Welcome to the world of cyclists

It’s amazing how incredibly different people are. There’s a culture in everything. Subcultures surround on all sides. The distinct culture of the Appalachian Trail where people bond immediately under pseudo names and create a whole new story of Appalachian fame. Learning together, living together, walking together. Enduring weather and finding solidarity in similarity of circumstance.

In the same way there seems to be subculture of cyclists. Each proud of the rides they’ve finished. United by spandex, high end road bikes and more spandex. Each excelling at what they seem to enjoy best and thriving off the effects of the ride. Coming from all over the world to participate in bike tours, and to the innocent bystander, merely enduring the hills and the twists and turns. But they ride on.  

And within the subculture there are more subcultures. Those who ride for fun, those who are so serious they wouldn’t miss even one tour even if it cost their only son, and those like me who don’t really know why they ride, they just do.

Some enjoy pushing their bodies to a new level, some love the scenery that’s so beautiful, and some just want to stay fit. Wherever the people here fit, there is certain camaraderie. People are friendly. They look out for each other and live for the ride, again, a certain solidarity keeping their subculture alive. There’s got to be something that makes Czechs, engineers, kids, doctors, and mothers stick closer than brothers. When one falls down, the others slow down and stop to help him up, concerned for his safety and wanting all to ride safely.

There’s an entire subculture for cyclists. And now I’m immersed in it, drowning in the subterranean reality of cyclist unity. Here is a place that caters to their every need, from helmet covers to toe clips, the bikers heaven covers it all. A giant tent devoted simply to meet their physical riding needs.

Experiences range from newb to seasoned vet, but this weekend the test was just that, to see who could brave the hills and the strain to get up an over to the finish. Vastly a majority of men, women are sparse but present, but all gather together for an event such as this. Nine year olds to men who are almost 85, they thrive on rides such as this one. This is the Hilly Hundred. And it’s just one of MANY places to see this subculture in concentration, to see the determination and fascination of these people who live to ride.

What is it that keeps a group of people so united? Is it a similar interest? A common love for an activity or place that brings such solidarity? If we are truly united in Christ than how do you explain all that seems to be bonds just as strong? 

One thing I’ve seen, one thing I’ve learned, is that no bond is quite as strong as that of people united in Christ. It spans over space and time, across the world and different paradigms. Connecting those who have gone before and those yet to come, it’s the unity of the Spirit that transcends all that’s been done. A solidarity that’s exemplified by the person of Jesus Christ who took on humanity and created the meaning and beauty of solidarity and unity. He became nothing to experience life as we do, and now we can be united because of what he’s been through.

A sweet unity I don’t exactly comprehend, but I can’t deny it’s reality and how it’s affected me.

Cultures and subcultures are everywhere, every place I turn my eye. It’s fascinating to see how people become united over any number of things. So as I continue to live I shall continue to give eye to the pockets of subcultures, seeking to understand what the basic unity is that creates such a solidarity.