If you’re reading this blog post, there is a high chance that cycling is not only a means of fitness, sport, recreation, and transportation; it is more than likely a lifestyle. Pedaling is a way of life… Two-wheeled karma.
Have you noticed any of your Tifosi behaviors permeating into normal, everyday life? I’m not talking deciding to commute to work, we’re talking more along the lines of planning your entire day’s schedule, or what kind of groceries you are buying end up reflecting your cycling lifestyle?
There are many breakfasts on days designated as afternoon group ride days that I will intentionally eat more, but will have a lighter lunch, later in the day in order to have a better energy store in my blood.
I also placed a poll on a local forum; roadbikereview.com, and 70% of the 75 people who have replied to the poll stated that their cycling lifestyle has changed the way they drive their car, or behave during driving.
A few examples:
Ken2 States
I agree–for me it’s not so much a change in awareness of cyclists on the road, as it is “mimicking” my behavior as a cyclist. For example, I look ahead to stop lights and gauge whether it might turn red before I arrive. If so, I take the foot of the gas (= coasting on the bike) instead of keeping my speed, then standing on the brakes. I consistently notice that most other drivers approach a stopped line of cars faster than I do–I’ve seen the stop farther ahead than they seem to.
Johnlh Muttered
Last year I put about 100 miles on my car. When I did drive, I noticed that I was in much less of a hurry, and was usually driving below, rather than the previous 5 miles over the speed limit.
Mapei Wept While Telling Us
My driving has actually gotten a lot worse. I now blow through stop signs and red lights. If traffic slows in front of me, I hop up onto the sidewalk. If another car does something I don’t like, I reach out my car window and give a friendly tap on the car’s bodywork. I now drive as fast as I possibly can. Like I’m doing intervals. I regularly take both hands off the wheel to adjust zippers and peel bananas. I tailgate in order to catch a draft. When me and my buddies are out driving, we drive next to each other, hogging up all the lanes, yakking to each other.
theBreeze Reluctantly Said
One day I found myself pointing out some debris in the lane to the cars behind me. I kid you not.
Oh, and I always drop my outside leg on sharp curves.
These statements only further increase my belief that when someone becomes a cyclist, it changes them more than just losing a couple of kilograms, and a couple thousand dollars. The enjoyment we receive from riding resonates through us into every day practices that may or may not have bicycle related motives, but if they do, are we always aware of them?
You have done it once more! Amazing post.
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