Is Independence a Characteristic of Cyclists?
Okay, so what do you think about this one….is independence a major personality characteristic of people who love cycling?
Over the past few months, I’ve become good friends with a guy named Scott Price. He’s a former Canadian cycling champion and still very much involved in coaching and other things related to the bike. (Oh, and watch for a totally fantastic e-book coming out from us in the very near future). Anyway, during one of our sessions of putting our book together he said something that connected the idea of independence and cycling together for me.
Ask any cyclist what they love about the bike and odds are they will tell you it’s the feeling of freedom. Hard to argue with that one. But I would go on to say that if they looked a little deeper, it’s actually the feeling of independence even more so than freedom.
I’ve personally always radiated towards individual sports. Sure, I played soccer and baseball as a kid….but I just never fell in love with things like that. Then I discovered waterskiing and it became my passion for the majority of my younger life. Soon after, I fell into lifting weights and bodybuilding….again forming a dedicated and passionate relationship with the sport. For over the past 10 years, my love of cycling has grown and developed and continues through today.
What do all these things have in common? Independence. They are all mostly individual sports. Sure teamwork comes into play, but the discipline of the sport itself is totally an independent thing.
You know that question that is often asked…..are you a team player or prefer working solo? We’re sort of conditioned to feel that we should always portray that we’re all about the team, right? That this is the right answer?
Well, I am proud to say that I am far more an independent individual than I am a team player. It’s who I am, and there isn’t anything wrong with it. I’ll provide the support, help, and emotion needed for those around me…..but at the core (on and off the bike) I am independent.
Think about it. Do you love cycling? Do you consider yourself a cyclist? Are you more independent than you are a team player? Be honest. I have a feeling that the majority of you will see the independence within. Are you okay with that?
Image c/o Steep Climbs
It is an interesting because at the very highest level cycling really is a team sport (for the most part), and yet I agree with you conclusion that independence does seem to be a common trait of cyclists. I know it is for me.
Hey Eric, yesterday I was asked by someone if I’d like to play on their kickball team. For maybe the easiest time ever, I simply said no…I’m not really into team sports. I don’t think I’ve ever said that before, but now I seem to understand why I wasn’t into things like that in the past.
Darryl
This is a great topic that I found myself answering aloud, yes. It was dead on with how I feel on the bike. You can compare to other single sports like running, but the truth is cycling can take you further and give you experiences you can’t do in other sports. I can race, enjoy a commute, tour, ride all day for two hundred miles if I want. The possibilities are endless, so yes I love the feeling of flying especially through clouds from sun up to sunset. That’s riding for me. My bike Molly and I, I guess are totally independent and free on the road. Cheers for a great topic.
I’m glad you liked the topic…..I’m interested in it as well. I love the way you describe cycling and can totally see the loving relationship you also have with it. Thanks for your comment, Helene.