We will always find unity through Cycling. VLVV.
Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the human race.
HG Wells
The world is a strange place. Our planet is more globally connected than ever before where our differences are measured by increasingly smaller margins, yet they represent apparently unbridgeable chasms. The horrific events in Paris and elsewhere around the world emphasize this point, and the resulting political responses make us seem as though we were magnets held at opposing poles: the closer we are held together, the more fiercely we are pushed apart.
In this world of increasing violence, the world of sport appears to be a uniquely unifying force. This first struck me at the Whistler Olympics in 2010. People of every religion, ethnicity, and political view came together harmoniously in the spirit of international competition; there was no question of politics or religion, only a shared excitement for the events taking place around us. Having spent loads of time in Whistler before the Olympics, it was striking to feel the contrast between how the village normally felt, and the radiating energy and spirit of goodwill that permeated everywhere. This alone was inspiring well beyond the the performances of the athletes themselves; it is this global spirit of community that is unique to sport.
Terrorism takes place all over the world, with a frequency so staggeringly high that we tend to become shamefully numb to it so long as it doesn’t affect an area we have a personal connection to. At that point, the bubble of isolation and abstraction we built around ourselves comes crashing down and we’re left with the tangible reality that we are at the mercy of chance.
As many of you know, I attended the Rouleur Classic this past week in London. I must confess that the size of London, its proximity to France, it’s own history of attacks, and the recent airline bombing gave me a certain degree of consternation at my impending trip. But once I arrived, I was once again overwhelmed by the incredible atmosphere that these sorts of events can bring; within the walls of the Rouleur event, people from all over the world were united – brought together by a common and unshakable passion for Cycling. Personal differences that might otherwise represent tangible obstacles to friendship were instantly swept aside by an unshakable sense of community.
The world today is an intimidating place, but I am buoyed by my faith in sport and Cycling in particular to find a way to bring us together. For me, Cycling will always bring unity. VLVV.
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vive le velo
cycling,drink, and food has the power to bring us all together. the only solution is more biking, more drinking, and more eating.
Great article Frank. Cycling really seems to be a firm foundation for so many people.
You're almost having me not disliking the people I follow on strava as much as I do.
Word, Frank.
@frank
This!
I was somewhat chastised by a mate after the Paris attacks for wearing my Rapha " hell of the north" shirt with the french flag on the sleeve, and not one with a dozen other countries flags where atrocities are taking place, somehow the above sums up the way I felt.
Oh. and can I now send my copy of the Rules to you to get autographed ? Now that you roll with royalty !
@Rusty Gramm
!!!!!!!
I find that if someone I meet is a cyclist, they instantly get the benefit of the doubt that they are not an asshole. Everyone else, starts off being and asshole, and has to prove they are not.
EBruner. I feel the same way! The VMH thinks I'm too cynical and judgmental, and she's probably right.
Good piece, Frank. I begin most days riding a bike, and wouldn't have it any other way. I also play soccer twice a week and running around for two hours with guys from 25-71 (no joke) gives me an immense amount of pleasure. It's a simple game, like cycling, but it's also amazingly complex, like cycling. I love both of them for what they provide. As easy as it is to let life become rote, with a 9-5 job, cycling and soccer give my weeks a pattern, a purpose, and some sheer joy.
The VMH rents out our spare room via the trendy airbnb. Last week we had a guy from Beirut. He told us the recent bombings were 30 km from his lifelong home. That really put things in perspective, how many people live in places with frequent violence. We pulled out the atlas...gosh, Syria to the north, Israel to the south. Talk about being sandwiched between two places that would make you feel uneasy.
And I thought my life was stressful sometimes...
it's a brilliant commonality, and the perfect leveller, I don't like every cyclist but I will suffer with anyone.
This here, sad but true.
Sports unite. In most cases.
Until the fans become, ... well a rioting mob, as seen so many times here in Europe, and that even crosses national, religious, or any other boundaries.
Cycling, on the other hand (and some other sports, of course), is different. Camaraderie on the road, and willingness to help a fellow cyclist stranded on the side of the road, really brings hope for the human kind. If but for a moment.