So far I have a list of 10. Let's start with two.
1. Pay attention
Once you're on a bike you have to pay attention to what's going on around you. Cycle the road the way it is, not the way you think it should be. If you don't you can get hurt or worse.
It is amazing how many people don't pay attention in their lives. They are so wrapped up in their own drama, fantasies, hopes, wishes, dreams and what not that they ignore a huge chunk of reality that is around them. Their own drama, hopes, wishes is their reality. As a result of this they pay attention to the wrong thing and miss opportunities, get upset when reality is not the way they think it should be and wonder why others have the life they wish they had.
Pay attention. The more we pay attention to the way things are the more likely we will be more informed than the person next to us. Meeting life head on rather than avoiding it, gets us further.
2. There will be bumps in the road
Potholes, cracks, trash, debris, uneven pavement. These are realities of cycling on the road. On mountain bike trails there are always bumps and unforeseen hindrances. It is part of what makes off road cycling fun.
It would be nice if life is always smooth. No problems, no hindrances, no obstacles to overcome. Wouldn't it be nice to have so much money we could be worry free or have a partner who takes care of our every need? Wouldn't it be nice if no one criticized us, judged us and everyone was complimentary about all the things we do?
It's a fantasy I know. But there are those who live as if there should be no bumps in the road. Bumps are always there. They have always been and always will be. The trick is how do you relate to them. Your partner decides to leave you. You get fired. You get into an accident. You get behind in paying your bills. You get sick. All these things are nuisances and make life "bumpy."
But that is life. You can make a bump your enemy and complain about how life is not fair. You know how silly that is? Imagine getting off your bike and talking to a crack in the pavement and blaming it for being there. You get my point?
