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FROM THE SUMMIT Cycling attracts us for a variety of reasons. Each of us has a story of what made him/her a cyclist. We may ride for transportation, recreation, exercise or as cross training for another sport. Some of us compete in races. We ride to make friends and as a social outlet. We ride to challenge ourselves and improve our fitness. We ride a variety of different types of bikes. Regardless of why we ride or what kind of bike we ride, we generally enjoy it. Our enthusiasm for cycling unites us. Many of us joined FFBC because we like riding with others. Some of us only ride with others, and some of us like to ride in groups as well as by ourselves. Riding by yourself allows you the flexibility to start when you want and spontaneously choose or revise your route. If you only have a short period of time to ride, a ride by yourself is an option. When you have more time and want company on your ride, check out the FFBC ride calendar. If you don’t find enough rides to your liking, you can lead a ride on one of your favorite routes. Many of us participate in sports or activities other than cycling. These activities have some characteristics in common with cycling as well as some differences. You can enjoy a bike ride by yourself or with a group. We can say the same of activities such as snow skiing, snowboarding, running, hiking and swimming. Other sports, such as basketball or volleyball, require other participants in order to have a game. Success in those sports depends on teamwork and communication among teammates. Each member of a team has a role or responsibility to carry out in order for the team to succeed. Road bike racers often compete in teams, and team members working together and communicating well can lead to better results. Recreational or social group rides have some similarities to a team sport. Riders need to communicate. If they don’t, they risk making moves that surprise others and possibly cause an accident. Riders also need to pay attention to what others are doing as well as road conditions, hazards and terrain. Inattention, regardless of how brief it may be, can result in a crash. Cyclists can work together to overcome difficult conditions and improve one another’s skills. In a headwind, riders can take turns at the front. We can all learn from more experienced riders. On club rides, we see a variety of bikes. When selecting a bike, some of us are attracted to the latest designs and technologies. Others are content to ride vintage bikes that they’ve had for years or to pick up a used bike. Regardless of why we ride, what kinds of bikes we ride and what other activities we participate in, we’re cyclists. That’s what unites us. Let’s ride safely in 2013. Happy New Year!
Gary |
