Chapter IV

It's nearing the end of the year and I think it's going to be one of the first times I feel "complete" by this time. I don't have any resolutions set for next year or anything, but I know that I both grew as a person and a rider this year and am capable of more growth next year. The main difference between this year and next, however, is that I will be doing more exploring. I tried such a thing this morning and kind of pussed out about halfway through, mainly because I was going to work and didn't want to risk being late. My boss probably wouldn't accept "I was explorin new routes" as an explination. On my way home though I went the whole way and it was certainly special.

I'm somewhat ambivolent about creating an actual list of goals for the year. I know myself and writing them down will do more than intice me to procrastinate which means I'll ride 1000 miles from Jan. 1 to Halloween and then have two months to do the remaining 4000. Since that is unlikely, I'll fail that goal. As such, I'm gonna do what everyone should be doing anyway, and that is just riding.

Can riding be compared to religious practice? That is a question that has recently entered my mind. I've been reaquainting myself with the history and lore of my people. The devotion I show to riding does kind of seem similar to that one might show to their gods. As the year progresses I might make more of an effort in both and hopefully come across a revelation.

Chapter V

Living in the desert as I do, it's not often that I get to ride in the rain. Some folks may take such an opportunity for granted, but I try to relish it whenever I can. About a week ago I even got to ride in the rain during both my morning and evening commute. While at work so many people kept bringing it up. "Did you get wet? Did you ride in the rain this morning?" as if I had--or wanted-- a choice in the matter. It made me realize that we as a species have grown weak. We're afraid of our own planet. So what if it's raining? It's not like it's acid rain or anything. When I get home I feel like I just returned from some epic adventure, covered in mud and wet and usually cold.

The sound of the rain on my helmet is also quite meditative.

In other news, I rode in a cab today and while I was sitting there staring out the window my legs actually grew restless, and I realized that was the longest I had ridden in a car in at least several months. Why does this surprise me? Well I wouldn't call it surprise, more like a slight smug satisfaction that if I told that to 99% of people that I know they would look at me like I'm fucking insane. Actually it's probably similar to the looks I get when they see me riding in the rain or 115 degree heat.

Despite all that, I don't do it for the smug satisfaction. I do it for the fun. I think it is genuinly fun to ride in the rain and the heat. I feel human.

Chapter IV

This past year I have hit many milestones. Not just riding related, of course, but it has been a productive for sure. To be honest I find it amazing that the only milestones I really remember are those I accomplished on the bike. I'm not the self indulgent type that will list all of the things I've done here, though I dont expect many people are actually reading. As the year is now nearly over I have been thinking about the things I want to get done next year. This is another cool thing about cycling (or walking or running or swimming or any sort of true physical activity for that matter) compared to driving. When a motorist passes 1000 miles in their new car, so what? Sure there may be a few that see it as a "milestone" but what have they really accomplished. I remember passing 1000 miles on my new bike, and just today i passed 2000. I can see the results in my legs and feel it in my lungs. It is a special feeling.

I love my bike, but I can't wait until I get a new one. I think I might be addicted :)