For over a decade now I’ve had a black bike. It’s not fancy, just a standard, cheap bike, but I take good care of it and treat it with respect. The gears don’t shift properly, but it can take me anywhere I wish to move my legs to get to. I’ve been using it more this year than in most past ones, and I’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and self-driven speed as I fly along dirt roads and pedal up rocky hills. With the wind in my hair and the swishing sound of my wheels rolling through deep leaves, I feel like I’m moving beyond myself. It’s a beautiful machine.
Today I took my bike to a dirt road I’ve frequented this autumn and took in the brilliant trees, the lake and river, snapping a few photos as I went. I sat by the brook for a while, observing the bubbles in the water and falling leaves. Is there anything healthier than hours of biking and time spent in silent observation?
in meditation, without desire;
in thoughtfulness, he is profound,
and in his dealings, kind.
In speech, sincerity guides the man of Tao,
and as a leader, he is just.
– Tao Te Ching (8)
6 comments on “A Reliable Friend”
I really liked how the green and yellow of the bike’s name matched the colors of the leaves. I thought it was quite beautiful.
To be honest, I’ve been considering investing in a new bike in the next year or two. I’d like to be able to do more strenuous biking (If I’m going to be a nomaic hobo I should have reliable, cheap transportation) and also to be allowed to bike in the city (this bike lacks the proper reflectors, I’m told).
I always try to find the beauty of whatever I encounter and experience. If you look at the photos I uploaded this afternoon to my photo album you’ll see that I took special note of the untended bridge and the dirt road. I think it’s important to notice the overlooked beauty of things.
I have that exact smae bike at home. I wish I had it here…
For serious? You’re lucky to have such a fine bike. It’s a shame you don’t have it with you, though.
For serious! 😀 We’re bike twins!
It sure is a shame… there are soo many things that I wanted to take with me but couldnt.
Someone else who has read the Tao Te Ching. But then, I’m not surprised that it’s you, ‘Pollo.
I’ve read several versions of it and interpretations of it. It’s one philosophy I can completely agree with.