The Bicycle Society

“The greatest mystery about a human being is not his reaction to sex or praise, but the manner in which he contrives to put in twenty-four hours a day. It is this which puzzles the longshoreman about the banker, and the Londoner about the bushman.” – Sinclair Lewis

                I feel as though I have reached a particular point within my life where questions and criticisms abound concerning all matters of life. With graduation approaching for my undergraduate studies, I am now faced with the concept of what is often called “entering the real world.” However, I find it to be a struggle to understand and discern the difference between the life that I know and am currently living to that of which the future holds. Further concerning is why it seems as though most people, perhaps as the product of our cultural structure, seem contrived to express dissatisfaction with “the real world” and long for the period in which I am now apparently departing.

                First off, I wish to ponder the concept of “the real world” as commonly expressed in western culture. It concerns me to think that the society in which our lives are apparently governed seems to have produced a concept of life and time as it relates solely to “money” and “work.” Often the expression is said “time is money” and to me, that thought is terrifying. The issue to which I have been grappling with is that I constantly find myself at odds with the structure of life set before me by society, but I fear that if I fail to conform to its demands that my experience in life will be adversely affected to a greater extent than if I were to simply conform and accept the present dogma.

                I question my purpose within life. As the concept of the “real world” would have it, my life is purposeful, but as a functioning cog within a machine that works to turn another cog. If I fail as a part of the machine, like a malfunctioning part of an engine, I will be replaced with no real loss. Perhaps it is due to my understanding of mechanics and automobiles, but I often liken the operations of individuals or society as a whole to the various mechanisms found within the automobile. Each component serves a function that serves to allow for the correct and efficient operation of the machine as a whole. However, I must ask... who in their right mind is excited to become a miscellaneous part within society? Further intriguing;  if society is compared to a machine or automobile, who or what then is the operator?

                I have come to the personal conclusion that we are the drivers of society. Collectively, people develop and maintain the structures that seem to be concrete in defining the patterns and purposes of our lives and the ideologies that we strive for. Society is malleable and changes over periods of time, although certain internal structures have existed since the first human communities have evolved. What then defines the parameters and ideologies of society are those who maintain power at the current period.

                Today we live within a culture that bases wealth and success upon the concept of money, materialism and influential power. The “wealthiest” members of society are those who own and operate corporations, or who own a share of something, or own power over someone; the key word is own. Wealth as it relates to ownership translates to either influential power and/or money. These are the individuals and groups of people to which society has been structured and it serves them to their benefit. As for the rest of us who do not belong to the elite members of society, we must conform to the structures derived for us. In return for our cooperation we are given small parts that give us power, either money or recognition in form of awards, but only enough to keep us satisfied with the mundane lifestyle offered as a functioning cog within the society machine.

                Wow that is a really depressing and cynical view of the world and isn’t this supposed to be a blog about cycling? I reassure you that I have not entered manic depression, nor have I ultimately rejected any purpose for life... but yet I recognize that there is truth to this analysis of our current society and that the system as it is needs to change because I certainly do not wish to be a part of it.

                It is this notion that provides me with hope and perhaps direction for the future. As I see it, the world can change and it can change for the better. As an environmentalist, one of the things that I have asked myself before is ‘what is the point?” A simple question that I think more people should confront themselves with more often because it reveals the truth in our own actions. The point, as I see it, is to create a world in which the condition and experience of our lives are improved overall and that the lives of our posterity will also be better off. To plant a tree that will fruit after our existence is the noblest cause one can do in this world.

                So now we are at a point where we can choose to either continue supporting the current society machine as functioning cogs that serve to the purpose of power, greed and money; or we can choose to make changes that will not only improve our own lives, but those of the future. This notion of “real life” does not have to incorporate the mundane task of supporting corporations or antiquated dogmas. Instead it is an opportunity to go forth and actually make a difference. A momentous and iconic change will not happen overnight, but instead through small acts of defiance against the mainstream society that ultimately work together to overthrow the accepted norms of life. Reject the image of wealth as being that of money, greed and power and instead occupy your life with that which you love and that which not only brightens your own life, but that of others as well. Be the change you want to see and lead by example, criticizing your own actions before you criticize those of others. I have a feeling that within the near future and perhaps with this generation, there will be change for the better. Humans are capable of producing either that which is most destructive or that which is most beautiful. Our hands and our minds craft the very world that we live in... and I believe that we owe it to ourselves to begin constructing a world that truly serves to satisfy our happiness and our needs instead of our mislead wants and desires for that which yields no true satisfaction.

                Oh and how does this tie into cycling? Well, throughout my experiences that I have had with cycling, I truly find it to be something that I am in love with. I have decided that my contribution to a new and changed society is to share this love which I have found because for those willing, I believe that there is love for them to be found with cycling as well. I truly do believe that the bicycle can and will change the world; we must first accept it within our own lives in order for it to do so. I want to return for a moment to the metaphor I first used to describe current society; functioning components of an automobile. Perhaps I would like to see our future society more representative of a machine such as a bicycle because a bicycle, while still a machine, relies upon one component in order for it to function as so; you, the rider, who controls the very experience that they wish to encounter, what views to take in and at a personal level, how happy they wish to be with the effort and the contribution they put forth to move forward. That is the type of society that I wish to see and I hopefully will not stand alone in my actions to see it come to fruition so that the concept of “the real world” will not be one of terror and demise, but one of opportunity.

Friendship Brought Me to the Start and Finish of Leadville

The view from atop Flagstaff.

The team and support crew, or as I like to call, friends.

 You can’t form an appreciation for the world when you view it from a television screen. The simple pleasures of nature cannot be fully enjoyed from within the confines of a car. However, if you take a bike, the world opens up to you and your experiences in life are dramatically heightened as you become aware of the beauty of the environment you are a part of.
                I see cycling and the bicycle itself as part of a lifestyle where there exists a deep appreciation for the opportunities and experiences that life has to offer. The small things that most people generally take for granted, such as the tranquility of an early morning or the joyful sound of a babbling creek; those are all experienced more vividly from a bike.
                Cycling has opened life up to me and has exposed me to new and exciting adventures, new opportunities, experiences and most importantly, some of the best friends I could ever ask for. Recently I returned from a trip from Colorado, in which I spent time in preparation for the Leadville 100 MTB Race. The first half of my time in Colorado was spent with my friend and teammate, Jeremy. Him and his family opened up their home to me and provided me the opportunity to experience Boulder, a city renowned for its cycling. I was able to experience the bike paths of Boulder, rode some of the most beautiful and challenging trails that I have ever ridden and Jeremy’s dad even took me for a great road ride into the mountains. The generosity and hospitality I received quickly made me feel like I was at home and there is no way I could thank them enough for all they had given me.
                For the second half of my time in Colorado, the rest of the team and a few friends met together in Frisco, where two condos had been rented out for our stay. It was simply awesome to be back together with my fellow friends and teammates, along with coach and his wonderful family. While in Frisco, I was able to enjoy more of the mountains and there were some excellent trails nearby as well as some splendid hiking paths that would take you to the summit of the surrounding mountains. Simply put, everywhere you looked it was amazingly beautiful and I certainly felt privileged to be able to enjoy such a place.
                The race was on Saturday morning and started at 6:30 AM. I came through the finish line with a time of approximately 11 hours and 32 minutes, making the 12 hour mark and earning a silver belt buckle and finisher medal. If you want to know how the race went, you can ask me personally. At that point I didn’t care how the race went because I knew that it was beyond any expectation I ever had for myself to simply be there and to have to opportunity to be a part of something so magnificent. The race itself is a footnote in my cumulative experience out west. What really mattered to me was the place and the people I was with and that is what I’ll remember and cherish forever. The race was painful, but fun and I would like to do it again to see if I can do better, but the experience is my main intrigue.
                I would have never made it to the start line if it weren’t for friends and I know for certain that I would not have made it back to the finish if it weren’t for friends as well. Friendship got me out to Colorado and provided me the opportunity to experience something wonderful. If it weren’t for the continual support, advice and enjoyment I have received from the people I’ve met through cycling, I would certainly not be where I am today and I would not have the same wonderful experiences that I have been given in life.
                The awards and medals that I received at Leadville were the least significant things that I took back with me from Leadville and my trip to Colorado. Instead the friendships and adventures that I had were the true prizes. After all, wearing a big shiny belt buckle everywhere just isn’t my style.
                Thank you to everyone who was a part of Leadville, I couldn’t have done it without you all.

The Brouwer Family        The Damm Family            The Jones Family                                                     The Senkerik Family                     The Greene Family         
Jeremy, BJ, Senky, Kyle, Coach, Joy, Caroline, Christine

                                                                                                                       I cannot thank you all enough.

You Can Work Hard, But It's Never Hard Work

There’s a first time for everything in life. We don’t always remember every event, but there are certain moments that remain with us as memories throughout life. Everyone has a special and unique story to tell about the things that are near and dear to them, events of the past that upon reflection, seem to have such a direct influence upon who we have become.

I honestly do not recall the first time I learned to ride a bike, but it does appear on a family video somewhere. Unfortunately it does foreshadow my tendency to become upset with inanimate objects when I collide with them, but at least I knew how to be safe, with an oversized helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. Sure I looked ridiculous but mom would have it no other way.

Moving forward now to a certainly more vivid memory, my first “real bike.” I was thirteen at the time and I felt as though I would like to get serious about cycling. At this point, the sport was still a foreign concept to me. I did not know any cyclists, but I simply enjoyed riding around town or along the local bike path and I thought that a new road bike would simply be great.

My first road bike, which satisfied the whims of a thirteen year old.

Weighing in at thirty pounds, with stem mounted lever shifters, plastic Shimano componentry, and a beautiful Chinese crafted aluminum frame; I had found the bike of my dreams. Yes, it was a department store “NEXT” road bike, but it was the only thing I could reasonably afford. After all, I would have to invest in some real bike shorts and jersey along with a slick helmet to match this beauty. Priced at $150, I knew I could get this bike, but first I had to earn it.

I got a job working for a landscaping company, illegally employed at the age of thirteen, earning five dollars an hour, paid in cash. My parents did not know I had taken the job and when I would go in to work, I told them I was hanging out with friends. It was a tough time in my life, but I knew I had to make the money somehow if I were to afford the things I wanted. I worked for about two months with this job, quitting before summer ended. Before school began, I bought my bike and my gear with the money I earned and I just remember how happy I was to have what I thought was a really awesome bike at the time.

I actually still have that bike, or at least the frame and some pieces of it. It’s quite literally a piece of shit as I have now come to realize, but I’ve held onto it because it has such sentimental value to me. It reminds me of who I am and where I come from. It serves as a reminder for me to realize just how fortunate I am to now have the things I once only dreamed of having, even though they may not even be the best. It’s simply having the opportunity and the privilege to do something I enjoy that makes me happy with what I have.

I have always thought that you can work hard on the bike, but it’s never hard work. Sure, some elite cyclist might spit in my face and tell me otherwise, but from my perspective, if you’re working for or doing something that you love and enjoy, then it simply isn’t hard work. Although at times it may feel like a struggle, life could be very much different. The simple fact that you are lucky as to be able to engage in something you enjoy when many others may not be, is provoking enough for me to shut up and stop complaining about any race or event that did not go my way. I’m simply content with riding my bike.

Cycling and Camaraderie

“Riding a bike is everything to a cyclist. The friendship and camaraderie you have with other cyclist... to a cyclist, it was the be-all and end-all of your life.” - Tommy Godwin

A fine looking group of friends,  Levis Trow, 2011

I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we often take for granted the people and the moments that we encounter throughout life. It's easy to think that there will always be another time and that things will always stay the same. The harsh reality of the matter is that things really only happen once and then they're gone. Either they're preserved in our thoughts as cherished memories or they are simply forgotten completely because we forgot to be thankful for the time we were given.

With the end of the school year upon us, it is that time again when we must say goodbye to the people we care about, whether it be just for the summer months or for an extended period of time, with no certainty of when or where you may see that person again. Yesterday, the team and I said goodbye to our fellow teammate, Renee, who is moving on in life and is now happily engaged. However, it is also sad to think that Renee won't be with us next year and I think that we will all miss her dearly.

That's where I begin to think about how this upcoming year will be my last with the team as well. When I speak about the people and moments taken for granted, I'm guilty of sometimes not realizing how wonderful it is to be with the team and how truly grateful I am to be a part of something so great. The Red Hawks Cycling Team has been and always will be much more than simply a team, but a group of best friends who support each other beyond simply cycling and competition, but in life; truly something special that I know is rarely experienced elsewhere. I can honestly say that it's going to be difficult to say goodbye when the time comes for me, but I also know that some really great memories will be made this coming year and I know I'll never forget them.

The most important thing for me to remember is simply to contribute and engage fully in everything and to always be present in my entirety. Through doing so, I hope to enrich my life experience overall and to remember to never once take anyone or anything for granted, but for each individual or moment, a gift and an opportunity to do and be something wonderful. My hope is so that when the time comes to say goodbye, I'll have a heart full of joy and a head full of memories. No regrets for the past and a bright and adventurous outlook towards the future.

On the Philosophy of Racing

I don't know how often other people stop to think about how and why they do the things they do in life, but it seems like this is a point in my life where I continuously reflect upon my actions. Most recently, I have considered the notion of cycling, as it has become an encompassing aspect of my life. In every way, the bicycle has become much more than simply an activity, it has become a lifestyle.

From a utilitarian standpoint, the bicycle makes complete sense. As a mode of transportation, it is the most efficient method that humans have ever devised. Most people would find a bike ride to be a form of leisure, a simple joy that requires little effort to move along.

Then, in complete contrast, there is the sport of cycling; "racing" a bike is very different from "riding" a bike. It can be painful, it requires dedication in immense levels of time and effort, even when there is no one to cheer you on or support you. It is expensive, it can be both rewarding and humiliating, the risks are enormous and lastly, the most dangerous aspect is that it becomes your life. Your life revolves around cycling, plans are made around training and racing, social events are declined, relationships are strained, your bank account never seems to be stable... yes these are the struggles, in various degrees and circumstances, that characterize a dedicated cyclist.

Three years ago, when I first hopped on a bike and set out to attempt to race, I literally had no idea what I was getting into. It looked like a lot of fun and experienced riders made it look effortless. It was mainly my appreciation of nature that first drew me into the cycling scene. While that connection has grown through cycling, I learned quickly that my motives for pushing myself would have to be greater than just "enjoying nature." In fact, after my first ride with the Ripon College Red Hawks Cycling Team, I nearly quit because I realized that it was certainly harder than it seemed, but knowing that I've don hard work before in the past, I put myself up to the challenge. Today, I like to think I've come a long way as a competitive cyclist, but I still consider myself a new arrival to the sport and I have much work to do and knowledge to gain before I can advance.

So today, as I went out for a mountain bike ride with some friends, including one who is entirely new to the sport as I once was, I thought about why it is that I first chose to race and continuously push myself to become better. The word "discipline" came to mind and that's when I realized what the true definition of this sport is; it's a discipline. Through cycling I believe I have become a better, stronger and determined person than I was before; I have become disciplined. So many of the obstacles that cycling produces prepare you in unexpected ways for the challenges of life. I refer to the saying "if you don't succeed, try and try again" because that ultimately sums up my attitude towards life that I have gained through cycling. I think the notion of betterment is really what motivates me, among many other things, such as the simple rush and high and the simply unexplainable enjoyment I get out of racing my bike.

I don't think that this simple post could adequately describe the entirety of my thoughts about racing, but I believe there shall be more thoughts to be posted in the future. As for now, this is my most recent perspective, but now I'm curious to find out... why do you race?