It seemed as though the countryside was absolutely teeming with bicycle riders this past week. Come to find out, the National Triathlon Championships were held in Burlington Vermont this weekend.
It’s so exciting to see norms shift on a dime when a whole group of people are inspired by great athletes. We see it every time the Olympics air on television. All of a sudden there is a surge in the desire to master slightly obscure sports such as curling or fencing.
This weekend there was a cyclist or three everywhere I turned — all dolled up in gear and looking swift like the wind. I wanted to be out there too.
Role models have amazing power and, when it comes to being active, we can’t get enough. Further, Oscar Wilde said, “Repetition makes and impression on the dullest of minds” (one of my favorite sayings). The more we see people being active, the more likely we are to feel the pull toward the same. Eventually it becomes a “way of being” for an entire town. Perhaps that’s why cities like Burlington, Vermont and Boulder, Colorado are ranked as the healthiest in the US.
Just being here makes you want to ride Sally ride! Add in a dose of crazy-fit athletes riding their hearts out and you chomp at the bit.
Riding has so many benefits beyond being athletic, as it is accessible to all who have the desire.
Ernest Hemingway, reminded us, “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are….”
And H. G. Wells, back before the dolled up gear was a twinkle in Greg LeMond’s eye, said, “Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle I have hope for the human race.” In those early days it was as much about pure joy as it was transportation.
See the world and your own human power as it is: beautiful, capable and transformative (in the sense that you got yourself from point A to point B by the will of your mighty legs).
Alas, as I write this, however, it is pouring rain and the roads are slick so I’ll have to settle for an alternative. Try this old school exercise in your living room to strengthen your core. Visualize the great mountain peaks of the Alps and pretend you’re in the Tour de France chasing the maillot jaune (the winner’s coveted yellow jersey).
Olga Bicycle
- Lie flat and then lift your hips up, putting you hands under them for support.
- Bring your bent legs up over your hips and begin to slowly peddle.
- Keep your weight balanced on your shoulders, not your head.
- Using a slow and controlled speed (the slower the better for developing strength), pedal one direction for 10 rotations (five to each leg) then switch directions and repeat for one minute. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat two more times.
Ride, Olga ride.
See you on the speedy PATH Ahead!