, even walking the SO's dog, I feel like I havn't done anything all day.

As some of you have said it's about participating instead of just watching. It's participating in life!

:thumbup:

Chris L

I actually don't mind watching some sports on TV. Some of you may already be aware of my devotion to Manchester United. However, in saying that, if it's a nice day outside and I've got the chance I will always go for a ride over and above anything else.

Videos are actually wonderful things, because they allow you to watch stuff when it suits you to do it, and you don't have to worry about missing a good ride or whatever. Then you can watch whatever it was when you've nothing better to do.

Chris

technogirl

Well, better "watched" than "stalked", Pete!

I've been told so many times that I have way TOO many hobbies! I don't see it that way. Life isn't made for you to vicariously live your life through other people. I think you get to a point in your life where it's not enough just to read about things--life is too darn short.

I had this conversation with a few friends about the life's epiphanies. I mean when you finally come to the realization of the importance of something hits you--bam! Why didn't I see that before?

For most people, it occurs several times in there lives, and there are others that have yet come to realize what is important. Sometimes these things just hit you while your walkin', ridin', or sometimes doin' the laundry! Other times these little moments of wisdom (would you call it that?), come to you during a time of tremendous upheaval. I'm not necessarily talking about religious experiences, but rather the experience of realizing who you are and what is important to you.

Okay, it's a round about way of saying that life isn't meant to be lived through the eyes of other people, but rather to be experienced whether it be sheer joy, or heart-wrenching pain.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."

further ramblings of the insane...

LittleBigMan

fubar5

I like to tuck and crank it past groups of spectators. The cool part about that is my leg muscles show more when I'm cranking, so those spectators get a look at what they could have, if only they had a bike. And so the desire is implanted.
Well, thats my theory anyway

technogirl

I know, I know, Fubar!!!! I do the same thing when I'm puffin' up that darn hill. I think the pained look on my face, implants some sort of thing for those people watchin. Mind you, it might not be a positive thing...

Okay, in all seriousness, Fubar, that's totally true. When I'm out running, I always look at the cyclists, and see how neat they look spinning away...it's pretty neat. Of course, I wave to them for solidarity!

fubar5

I use to run. But then I picked up cycling again. And I came to the conclusion that running sucks.

JonR

I used to enjoy running but knew that cycling is a lot easier on the joints--and also I feel safer on my bikes than when running, though that's obviously pretty unreasonable. Anyway, I don't run; I cycle, I walk, I take the bus, or I stay home like now. (Earlier today I went to a political protest rally, though.)

mwmw

I can't quite imagine "running" to work, then "running" home.

JonR

Good point--cycling not only provides exercise, but utility. (I know, we all already knew that, but it's still good to keep it firmly in mind for those downer moments!)

Green Hornet

OK, good point, man. But John Stamstad ran to work 10 miles each way before he switched to cycling.

technogirl

Nah, it just takes longer to finish, but it doesn't suck. I usually do a group run once a week. It can be brutal with all them hills, but it's great getting out there.

I owe a lot to running. If I hadn't started on that sport, I don't think I would have started riding. Okay, not to mention that it does a good deal for me mentally. (Not that anyone can tell the difference!)

fubar5

Whatever floats your boat as they say. I rode 15 minutes on my stationary bike and I think my bordom endurance went up a few notches.

technogirl

Next time, trying riding backwards...so much more fun!