...Literally maybe, but i mean to say that cycling has given me so much, it has helped form me as a person. As it has added so much to my life, I cannot give up on it just because it was involved in seriously damaging me.
I used to get seriously cross, upset with my bicycle when i was a child who was still learning how to ride at the late age of 9 years. I soon made up for the late start, timing myself to ride laps of my local recreation ground, by 10. I was already watching coverage the mighty Tour de France, on channel 4. I had first fallen for the event, watching Claudio Chiapucci ride through masses of tifosi, on his way to a stage win in Sestrieres (I think '92). Laps of the recreation ground, would equate for me as a Tour prologue event (initial, opening time trial), and I was Chris Boardman (superman).
After getting bored of the flat recreation ground, where speed often depended on whether its grass had been cut, I investigated Richmond Park, with friends. Initially I only rode the footpath between two gates (at most, a couple of kilometres). I immediately found joy as, as soon as it went up, my friends weren't behind me. I didn't show off, but they just couldn't keep up. I then remember persuading them to ride together up one of the longer climbs in the park (at kingston gate). I did it, tired, successful, but still a bit disappointed that I'd managed it. By the age of about 13 or 14 I was doing laps of the park (off-road). I admit that initially I always need to get off and push up the big climb in the park. I was in good company though. It seemed to me that all but good cyclists were having trouble up here. I was new.
These experiences of the getting the desire of freedom, speed, independance, competition, ability and love of my bike (my steed), were key for a young teenager, as i was. I soon realised that although a skinny schoolboy, who may not be the physically strongest footballer in the playground, my low body weight was a serious advantage when riding my bike. Humpf, 'okay, you've just tackled me, but i bet you can't get up this climb'. Football is incredibly important to 99% of the playground, as it was to me, but cycling is a more lonely, personal sport. I was quite comfortable in my own company, tackling my own personal records of speed, time, power, or whatever i chose, not relying on the ability of others. No excuses of other team-mates. I was quick to realise that everyone is different, abilities lie in different skills for different people, so, true competition could only ever exist with personal goals.
tbc.
I used to get seriously cross, upset with my bicycle when i was a child who was still learning how to ride at the late age of 9 years. I soon made up for the late start, timing myself to ride laps of my local recreation ground, by 10. I was already watching coverage the mighty Tour de France, on channel 4. I had first fallen for the event, watching Claudio Chiapucci ride through masses of tifosi, on his way to a stage win in Sestrieres (I think '92). Laps of the recreation ground, would equate for me as a Tour prologue event (initial, opening time trial), and I was Chris Boardman (superman).
After getting bored of the flat recreation ground, where speed often depended on whether its grass had been cut, I investigated Richmond Park, with friends. Initially I only rode the footpath between two gates (at most, a couple of kilometres). I immediately found joy as, as soon as it went up, my friends weren't behind me. I didn't show off, but they just couldn't keep up. I then remember persuading them to ride together up one of the longer climbs in the park (at kingston gate). I did it, tired, successful, but still a bit disappointed that I'd managed it. By the age of about 13 or 14 I was doing laps of the park (off-road). I admit that initially I always need to get off and push up the big climb in the park. I was in good company though. It seemed to me that all but good cyclists were having trouble up here. I was new.
These experiences of the getting the desire of freedom, speed, independance, competition, ability and love of my bike (my steed), were key for a young teenager, as i was. I soon realised that although a skinny schoolboy, who may not be the physically strongest footballer in the playground, my low body weight was a serious advantage when riding my bike. Humpf, 'okay, you've just tackled me, but i bet you can't get up this climb'. Football is incredibly important to 99% of the playground, as it was to me, but cycling is a more lonely, personal sport. I was quite comfortable in my own company, tackling my own personal records of speed, time, power, or whatever i chose, not relying on the ability of others. No excuses of other team-mates. I was quick to realise that everyone is different, abilities lie in different skills for different people, so, true competition could only ever exist with personal goals.
tbc.
Yes cycling for me was a big part of my life up until a road race accident. There's the freedom it gives you. Feeling the sun and rain on your face. The challenges of going up long hills but coaching yourself on gave a great sense of achievement. Whenever I see a racing cyclist I think there goes another happy cyclist.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been on a road bike for many years due to my impairments but then last year I discovered an all ability cycling group locally.
What was amazing was the variety of bikes on offer - tandems, side0by-sides, hand trikes, trikes and wheelchair accessible bikes.
On average the club gets 50 people a day vissiting the two sites and there are ride outs two.
These days I can now ride a Mission 'step thru' trike. I need assistance to get on and off and have my feer strapped in on special foot plates but once thats done I'm off around a running track.
I feel a beam appearing on my face as I independently cycle around the outdoor track.
I was there yesterday - snow on the ground and track - beautiful sunshine and a blue sky. absolute heaven.
Inspirational!
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