Sun, 09 Mar 2025 11:12:46 -0500WeeblyWed, 21 Mar 2018 02:51:15 GMThttps://www.harmonyon2wheels.com/blog/bikes-and-baseballIt’s a Monday evening in mid-April as I catch up on events of the day.  I read stories of what’s happening in the world, globally, nationally and locally (not necessarily in that order of completion or priority).  War, starvation, meth, school shootings….and the list continues.  Any study of history will show that similar circumstances have always occurred and will most likely continue as long as humans roam….and may continue otherwise as well. 

I’m also reading stories of loneliness, instability, anxiety and unrest.  Interestingly, all at a time of constant connectivity, nearly infinitely available information and instant gratification. 

With an ever-increasing list of topics deeply dividing us, open conversation, simplicity and personal fulfillment all seem a million light years away.  By nature or design (I know arguable…), we are programmed to live, play and have fun with others along with seeking challenges, satisfaction and comfort, however that may be defined. 

So, where to turn in such a world where we live constantly connected, informed and enraged, while seeming to drift further and further from satisfaction and contentment?

Bikes and Baseball.

If you haven’t been to a baseball game for a while, I’d strongly encourage you take one in!  Peanuts, popcorn, dogs, soda, beer, the crowd, the field…and the game.  Ah…the game.  Simple game really.  A field, 4 bags, a ball and a stick.  That’s pretty much it.  Just sit back and enjoy the game.  So simple…yet so many aspects and tiny nuances, some bringing tremendous roars from the crowd, but most with no awareness from the crowd at all.  And some just for fun.  Two teams connected by a mutual respect and the only goal being to bring each hitter home safely.  That’s it.  Hit the ball, throw the ball, catch the ball.  That’s it.  But so very hard to do consistently!  Same basic movements, but each hit, run, throw and catch is just a little different each time.  Different field, different lighting, different opponents, but same fundamentals.  Practice makes perfect.  One of the team, but it’s your space, your zone.  Just you and the ball.  And when you’re at ballpark, whether in the field or in the stands, it’s just the game.  Nothing but the game.  If it’s not fun, what’s the point?  No red states, no blue states, just a mental state.  As life was intended.  Simple, challenging and fulfilling. 

So, how do bikes fit into this?  Funny you should ask… 😊

Again…simple really.  Basically, two wheels and a motor.  That’s pretty much it.  Just sit back and enjoy the ride.  So simple…yet so many aspects and tiny nuances, some having enormous consequences, but most with virtually no major effects at all.  And some just for fun.  Two wheels connected by a common frame and the only goal being to bring each rider home safely.  That’s it really.  Ride the bike, turn the bike, stop the bike.  That’s it.  But so very hard to do consistently!  Same basic movements, but each start, lean, turn and stop is a little different each time.  Different roads, different traffic, different scenery, but same fundamentals.  Practice makes perfect.  One of the world, but it’s your space, your zone.  Just you and the bike.  And when you’re with the bike, on the road or in the garage, it’s just the bike.  Nothing but the bike.  If it’s not fun, what’s the point?  No red states, no blue states, just a mental state.  As life was intended.  Simple, challenging and fulfilling. 
 
Now there’s certainly been a few biker brawls over the years and baseball has definitely had its share of brawls too.  But just try once if you will to respect the game for what it is and play it as intended.  Play your own game, ride your own ride and watch your own bobber.  This is the place to be, in your own zone. 

Bikes and Baseball. 

I am an absolute true believer and full supporter in our democratic society, especially our voting process and the freedoms we all enjoy!  If we can’t reasonably and openly discuss these basic freedoms we all enjoy and how to best support and maintain them without violence, maybe we need to get back to fundamentals.  Slow down to go fast, turn left to go right, stay relaxed and keep your focus…simple really.

At a time when violence and disorder may seem normal and routine, maybe a bike and a game is really as life was intended. 
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