5 Things That I Learned From Cycling
If you are looking for wisdom, you can find it just about anywhere. Often when we try something new, we unlock an insight or connection. This year, I invested in a road bike with pedals that require the rider to “clip in”. If you aren’t familiar, clipping in refers to physically connecting your bike cleat to the pedal. You become a much more efficient machine by attaching your feet to the pedal. The connection is dependent on the style of the pedal and cleat; however, most clip pedals require you to softly twist your feet outward when you want to release your foot.
During my first ride home from the bike shop, I fell after stopping prematurely and not having time to unclip. It’s a moment of panic when you realize that you are out of momentum and inevitably going to tilt, scrambling to twist and shout your way out of the pedals. I was fortunate to avoid injury, but ever since this moment, I’ve been preoccupied. Don’t get me wrong - I am determined to enjoy this investment. However, there have been many practice rides and hours spent watching YouTube videos to study the best methods to clip in (or out).
In my quest to better understand how to do something, I realized that I first needed to understand my thoughts better. From all of this, I came up with five things that cycling has taught me.
1
You Need to Look Around
This one is obvious at first. You need to be aware of cars and anything that might be hazardous. When you are clipping in, you must look around to assess how you will brake, rest, or even start up again. You can stop and prop yourself up if you can find a curb. If you are approaching a stop on the crest of a hill, consider timing yourself so that you don't need to come to a complete stop. If you are taking a tight turn, you might even think about where it would be best to fall.
I am far less considerate of my environment or actions when I'm not on the bike. Biking is an excellent reminder that intentional focus has significant rewards. You can avoid a face-plant, or at the least make it somewhat comfortable.
2
Sometimes You Need to Go a Little Farther
When you are approaching a stop or even gauging the level of traffic that you're heading into, you need to consider the road ahead. Sometimes, it might be safer to go the extra distance. It might mean going to an additional stop. You might need to choose an entirely new road. When the reward is immediate, going the extra distance is an easy decision.
Doing additional work is counter-intuitive. We live by "efficiency." There are many opportunities for us to put in a little more work now to have a more peaceful ride in the future.
3
You Will Need to Shift Gears
When cycling, you find a lot of reasons to shift gears. You do it to go faster. You shift going downhill to continue to build momentum. If you ride long enough, you might shift to make it easy on your legs. Shifting gears allows the rider to maintain a mechanical advantage.
The next time you are experiencing something challenging, consider shifting gears. It might mean backing off the problem. It may mean putting in more effort to gain more ground. Either way, it is helpful to remember that a change in effort can make our ride smoother; and that changing effort does not equate to trying harder. Sometimes you need to know when to ease off.
4
Think Before You Start
How do you prepare for a walk or run? You should check the weather and grab something for safety before you head out the door. Outside, you don't have to have too much of a plan - it's easy to change direction on foot.
When it comes to cycling, there is so much more to consider. Your preparation starts hours before the ride when you charge your lights, sensors, and other bike mechanics. Before you hit the road, you pack water and snacks. You check your tires - and probably fill them. You might even look at the route to ensure it's still clear.
Safe, successful cycling requires a considerable level of investment. It is similar to the ritual of fishing or hunting. When you think about the road ahead before you need to be on it, it allows you to take the journey the way you want.
5
You Will Fall
The biggest lesson that I learned from cycling is that falling is inevitable. No matter how much you prepare or anticipate how to approach a ride, there will be times when falling needs to happen. You might fall to dodge that dog running out in front of you. Maybe you fall because of a busted tire. Sometimes, you might not have your footing. Whatever the reason, the ride is much more enjoyable when you accept that falling is an option. If you make life all about avoiding the fall, you find reasons not to start at all.
SO
If you’re reading this, you can consider yourself “clipped in” to life. So, look around, go a little farther, shift gears when you need to, and think before you start. Let falling be a part of the process. Now, get back to the ride.