Bicycle Samurai?
Posted on April 15, 2008
Filed Under benefits of bike exercise |
Almost everyone knows the benefits of bike riding. But I’ve been thinking about the similarities between biking and various martial arts.
Both are essentially practical survival skills that benefit your health and physical fitness as a “side effect,” (Although for many people this side effect is the main reason to take up the art.)
If you get into it at all, it can become a lifestyle with social, mental, philosophical and spiritual dimensions. The experts incorporate daily rituals that include stretching and breathing, possibly visualization, and eventually dedication to the care and maintenance of your equipment. (For the bike Samurai, your bike is your sword).
Could this evolve into the richness of a martial art? Are there certain qualifications to be considered a master? What do you have to do to become a bike blackbelt? Who are the different, rival schools? (Think Karate vs. Kung Fu, Mountain Bikers vs. Roadies or Commuters vs. Messengers.)
At what point does a “sport” become an art, or a way of life? Are we there yet?
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Riding a bike is liberation.
It’s getting around on your own power, and more. It's a symbol of anything you do to become more independent. If you want it to, bicycling will constantly challenge your limits, physically and mentally.
This blog is about pushing your limits. It’s not a bicycle fanatic’s rant against cars. It’s a rant against yourself, and whatever limits you. -
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