A wise man once said “Get off the internet and ride your bikes.” Actually, it’s probably been said a bunch of times. Smart words regardless of who uttered them first and how many times they’ve been repeated. That said, the internet can be handy for plenty of things, even if most of them are better and more enjoyable when actually done out in the real world. Looking at beautiful bikes and old-school bike magazines seems to lack a little texture when they’re being blasted at your eyes through a computer screen. Music’s a little richer when it’s coming through an amplifier rather than your tinny PC speakers. That new component looks great in the online store, but the photo’s got nothing on the first test ride. And the best YouTube footage pales in comparison to the feeling you get when you’re out on your bike with your mates.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the shit-talk and bullshit that mindlessly repeats itself every hour of every day on the internet. Naturally, when it stems from this website I wholeheartedly approve of it and suggest you quit all other activities so that you may dedicate your life to BnC, the refresh button and the ol’ comment posting link. But most of the time you need to step back and ask yourself if this shit really concerns you, or if you might be spending a little too much time worrying about words and websites and fashion trends that can be ignored simply by closing your browser, or visiting another website. The internet is a forum for the world and just like any public space, it’s got its full share of morons and idiots. Do yourself a favour and avoid getting caught up in the shit-creek, ’cause who wants to paddle through that when there’s perfectly good singletrack up the bank and over the hill?
Ignore the trends, forget the hipsters, get off the internet and ride your bikes.
Quite preachy but a nicely delivered little passage.
PS. You haven’t converted me.
PSS. Fixed Gears are so hyped and trendy at the mo’
hohoho.