I know two guys who ride bikes, and they are at opposite ends of the riding spectrum. One is a “soulful rider” (to borrow a phrase from Jeff Bean). The other is a Cat 1/Pro racer.
My soulful friend, a long-time, experienced rider, would not be caught within ten feet of a bike computer, heart rate monitor, or training plan. Racer-man on the other hand lives for data, and analyzes every watt, mile, calorie, and elevation gain. I have the good fortune to not only count these two guys among my friends, but I had the chance to ride with each one-on-one last summer.
From my perspective, their similarities are far more interesting than their differences.
Without hesitation each invited me to go riding, even knowing that I was far from being in their league. Their willingness to ride well below their capabilities said something to me about these two: encouraging me to do my best was more important than proving their superiority. Their supportive words as we rode along, and in one case a helpful hand at the base of my back to guide me up a final hill, made me feel like I belonged right next to them instead of crazy for showing up to ride in the first place.
On each occasion, I watched with envy their grace and ease on the bike, wishing that by some miracle of osmosis I could someday ride with the same elegance they each possess. I listened to what they told me while we rode, and watched what they did at each juncture.
It wouldn’t say it was easy riding with them, but it surely was fun. I loved both times more than each of them probably knows.
I talk of bikes and riding often with these two gracious guys who would rather be pedaling their bikes than pretty much anything else. I was lucky to be part of that for a while with each of them, and hopefully will do so again.
So, where will I end up on that spectrum? The true soulful rider, the data cruncher, or somewhere in between? Who knows. My journey is just beginning…
I do know this, though: the best part about this sport is that everyone can find their own way, bonded by the love of riding a bike.
I think that’s pretty amazing.