My Cycling Manifesto

As I look into the new year and where I want to go with my cycling I have been looking at what worked last year, what didn't work, my successes, disappointments, and where I want to go with my riding in the future. To do that I have decided to write a manifesto to shape my approach to the bicycle.

I plan to add to this blog post over time.

Here is my cycling manifesto:

• It doesn't matter how far or how fast you go. No matter how far or how fast you go, there will always be people who go further and faster.
• Finishing first does not matter, neither does finishing last. The last rider who completes the ride finishes ahead of everybody who didn't even try.
• It is not worth doing if you do not enjoy it. Contrary to popular belief there is no direct relationship between pain and gain. Pain is pain and gain is gain. No pain is no pain. It is okay to stop when it hurts. It is possible to achieve without hurting.
• Cycling with friends is good. Cycling alone is good. They are just different types of good.
• Supported rides, like tours or event centuries, are only fun if you have a dedicated riding buddy. The best part of riding alone is not needing to suit anyone but yourself.