Riding a bike is not only healthy but it opens up new horizons not only for the eyes but even more for the spirit and mind.
Like in the movie 'Easy Rider', a bicycle is a great tool to chase 'the line at which the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet' - into a new and unknown world. But, contrary to the motorcycle, not your gas in the tank but your own physical effort that will bring you there, your spirit has to lift you up from the comfort of an armchair to move yourself onto the bike. Yes, riding a bicycle takes much more effort than twisting the throttle of a motorbike but the rewards are much sweeter - you have accomplished the trip by yourself, with the power of your own legs!
During the Chinese New Year, I visit sometimes the hometown of my wife, ca. 350 km (one way) from where I live. Even in my 60s, I try to do it in one go. But the weather, the wind, and the temperatures all throw different hurdles at me. Therefore, my tent and sleeping bag are my constant companions below my handlebar and my saddle. I don't go out for records and I take my freedom to eat and drink whenever and wherever I want, on or beside the road. I don't like to ride at night - I'd rather set up my tent wherever I can find a suitable, quiet place not far away from the main road. I usually arrive on the 2nd day at 9:00 a. m. and even younger family members were surprised that I chose the bike and made it. Yes, everyone could do it - when they are healthy and they want it.
Already at an advanced age, I had a quite memorable awakening. While I was stopping beside the road checking my phone for the right direction, I noticed a younger woman sitting in a wheelchair watching me out of the corner of a shadowy room. At this moment I realized how fortunate I am to be able to ride my bike, able to chase my own dreams, and follow my own instincts relying on a GPS or Google Maps. With all these excitements I have already forgotten that I myself sat in a wheelchair due to a hip injury for some months - and how I longed to move while I was bound to this damn thing to give my bones time to heal.
I've never spent a lot of money on my bike and equipment. I've started with a cheap alloy frame, a simple Sram X7 3x9-speed mountain bike (MTB) with trigger shifters, on basic wheels. My whole bike was less than 1/3rd of today's carbon wheelsets and I was very happy with it.
I've disassembled it and sent it as part of my plane ticket to the USA on. In a motel, I assembled it and rode from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the famous Highway 1. After the trip, I even sent it back to Taiwan and rode around this Island a few days later with basically the same equipment. I still have the same small 2 x 1 m tent (USD 30.00) which I 'waterproofed' with a new sealing tape. Later I upgraded the same frame with 2nd hand Shimano 2 x 9 Sora equipment and changed the heavy mountain bike tires into lighter and smoother road tires.
I don't agree with Darwin on the evolution 'theory' but in my case, I evolved rather than taking out my credit card and spending a fortune on materialistic things. It took me around 5 years to where I am today with my fitness, my bike, and my equipment. Thanks to the internet, I've only made very few 'costly' mistakes on the way.
I have to admit, that I don't buy products from certain countries. I don't want to support copycats, selfish regimes, and everyone who is claiming anything without legitimation by threatening not only their neighbors but the whole world with military and monetary actions. Power comes from money - aggressionists don't get my little hard-earned money. I'd rather pay more than support people and countries who think their wrong, aggressive behaviors should be the standard on how we should deal with each other - no, thanks.
Exploring the world and your neighborhood by bike is not much different. You need some courage, some energy and willingness to go out and take your changes. When it's raining, just wait a few days, when it is cloudy, prepare some rainwear, when it is sunny, put on some protection - if creamy or clothy. When you are hungry just eat, when you are thirsty just drink, when you are tired, take a break. The chain, cables, and tires will last 1000s of kilometers, the chain and cables need occasional lube, and the tires need air - it's as simple as that. As long as your brakes work you can control your bike, speed is a result, not an objective.
I hope my few words encourage many people not just to sit in a box (or car) when exploring but rather smell and feel the surroundings. As long as
- good preparation is the basis of every challenge if mental, physical and equipment-wise
- take it easy after the start while checking your ride - listen to your bike and try out, how it feels and how it works. I squeeze my brakes to see if I can stop and shift some gears up and down to see if it shifts properly. I live on a hill, all these movements come naturally when rolling downhill.
- look at the weather as a friend and not as an enemy. There are proper clothes for every occasion if it is hot, cold and/ot rainy. During a downpour have a cup of coffee or some ice cream and wait until it is over.
- uphill is a challenge and not a discouragement - and 'after every uphill follows a downhill', as the saying goes
- even if you can't repair a bike, take some basic tools, some inner tubes, and a mini pump with you. People are friendlier than you think but when don't have the means to help yourself, they can't do it.
- try to figure out how the bike works. Many shops and schools offer basic bike repair classes and you can learn some like-minded people there. I taught junior high students the basics of bike technique and how to make simple repairs. Everyone could change inner tubes, and replace a chain and the cables of gears brakes after the course.
- it is more fun with other people. If you don't have partners ride anyway, there are many people you can meet and maybe there is a chance to ride together next time.
How could someone prefer watching TV on a sofa over the simple pleasure of riding a bike?
Healthwise, I don't wanna go into details but there are many concerning data on increasing overweight and obesity out there, and riding a bike is a simple solution. I've suggested one family member ride a Youbike, a public bike-hiring system in Taiwan, back home. It is actually free when you have a monthly MRT (Rapid Transit Subway) pass or ticket. I still think this would be a great way to stretch some legs and move the body after a long day of work. Back home, a shower would make you feel refreshed. Unfortunately, I was insulted for my reasonable suggestion/s and reminded that I should 'rather look at myself'. I understand...
Bicycle riders of all ages be reminded that all I write is based on my experiences and are suggestions - I am not trying to talk anyone into something. I put my voice out there to give share some ideas and possibly offer some help. Every adult should know if he or she is healthy, and know that everyone is responsible for their own action/s, and has to take their own responsibility for every decision they make.
We share the road even though some users don't see it this way - they ink the road is theirs and traffic rules don't have to be obeyed. Don't follow them but set an example for others (and the next generation). It is neither a shame to stop in front of a traffic light nor let others go first - it feels better to give than to take!
Ride carefully,
Gerhard
Just last week I talked to a stranger about the mental part of riding a bike, even pros are very clear about the importance to be mentally and physically prepared. You are right when you say that this 'spirit' has nothing to do with age, I even figured that everyone can train it.
My longest day of travel was 320km when my battery died on my cycling computer... According to Google Maps, I cycled another 30 km. Since then I use Strava, much more accurate with maps, etc. and the battery is no issue.
Currently, it's summer, and all over the world, the temperatures are in their 30s. It's a great time to cycle. Thanks for sharing that you are…
350km one way is a serious stretch even for younger cyclists. You really encourage me to continue riding intercity routes. Please write more about practical aspects from your experience!