A discussion about business ethics, character traits, integrity, and values

It shows where you are weak

I can play basketball or tennis for hours and not be sore. The first time I rode my bike for distance, I couldn’t walk or sit down for two days. I knew exactly where I needed to improve.

It exposes you to risk

Riding a bike, especially in traffic, takes you out of your comfort zone immediately. Now the elements matter, the wind, the rain. There is danger, and your well-being depends entirely on you. Which exposes you to yourself. You can’t fake riding a bike.

If you don’t pedal, it don’t move

Oh, sure if you start on a hill you can coast to the bottom and think you are getting somewhere. But in the end, you’re stuck at the bottom. No matter your intentions, if you don’t hop on and pedal, and pedal and pedal and pedal, you ain’t going nowhere, baby.

Up is hard, down is exhilarating, and you must control both

There is a nearby stretch of highway that is a mile long and straight, down. The thrill of flying over the pavement is astonishing. Equally astonishing is how quickly you get to the bridge over the river where the road narrows abruptly and there is no shoulder for bikes and if you don’t stop, you get run down or you get wet. And if you survive and manage to turn around, you have to ride back. Straight up. That’s just the price you pay.