Camaraderie.

7 August 2008

Riding a bike has always been used as a means of competition. The prestigious heritage of the sport is shown over a hundred years of prolific races. This theme of racing, of dominating is a large under current to all those who rides bikes, shown from the frantic commuter who must be first to the next red light, or the PRO cyclist who earns his living from crossing that white line ahead of the other hundred or so riders chasing him. The attitude and sizing up of all those around you is common. A casual ride on a Saturday morning, finding someone who isn’t too happy with your pace, or the glances you get at bike shop telling that you have not yet earned a place at their table. Good or bad, this is all part of the sport.

On the other hand, it is also a sport founded on camaraderie, a sport of struggle and suffering that bonds all those who participate. The friendship that arises from an all day suffer-fest, or the interaction of many working as one through a brutal head wind. The satisfaction of relaxing and joking with those that know the journey’s you have been through. The displays of sportsmanship that is shown through all the major races; allowing the fallen rider a chance to get back with the group, so the race can start with a clean slate. All these events and displays of what a great sport cycling is missed by so many of those that are riding bikes today.

It is disappointing to hear the comments and egos that are so apparent with every generation of rider. Everyone feels they own the throne to riding a bike, especially one without gears or brakes. It is disappointing that this still goes on, especially in a sub-culture of bike riding that is to too many, a completely laughable trend. Where instead of giving the positive nudges to make something of track bike riding, everyone would rather squabble and assume that they have a right to voice dominance over others.

I miss the epic days of the last century in road racing. The days of Coppi and Bartali. Watching the complete struggle that the riders had to go through just to ride their bike up an unpaved mountain. Forcing themselves to suffer, but knowing that the rider next to him is sharing that same effort, sharing that bond. I hope that bond finds it’s way into many of the new groups of riders.

// Jonathan