It might appear to the occasional reader, that there is no one unifying theme or thesis to this Blog; this could not be further from the truth. As this publication has evolved, I have tried to lay the foundation for my thoughts; my philosophical bent if you will. Much of the discussion thus far has focused on my recent bicycling experiences in Chicago, as well as the pending award of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games; of which Chicago is a Candidate City.
The unifying aspect of Bicycling and the Games is one that can initially be viewed from the following perspective: In the United States, and in this case Chicago as well, riding a Bicycle can be undertaken for a variety of reasons: recreation; competition; and utility. In the latter case, many people have increasingly taken to bicycling due to the economic incentive; others because of the environmental imperative. This particular demographic of Bicycle end-user might very well overlap and essentially be classified as one distinct segment of the population at large. The other classes of riders, competitive and recreational, can probably be viewed in a similarly unified manner, riders by choice; not by necessity.
Regardless of what motivates them however, the American perspective on riding is again largely derived from choice, and not so much by culture. The variety of makes and models now available to the American Bicycle buying public affords much latitude in deciding upon how one rolls; oftentimes, a rider's choice being one driven by fashion; function following form, as it were.
Ultimately, what motivates what one rides, and how they ride, can be viewed with less critical concern, as long as they are riding to begin with. The infusion of Olympic culture, I believe, motivates people to engage in healthy lifestyles; and to make choices in recreation and exercise that might not have been so immediate and prevalent, absent an Olympic awareness. This is one significant takeaway which I believe Chicago will glean, win or lose in its bid to host the 2016 Games; that sport, be it for competition or exercise, is good; it motivates and engages, it rejuvenates and rehumanizes.
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