Hartigan, Patrick

Let's agree that the motives for racing are various, often distinct from

each other.



Over the past week we have read e-mails from riders seeking empowerment

through racing; the glory-motivated who want to see his or her name in

the paper; the philosophical rider who preaches the spiritual benefits

of competition in and for itself; the rider who praises the efforts of

another rider, almost as a revelation to be shared.



We race for "pleasure": as a fantasy, as an experience in itself, as an

emotional outlet.



The only thing we will likely agree on is that we race together. Whether

that satisfies you personally is a decision you have to make.



There is nothing wrong with racing, but don't complain if the whole

world doesn't care to read your results.



Don't accuse someone of discrimination: be grateful for the opportunity

to do the right thing, knowing that you have been generous.



Ride for your own reasons, yes, but don't be surprised that someone else

rides for reasons quite distinct from yours.



Contribute, but don't tear each other down.



Personally, I think cycling touches the conscience as well as it tunes

the body. Maybe it's the balancing act we do that heightens our

awareness of ourselves and each other. It's not surprising that riders

use cycling to realize other things about themselves; or translate their

sense of self to a sense of glory; or to wax philosophical.



If people could build on what others have done, rather than knock

someone down and take their place...



Maybe I ask too much from what might be essentially a collective

athletic mind-set. Maybe everyone in OBRA is trying to be Number One.



Why do you ride?





Patrick Hartigan