Friday Group Ride #95

For as long as I’ve been in cycling my significant others have all either been or become cyclists. In the case of the girlfriend in undergraduate school, I advocated that she take up cycling. It made perfect sense to me. Maybe she stuck with it, maybe not.

In one relationship I expressed my concern that the object of affection wasn’t a cyclist and, therefore, might have a tough time understanding me, my life. So she offered to get a bike. She stayed with cycling longer than she stayed with me.

I rarely advocate that someone take up this sport. I’m more comfortable when it works by attraction. I’d rather you sell yourself on cycling than me deliver my best pitch for why you need it in your life. I’m far more comfortable with congratulating new riders on a choice well-made.

Actual cycling clubs aside, being a cyclist has the feel of being a member of a club. There’s a secret handshake element to it. And it’s natural to want to share that with people you dig.

Which brings us to this week’s question: If you could bring one person into the sport who would it be? We’re not talking just a bike, but giving them all the tools: the bike, the clothing, the skills and the love for the culture itself. Ultimately, that’s what we’re talking about—giving someone more than just an activity, it’s giving them a whole life. Who in your life would you like to enjoy the experience in a manner as rich and complete as your own?  And of course, we’re a curious bunch: Why?

Hat tip to Robot; he posed the question.