There’s a whole world out there, but it’s out of reach for most people most of the time. What’s stopping those of us who can’t afford to travel the world indefinitely from making the most of what we’ve got? Routine! Routine makes things comfortable but can make it hard to mix things up in your backyard.
But where to find inspiration? Look around. Good ideas are everywhere and they don’t always have to be yours to work well for you. See those weirdoes at the trailhead with low seats and skate helmets? They might be on to something. See those weirdoes leaning on some crooked sticks off the trail chanting in tongues? They might be on to something. See those weirdoes on the road with the white kits and pointy helmets? They’re probably on to something, too. But those weirdoes rollin’ all clinky-clinky in the cholo flannel and Polish luggage? They’re definitely on to something.
So try it. Try a different line. Drop your seat. Lean back and pin it. Or raise your seat. Lean forward and pedal your brains out. Ride in sneakers, ride in clippy shoes, ride barefoot – hell, ride naked! You might amaze yourself. And after a while you might mix all those styles together into one that is more fun than all the others combined. And maybe you’ll be able to look at somebody’s approach and say “What a weirdo” with a curious and respectful laugh instead of judgment.
Because there’s a real danger in thinking you’re in the middle when you’re not - and the more you try, the more you will understand where you really stand in the world. And in my experience, those who have tried the most things are the last to condemn.
And if life is really just a big motocross track, remember that the haybales are 20’ apart. Don’t get stuck in a rut.
