Bicycle Buddhism

Only a few days back on my new bike, and I must say that I am smitten. The weather here has been great bicycle riding weather. I was riding tonight, with a cool breeze in my hair and warm pavement under my wheels. Call me a romantic, but I was seriously in love with my life. There is clarity in the craft of bicycle riding, and I must say I am rather sorry I hadn't been in so long.

Like I mentioned before, my bike was stolen and that discouraged me a bit from riding. However this newish addition to my life has pepped me up with a love for a nice bike. I think I have developed a new style of thinking due to this fact, and I'm very excited. My summer has exponentially improved.I'm sure these ideas have a lot in common with many other thinkers, I do not consider myself a philosopher or a profit of any sort.

When I was a child, I felt chained down when I did not have my bike. Locked down in my basement, doing banal little things because I been grounded or popped a tire I could not afford to fix. A terrible atrocity to a 14 year old boy. Did anyone else feel this way? I usually only had one desire, adventure and explore.

Riding these past few days, I felt the same way, I felt like I was exploring. I think I saw most of Nicolas Sheran park in the past few, and it feels great. I am also finding some fine time to meditate. When I am riding, I am focusing forward, on my bike, on pedaling, and maintaining balance. Clearing my mind of everything else, moving forward without dying is an interesting goal to set. I also find that I do not want as much when I am riding my bike. My desire for worldly possessions falls limp, and my mind goes almost blank. Bicycle meditation? Bicycle Buddhism?

Not saying that this type of feeling is exclusive to cycling, as I am aware of the thrills and fun of many other modes of transportation. I guess whatever works for you will hopefully guide you to a place you want to go. Just as Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty found America and themselves kicking up dust up and down California. Jack Kerouac knew the score, and I feel closer to his stories now that I can relate. I may have found the strange hybrid of Buddhism that I have been looking for.

I'm not preaching to destroy your cars and join my cult, but I would not shy away from a leisurely ride around the west side of Lethbridge with anyone willing for a ride.

Labels: adventure, lethbridge, philosophy, summer