Why do I Hike and Cycle in Groups

The most beautiful sight I saw on today’s ride was a murder of crows sitting at a water fountain. They were there because it offered water. When I cycled by it forced them to take off and scatter. With them were a few birds of prey. If you have watched The Birds by Hitchcock then the experience would have been bad. For me it was the highlight of my solo ride.

My habit of hiking and cycling might seem absurd. On Thursday I went on a group ride but spent quite a big portion of it cycling up a road to the top of part of the Jura in solitude. I was overtaken several times by people who cycle more than me, and when I got to the top I exchanged a few words, before heading back down, once again in solitude.

Of course, that solitude came from one source. It was my first time with this group so we did not have much to talk about. If I persist with this group then we will have more opportunities for conversations.

I was looking at event photos of a hike and I was reminded that I would like to see two women again. I want to see them again but not if it involves seeing a toxic person. If I say I hate something, I am not negative, I am venting. I am being healthy. I am looking for compassion and empathy. When I was shown apathy that made me never want to deal with that group again.

I was thinking about why I prefer to cycle, rather than hike with people. I then realised that I enjoy hiking with people and cycling. Tomorrow I know of two hikes. Once is along the Areuse, and should be easy. The other is to the Tour D’aï and this is a hike that I really want to do. If I had not committed to hike 1 then I would very happilly do Hike 2.

Today I hesitated between two bike rides and it’s when I arrived on the spot, and saw who was doing which hike that I easily chose which ride to do. I’m happy with the choice I made.

I got to have good conversations and look forward to many more rides in future. I also got to explore a new route for getting home that does not involve climbing from the lake to the French border, and then riding across.

The Pleasure of Being With the Right People

When I walked with the group last week on the hike I organised I derived pleasure from being with these people. I would say the same about the Nyon TDC ride, although due to the solitude this is a partial truth. I’m keen to go with them again.

Today’s bike ride was a pleasure too. I’m getting to know people so I’m less reserved, less shy, more social. That’s why it’s good to go with groups regularly. Through familiarity conviviality will grow. Ironically I say this despite the group being quite large. It shows that when we’re in a good group, the experience is more pleasant.

I have three groups that I want to do more activities with and that is pleasant. A good group is one that you walk away from feeling more isolated than when you joined them. A good group is one that you can leave, without feeling isolated and alone.