BICYCLE STORIES
POINT TO PONDER: Book Week Quote "My two favourite things in life are libraries and bicycles. They both move people forward without wasting anything. The perfect day: riding a bike to the library." (Peter Golkin, Arlington Virginia)
The Right Thoughts Riding in My Mind:
When I started riding a bike a couple of years ago, I didn't think my involvement whould ever be more serious than the occasional short ride. But as I built strength, my friends encouraged me to step up my training and try some longer trips. The first one to come along was a 150-mile (250 km) trek, the MS-150, an annual event that raises money to fight multiple sclerosis.
When I registered, the idea seemed terrific - support a worthy cause while going for the distance - and I trained with enthusiasm. But as the time for the ride approached, my self-doubts rained ground over my endurance. I still wanted to raise money for the charity, but I didn't really want to bike all those miles for two days straight.
The ride began on a beautiful Sunday morning in the tranquil Georgia countryside, and for the first few hours I felt wonderful. This was just the experience I had imagined, and my spirits were high. But by the end of the day, I felt tired and irritable.
If the body is connected to the mind, here was proof in action.
Every excuse my brain pushed out seemed to travel right down to my legs. "I can't handle this, "became a leg cramp, and "everyone else is a better rider" translated into shortness of breath. I was sure I'd have to quit.
As I topped the crest of a hill, the magnificent sunset kept me going for a few minutes more. Then in the distance, silhouetted against the bright red sun, I saw a lone rider pedaling very slowly. I noticed that the person looked different in some way, but I couldn't tell why. So I pushed myself to catch up. There she was, peddling along slowly but steadily, with a slight and determined smile on her face - and she had only one leg.
My focus changed in that instant. For a whole day I'd been doubting my body. But now I knew - it wasn't the body, but the will that would help me reach my goal.
It rained all the second day. I never saw the one-legged biker again, but I pushed on without complaining, knowing she was out there with me somewhere. And at the end of the day, still feeling strong, I completed the 150th mile (250 km).
By Kath Higgins, from A 4th Course of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
You are my master:
Once upon a time, there were three cyclists, from different parts of the world, riding on a bicycle tour through Tibet. They had just ridden a difficult route over steep mountains with rocky and muddy trails. It had been windy, cold and it had been raining most of the day. Their spirits were in dire need let alone their need for food and warmth.
At long last they came to their destination, a little village nestled between two mountains and sheltered from the winds and misty clouds above. What a sight. A few ragged looking huts and tents were huddled together but a little distance apart was a colourful tent with a set of chimes, ringing with a constant rythym, showing where to enter.
Their curiosity got the better of them in spite of their numbness and hunger. So they tentatively pulled back the canvas and peeked inside. A quant little man was sitting crossed legged on the floor, deep in meditation. One of the cyclists coughed and said quietly, "excuse me Sir, but do you mind if we camp here for the night, in your village. We have ridden our bicycles a long way today and we are very tired, hungry and cold. We would very much appreciate your hospitality by letting us stay here."
The little man looked with a wyre grin on his face and said without any hesitation, "of course my friends, any one is welcome to stay in our village so long as they come in peace. Pray tell me how is it that you are so far from home? But first, please sit down and I will give you a nice drink of warm herbal tea."
So they all sat down and talked well into the night on all manner of things. "Anyway", the little man said, "what is your phylosophy that goades you into travelling by bicycle through difficult conditions and straining your bodies to exhaustion?"
The first cyclist answered by saying, "Where I come from, back in Texas, USA, I see all the oil wells that produce petrol for motor cars that pollute the air. When I ride my bicycle, I am not polluting the air." The little man answered, "my son, you are indeed a very clear thinking person and it is commendable that you carry out what you think."
The second cyclist answered by saying, "Where I come from, Germany in Europe, mountain bike riding is a great sport and I ride for fitness and health." The little man answered, "my son, you are indeed an inspiration to mankind. If only all the human race was as fit and healthy as you."
The third cyclist answered simply, "Where I come from, down under, Australia, I ride my bike to ride my bike." The little man thought for a while and said, "indeed my son, your thinking is so simple that I cannot find a better reason to ride a bicycle. YOU ARE INDEED THE MASTER. PLEASE LET ME BE YOUR SERVANT FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS."
And so it came to pass that the little man packed up his few belongings, bought a bicycle and followed the cyclist wherever he went.