Cyclist talk (and complain) a good deal about the wind.
However, if you pay attention to those conversations, you’ll notice they’re very much like yesterday’s quote – it’s mostly the headwinds that get discussed and cussed. We tend not to pay much attention when we’re cruising along with the wind at our back.
There’s a route we ride frequently north of Fort Collins. Because of prevailing winds, it tends to be into the wind on the way out, which means flying back home with a tailwind.
It’s tempting to look at the speedometer and trick yourself into thinking how fast you can ride when it’s really just the advantage of the tailwind.
I think there’s a life lesson here for you and me.
Of course we’re going to notice the times of struggle, the seasons when it seems we are consistently pedaling into the wind. That’s normal.
But perhaps we ought to be careful about taking for granted the downwind stretches, pretending we did something to earn an environmental or random or God-given advantage. That’s called privilege.
And perhaps we should guard against judging others’ journeys. After all, the wind is invisible. The person I judge might be pedaling into an incredibly stiff headwind.
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Speaking of cycling, FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC happens in 11 days. I hope you’ve signed up to join us and support some kids who started life pedaling into the wind.
It’s a lot of fun, you’ll make some new friends, here are a couple of great speakers, and even get lunch as part of the deal. What could be better than that?