I know what you mean about the mind squirreling around whilst riding. As a runner, as soon as I got into the “zone,” feet automatically going up and down, arms swinging, my thoughts could go elsewhere and solve the world’s problems. I can never reach this zone on a bike. The mind is too engaged in steering, anticipating the next climb, watching, listening for traffic and attempts to totally terrorize that munching groundhog up ahead. There are only brief moments when the cyclist’s mind is free to meander about and totally rewrite Homer’s Odyssey.
Yeah, it’s really good. There’s so much insider knowledge sprinkled throughout. Like the inner dialogue that happens when trying to decide how many snacks to carry, or which gearing ratio is best during a climb, or the sizing up of other riders.
I know what you mean about the mind squirreling around whilst riding. As a runner, as soon as I got into the “zone,” feet automatically going up and down, arms swinging, my thoughts could go elsewhere and solve the world’s problems. I can never reach this zone on a bike. The mind is too engaged in steering, anticipating the next climb, watching, listening for traffic and attempts to totally terrorize that munching groundhog up ahead. There are only brief moments when the cyclist’s mind is free to meander about and totally rewrite Homer’s Odyssey.
I LOVED The Rider, but haven't read it for about 15 years. Time for a second lap!
Yeah, it’s really good. There’s so much insider knowledge sprinkled throughout. Like the inner dialogue that happens when trying to decide how many snacks to carry, or which gearing ratio is best during a climb, or the sizing up of other riders.