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?