Random Pre-SXSW Thoughts

The recent SF trip left me rethinking some bike-related things. Or perhaps, it’s making me remember that bikes are just plain fun. It’s easy to get caught up in one’s passions or obsessions — that’s part of the fun — but when one thinks too much about training or that they’re feeling guilty about not riding enough or whatever the hang-up may be, then you have to rethink, step back and look outside.

Seeing Judah and talking with Judah and riding with Judah changes my outlook every time I see him. The same goes with Catano. They are both very grounded people who do things as they want to and not because it’s something they saw or read or someone persuaded them to. With bikes, because they aren’t competitive riders in the sense of being on a cycling team or such, they thereby have a more unique take on things. A more relaxed approach to riding bikes. Riding bikes to have fun. I know it’s easy to get caught up in upgrades and races and challenging oneself but with my highly decreased riding these cold, dark weeks, it made my feel guilty. It wasn’t until I was riding around in SF and realizing that it was a-okay to just ride, that I felt normal again. I was having fun.

—

The Girl and I leave for Austin bright and early Friday morning. We’re hooking up with the good ol’ bike crew and Megan and Bruce are forever the gracious hosts. We have bikes awaiting once we hit town and for that I’m am grateful. I’m speaking at SXSW, if you’re there.

—

On another note, I’m also writing here regularly, though with little to no bike content.

05 March 08