Cycling. It’s what we do, what we love, but is it who we are?
If you kicked a football around the park every Saturday, you probably wouldn’t say you’re a footballer. Or perhaps you would? I don’t know. But as a cyclist (yes, I identify as one) it’s different. I was reading a post by The Gabbling MAMIL where he had the realisation he is a “cyclist” now. It’s a realisation we all come to in the end – I think – when what we do defines who we are.
Do you consider yourself a cyclist? Or is cycling just something you do?
And if you DO identify as a cyclist, at what point did you realise you were a cyclist?
What defines you as a cyclist? Surely as The Gabbling MAMIL points out, riding a bike is enough to be a cyclist. I ride therefore I am? Or is it more than that? In his post, he made mention of the rules, but I’ll forgive that transgression. All road cyclists go through a “rules” phase in the beginning of their journey.
In case you’ve been living under a bidon chucked to the side of the road, the Velominati “rules” are a tongue-in-cheek poke at road cycling’s elitism and traditions. They were taken WAY too seriously by some roadies and evolved into quite the beast over the years, almost defining road cycling. Thankfully most road cyclists these days view them for what they are, a bit of light-hearted fun. I still think they should be forgotten and left to collect dust in the history books though. *
Ooops. That’s a direct violation of … RULE #16 // Respect the jersey. Championship and race leader jerseys must only be worn if you’ve won the championship or led the race.
Or are you a cyclist when other people define you as one? I’m not convinced, but it’s something that does happen. Many times people have said to Mrs TC “Oh your husband, he’s a cyclist.” That’s a tricky one. Yeah I ride my bike a lot, but it’s not ALL that I am. Oh wait, yeah it kind of is…
It’ll come as no surprise that a big chunk of my life revolves around cycling. I’ve loved bikes of all kinds and fell in love with the speed, thrill and freedom of road cycling. From actually riding my bike, to watching pro racing, to loving the kit, working on my bikes, reading cycling biographies, to writing on this website. Cycling is ingrained into my very existence.
It’s not just something I do on the weekend either. Cycling is – in a way – my life. I’ve worked hard to find my path into the cycling industry, first at Sigma Sports and now with FulGaz. I’ve combined my passion for cycling and tech with my career path. I may not race, I may not even be that good on the bike, but my love of two wheels is strong.
It is who I am. I am a cyclist.
Are you?
And now that I’m 40, I guess I’m officially a MAMIL too..?
* The only exception to this is RULE #59 // / Hold your line. Ride predictably and don’t make sudden movements. Under no circumstances are you to deviate from your line.
Hold your damn line… 😉
Tempo Cyclist - Tasmania 
It’s not something that I’ve ever thought about, especially the comparison to the person who plays football at the weekend. However when you compare it to someone that swims, or golfs…
I would’ve thought then if you’re riding a bike for anything other than transport (getting from A to B), then you should consider yourself a cyclist.
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That’s a good point!
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Commuters are people and cyclists too, IMHO, because they could be driving or busing but choose to bike (or may have no choice).
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True! But I wonder if the guy who rides his department store MTB a couple of miles to work and back each day calls himself a cyclist? Or he just rides a bike? Is there a difference? At the end of the day is doesn’t matter, but it’s interesting.
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If you spend time doing something your it. I’m a cyclist, I’m a driver, I’m occasionally a swimmer. Been a runner too
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I’m currently making pancakes for breakfast, which 100% makes me a chef. Now if somebody pays me for this pancake, that would make me a PROFESSIONAL chef, haha! 😁
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It’s interesting isn’t it. I remember sitting on a beach one day, chatting to the guy on the lounger next door… we exchanged what we ‘did’. He said he was a golfer. I said that’s interesting, but what do you do for a living? I play golf, was the response! Lo and behold, a tour Pro!
I felt quite stupid as a result! :)
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Cycling has increased a lot during the pandemic. Thank you 😊
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In high school I was pretty good at flute. But never good enough to be
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…to become a professional who got paid, aka a flautist. So maybe there’s a distinction between different types of cyclists. Bike rider is another term. To humanize us to car drivers, I see the phrase people who ride bikes.
I think it’s up to each individual to identify themselves as they want. Whether others agree or not, who cares? Like the hardcore hammerheads who may be good riders but are often horrible people — just say “on the left”, dammit! when they don’t, I say “on your right!”.
Let’s have a big tent and welcome everyone of all levels, sizes, speeds and bikes — especially kids so more people are lifelong bike riders.
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I played the clarinet in high school. I would never have called myself a clarinetist, or even a musician, but then again, I sucked… 😅
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Hold your damn line works in all areas of life 👌
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It’s a good life motto!
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Brother, I’m just like you, only a little older. In the States we call us “Avid Enthusiast Cyclists”. We’re not racers, we just love cycling. And it is good. Nice post, man.
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I like that! Avid enthusiast! 🙂
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👍 That’s us, brother.
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Doesn’t it depend on whether or not you shave your legs?
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In that case, I’m definitely a cyclist! 😎😂😁
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I’m a cyclist ‘cos I’ve just come back from a 17 mile mountain bike ride. Many a road rider might not think of me as a cyclist at all though because I own no lycra. Walkers, meanwhile, might think of me as a nuisance! “Cyclist” covers a multitude of sins, is what I’m saying, so if asked I’ll always say I’m a mountain biker to add clarity.
Andrew.
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Yeah but you hairy legged baggy shorts wearing stump jumping mud dwellers don’t count. 😜😂😁 But in all seriousness, I think if we enjoy our time on two wheels, we’re cyclists.
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I am. I ride almost every day. I have quite a few bikes. I fix bikes. I like looking at bikes. I know a little bike history. I like talking and blogging about bikes. That has to do it right?
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I recon that’ll do it! :-)
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YES!!!! Great posting! Onward!
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