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July 21, 2007
Dharma Bikes
I’ve put a couple hundred miles on the new bike and I’ve decided it’s to become my life’s work. Riding the bike that is. In the last few years I’ve tried to simplify everything around me and embrace the idea of focus—mindfulness. It’s never easy. Meditation has helped, but I’m not very good at it. My mind wanders too much. I’m always worried that by not doing anything I’m missing out on learning something new. (I could be reading a book!) Then this bike showed up. Riding a bike for long periods of time is not unlike meditation. It reminds me a lot of what Jack Kerouac described in Dharma Bums as he hiked in the Sierras with Japhy Ryder: the meditation of the trail. Moving forward, breathing in, breathing out. Moving forward. It’s completely satisfying. And unlike traditional meditation, it’s good for the physical self. Wheels spinning. Breathing in. Breathing out. Allez!
I’m hooked.
Geoffrey sez:
I can only imagine that doubles on a road bike, where you’re taking less of a pounding than you do when running.
Is that your subtle way of saying your sport is burlier than my sport?
Posted at July 23, 2007 3:53 PM
p auL sez:
No.*
*yes.
But seriously, I could see it that way. It’s just smoother riding a bicycle than running, fo’ sho’. I keep trying to get a bike purchase pushed past the Financial Team here, and it’s not looking so good.
Posted at July 23, 2007 3:58 PM
Geoffrey sez:
You better get crackin! Summer is almost over! Maybe Dave Cole will inspire you: Last week we went to the bike shop and he asked about any races around town that he could enter. Four hours later he was pulling the fenders off his old-timey Trek and waiting for the staring gun. Read all about it on Dave Cole’s Bike Blog.
Posted at July 23, 2007 4:10 PM
Dave sez:
Yes. Yes. Yes! Rolling meditation. Forget about where you’re going. Forget about what time it is. Forget about your burning legs. Forget about everything. Watch the pavement slip beneath your wheel. Let your peripheral vision blur until all you see is a tiny patch of road surrounded by swirling colors. Let your thoughts evaporate. We have so few opportunities to enjoy a quiet mind. This is a great one. While this is an individual experience, I must add that it is even easier to accomplish when riding with a partner you trust. Let them lead, and you can fall in behind their wheel, and watch their hub as it spins, without worrying about running into things or missing a turn.
Posted at July 23, 2007 8:18 PM
p auL sez:
Dang it, I don’t like either of you, with your fancy bicycles. Somebody give me a cheap bike….
Posted at July 24, 2007 12:02 PM
Geoffrey sez:
Cole and I hit the Burke-Gilman at 530AM this morning and put in a nice 28 miles as the sun came up. It was indeed peaceful. That is, until we encountered a crepuscular chinpokomon. I’m sure you know how that goes…
Posted at July 24, 2007 1:23 PM
p auL sez:
I could be up for some early morning rides; I’ve been working out at 5:30 anyway; although that will make my sleeping in days disappear completely.
And that would, of course, still require a bicycle. Dang.
Posted at July 24, 2007 3:34 PM
Dave sez:
Define “fancy”. Define “cheap”.
My famed bicycle was purchased from a fellow on craigslist for a total of $200 and it has been a faithful steed (with some parts upgrades). There’s nothing wrong with a 1970s or 1980s era road bike, unless you’re trying to race with it - oh wait. Dang it.
Here’s an original 1982 Trek brochure photo of my bike (oh boy!): www.vintage-trek.com
Posted at July 24, 2007 4:39 PM
p auL sez:
Back when I was distance running, I thought the same thing, (about running). When you’re on mile 10 or so, you’re just so tuned in to what you’re doing, you tune everything else out. Eventually you even tune out to what you’re doing. The next thing you know, you’re in the middle of the woods and it’s midnight.
I can only imagine that doubles on a road bike, where you’re taking less of a pounding than you do when running.
Posted at July 23, 2007 3:22 PM