Have you been finding that one thing? Something that can bring our body and mind together to have good life.
It is our attitude towards life that is the single most important reason of our well being and happiness. However, it is quite difficult to realize it because of many obstacles.
These obstacles feed and strengthen our beliefs built on the primordial survival instincts. This is what the guy, who fixed the flat tire of my bike said.
“This bicycle is so light-weight. Look at its tires, these are like paper. See the tube, It’s so thin. How much did you buy this bicycle for”?
I answered that I bought it for approximately 20, 000 rupees. Hiding that I borrowed it from one of my siblings.
“You’ve wasted, your Rs. 20, 000”.
I was speechless for a moment. I juggled with words in support of my cycling efforts. I wanted to showcase the value that it brings to us and the planet.
Moreover, I wanted to learn fixing the flat tire by myself. I ignored the comment from him.
I searched most of my learnt vocabulary since the last few months, and I responded.
“Do you know that I could travel 170 km last week on this bike? I don’t know whether I could even do that on a normal bike”, pointing to many bikes that were on display on his store.
“Every part of this bike is lighter; the frame, the wheels, the drivetrain, the tubes, and the saddle.”
I continued, “Moreover, I am preparing to travel for 200 km”.
“Yes, you’re right, It might be easier to ride on it because of its weight and gears”, he nodded in agreement.
Well that brought the smile of encouragement to me. I lifted the bike, hopped on it and went off to complete my daily cycling routine.
I know that I could have said more. Please share some supportive easy-to-communicate one liners in favor of cycling. I want to be better prepared next time.
I found one encouragement on this twitter thread.
I am excited to be part of small movements of change around us for better future. Let us head into learning a new term today.
This Week’s Term: Drivetrain
Drivetrain of a bike comprises of those parts that you use to push or pull the bike along. The chain, derailleur, front and rear cog, cassettes, cranks, and chain rings.
A good drive train and understanding its working helps in reaching better cadence and the optimum sweet spot.
Preparation For My First Audax BRM
Once I figured out that I could ride longer distances, I wanted to do better. There is some learning from my last cycling trips of more than a hundred kilometres up to 170 km.
I went on these long distance rides to improve physical and mental endurance. I could achieve better speed by reaching maximum cadence, best gear ratio, and a new sweet spot.
It takes time to improve performance. Thus, we should have practical expectations from our body. I figured that there is a limit to reaching best numbers in a particular context of bicycle riding.
I gave rest to the torso, hands, and legs. I used to get out of the saddle on speed breakers by keeping your hands bent to absorb shocks. Moreover, I kept having light snacks every twenty or thirty kilometres. I also kept taking water in little quantities to keep dehydration in check.
It is not only the equipment that can bring complete balance. You need to win over the time element in the daily routine. I have observed that if I keep my start time as early as 0600 hrs then I can cover 200 km within a day - before sunset.
For some more time, I have to remain consistent and not lose momentum of the daily routine of weight-loss. After that I am going to register in the next 200 km official brevet organised by Audax.
Stay tuned for more next week.