More than Riding
As you get familiar with the bike community you will find quickly that one thing cyclists like more than cycling, is talking about all their gear, gadgets, and technical specs of their bikes and gear. If you were to ask a crowd of cyclists to tell you about their favorite or most essential bike items you would get a lot of eager responses…
However, after spending even more time in the bike community, you will find that what cyclists like more than cycling or talking about their gear, is giving advice about your gear.
And that’s where I get into trouble. Because I am not interested in gadgets or memorizing technical specs.
Mostly I just bike to work. But so far I haven’t lost my balance because of my lack of knowledge. I do just fine.
Say, nice Rollins reference. . .
Sadly, this is the difference between ‘cyclists’ and ‘people’ (including those such as me, you and your readers who get around on a bike). ‘Cyclists’ like this do so much damage to the image of all people on bikes in the eyes of the public (f*ing cyclists!) and politicians/planners who provide infrastructure for ‘cyclists’.
What kind of bike do I ride? A comfortable one.
What kind of gear do I own? Clothes.
You asked on twitter “What is the only thing cyclists like more than riding?” Well, my first thought was drinking beer — not that i’m a big beer drinker myself but the general impression i get online is that casual cyclists drink a lot of beer, especially micro-brew beer.
LOVE IT. Emulating the Lana Del Rey song – I just ride:
I hear the birds on the summer breeze, I drive fast
I am alone in the night
Been tryin’ hard not to get in trouble, but I
I’ve got a war in my mind
I just ride
Just ride, I just ride, I just ride