Back to the Basics...
I set a goal for myself awhile back to return to my "roots"...after being depressed for so long and not being able to get myself back again to full capacity and pardon the pun...back on the saddle again...I sat down and did a bit of a lifetime inventory...asking the important questions!
What made me happy before?
What is different now?
and a multitude of other baffling and deep questions that I will spare you the risk of boredom!
The answers were far easier than I anticipated! I love cycling...always have! But I liked it during the more "simplistic" times. It just seems everything has progressed to such a complicated level anymore. I remember starting...my first real road bike was my 1988 Schwinn Premis....I wished I had that bike back again! I remember jumping on it at Presque Isle in Erie and riding it up the sidewalks...with my la vie claire cap on and my long hair flowing...some things will never be able to go back to the way they were...like the hair thing! But most things that were peaceful and brought happiness can be re-visited in some way! Those were the fun days...downtube clicking...silent shifting...no worry of cross gears with only 6 speeds...just pleasant fun riding.
So I have returned to cycling on a regular basis again, about 5 days a week...minimum of 3 anymore. Far shorter distances than previous...I remember the days before I stopped riding...well, I should really restate that...I never ever really STOPPED...it only seemed that way. I was racing at a very very competitive level, working full time hours and still training 40-60 miles per day...practically every day of the week...races on the weekends. Sometimes 3 day stage races. Hectic...stressful...way too much. Way too complicated.
So I turned back and put away those fancy cycling uniforms...got out the FUN jerseys that I started with...the ones that make me smile now when looking at them. And they still fit!! The jerseys from the times when cycling was enjoyable for me. I started wearing my cycling caps again and remembered how much I love cycling caps...love them!! I got back to simple, enjoyable rides...hitting the uphills with renewed Vigor...I loved uphills! I am finding out that I still do love them. The Challenge of just seeing if you can accomplish what at some point seemed impossible. I thrive on the enjoyment...no longer worrying about the speed I cover them in but just watching the form...the gentle smooth sweeping of dancing the bike up. Funny part is, I am back to riding fast without the thought or effort! Like old tymes again. So I went back to the simpler times, non-complicated enjoyment.
I couldn't tell you what the latest and greatest componentry even remotely looks like...and it doesn't matter to me. I have a stockpile of parts and accessories in the basement to last my life...and at the rate I am riding...it will last me well! and that suits me just fine! Because it is Fun again!
Back to the Basics....by Walter Skrzypek