(FYI, it's Duclos and Moser battling at the front, in the early 80's, from the French mag Miroir, back WAY before there was much bike race media in the US, much less the Net. And back before they were helmets or sunglasses. It was all about the eyes. With a pic this fine I didn't need much more to keep me training every day no matter what the weather. Photo credit and praise to Henri Besson, if you're out there.)
I know it's Tour Time now, but let these two riders inspire you as you watch Lance's big finale.
So Why Cycling?
Why does OYB emphasize cycling so much? Isn't it just another hobby or specialized activity? It's like having stamp-collecting take up most of some other supposedly "general interest" media empire, right? Well...
Here's why. Cycling has it all. Everything OYB, anyway.
It offers companionship, adventure, travel, daily utility, sustainability, liberty which is moderated (as freedom requires), affordability, contact with the world and the senses and the personality, sport, art, technology, scale, harmony, it can be part of the built-world (riding on pavement and in cities) or at home in the wilds (trail riding), resourcefulness, home repair, DIY construction and even DIY innovation. It's even politically liberal, as it's hard to suppress a population on bikes (it's a robust means of communication and an unstoppable mode of transport). It typically involves the input of small business, yet big economies can be helpful. The network of bike culture shows how western reality can be functional.
I highlight the idea that submission and respect are required in cycling to get at the freedom. There's no free ride for the freedom it can give. Effort isn't a big part of the American idea of fun, but effort of a sort that can't be projected against others (unless they willingly join a race) isn't pathological either, unlike so much of American culture.
Yet if you do join a race, cycling offers a darn level playing field. A strong guy on a thrifty bike can still do well. Bike racing offers a good chance for the underdog, making it nicely OYB. Well, no matter what you do on a bike, you get a lot of bang for the buck. A $50 garage-sale model can get you across the nation in a month.
Now, many other activities are wholesome. But I'm not sure how many offer as much as cycling. Cycling is just a wonderful distillation or test-laboratory for all kinds of independence values.
Like, cycling has the speed and daring of motor-racing---only bike racers aren't hidden away behind metal or padding, nor do they pollute and make huge noise, nor are they dangerous for others. Furthermore, cycling is both punk and conservative. It's a uniter. Pure DIY, pure OYB.
By emphasizing cycling, I'm not putting anything else down. There are lots of other strongpoints out there. I can catch a lunch a lot easier with a fishing pole than with a bike. But a fishing rig is a nifty piece of technology not so far removed from a bike (Shimano being the biggest maker of parts for both sports!). One dials in what one brings on a river outing, and how one arranges it, like one dials in what one brings on a bike tour. There's a lot of crossover. But it goes further: one often sees real-world fisherfolk riding their bikes to a river, with pole in hand and bucket on a handlebar. It all works together in OYB-land.
No comments:
Post a Comment