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As I gather these words together for my
very first page in the mag I ponder about where to begin.
When I was asked to write for this page I had to pause and
take a few moments to think about it. Having hardly penned
more than a few hundred words together since my days at school,
it seemed easy to say no. However that would definitely go
against the spirit I see in every bike rider, no matter their
level or style; and certainly against my own.
Bike riders are a resilient bunch. It seems
as though we have a driving need to challenge ourselves, constantly
battling weather and other daily commitments in order to fulfil
our natural urge to take on the bike, ourselves and sometimes
even other riders.
Taking on challenges are important for many
reasons. They help us to grow, not only physically but also
spiritually and emotionally. It is difficult to predict in
which direction your challenge may take you, although you
can be almost certain it will lead you to another one.
It is important to be adaptable to change
and accept new challenges, as they keep us fluid and evolving.
I love a good challenge because to me that means being presented
with an opportunity. Whether it is an opportunity that becomes
advantageous or simply a great learning experience. The secret
to a challenge is to always keep optimistic, likening the
glass half full to the slow leaking tire when there are no
more spares out on the trail. If there is still some air you
can still try and make it as far as you can. Even if the tires
do go completely flat, you can go by foot and carry the bike,
or if things get worse, crawl and drag the bike.
Challenges are always best to be viewed
as opportunities for growth. I find it is through setbacks
that I ultimately become stronger and more resilient as I
gain more experience and knowledge.How we respond to a particular
setback directly affects our life experience. This is what
separates us and determines our individuality. Whether we
choose that sweet new DH rig, or continue to rebuild a beloved
hardtail, a bike is a vehicle for personal expression; just
as words are.
So with this particular challenge perhaps
it is best I start with something more personal, something
related to where I am right now. Over the past few days I
have been preparing to move house and it amazes me to see
the amount of stuff that accumulated when I wasn’t looking.
A lot of it is important, certain bike bits, lycra for those
XC rides and the baggy kit for the DH runs. Not to mention
the other kit for those spontaneous night rides through the
city, or even the underwater pool rides my brothers and I
sometimes amuse ourselves with. Then there are the items ready
to be moved along and as I pass these on I hope that they
are of as much use to someone else starting off on their own
riding adventures.
As I go through these pieces I am swamped
by memories evoked by past cycling jerseys and kits and the
variety of bike parts, kept to repair or replace. From crashes
to victories to drunken World Cup parties. It is surprising
how many memories a race jersey can hold. But more than any
particular memory, going through these things really reminds
me of how quickly life goes by.
Like a weathered and well loved bike we
can become so attached that is hard to let go and move on.
But the bike is about revolution and evolution. On the bike
it is always about what is ahead of us. Not looking directly
down but a certain distance ahead so we can be ready for what
is coming up and keeping the pace. Looking forward is great
but reflection definitely helps us to find areas to work on
and tighten up, particularly from a racing perspective.
I know I have certainly learnt so much more
about racing and training since my very first race where I
turned up in skate clothes and not even a water bottle. But
off the bike we also need to find some time to think about
what we have accomplished so far, to enjoy the process and
the friends made along the way.
This time for reflection is critical as
it helps to determine what is important, what works and the
changes that need to be made. It is important to remain open
to change, it is the one constant in life we can be sure of.
Another constant in life is that as long
as you have a working bike on hand there is good reason to
be have a smile on your face.
Keep it fun!
Niki x
Words: Niki Gudex. Photograph: Ian Hylands.
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