Cycling became a serious passion for me seven years ago, as I aimed to compete in triathlons and worked hard to improve my fitness and skills. Like the renowned author Yukio Mishima, I was cultivating my own personal growth. However, I longed for the real experience of cycling and the freedom it offered, unlike the stationary bike at the gym.
The history of the bicycle is fascinating. It traces back to 1817 when the basic design we’re familiar with today emerged in Germany. Initially known as the dandy horse, it lacked gears and a chain, requiring riders to walk or run while riding. This early version gained much popularity in Europe, spurring the development of new models, including treadle bicycles. The pedal bicycle, which resembled modern bikes, didn’t emerge until the 1860s with the introduction of pedals attached to the front wheel. By the late 1880s, the chain model with middle pedals emerged.
The bicycle has always represented freedom in society. It allowed people to travel easily to villages and towns without relying on walking or the assistance of animals. JB Dunlop’s pneumatic tire, created in the 1880s, played a significant role in the bicycle’s progress, as his company became a leader in the production of superior tires and rubber products.
Today, the bicycle has come full circle and rightfully claimed its place in the history of travel. When I prepare for my weekly cycling adventures, I meticulously check tire pressure and spray WD40 on a potentially dry chain. Then, I embark on my exploration of the countryside, often cycling to scenic destinations such as Leitrim or Cavan in Ireland.
Cycling was the final puzzle piece in my journey towards participating in a triathlon. Building up fitness on a bike takes time, and no gym training can fully prepare us for the challenges of tackling steep hills or the exhilarating speed of descents. The arrival of summer always reminds me of the Tour de France, one of the most prestigious cycling races worldwide, alongside the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. First organized in 1903 to boost sales of a sports newspaper, the Tour de France has grown into the grand event we know today. It entails a grueling month-long race across the French countryside, encompassing mountains, valleys, and concluding in Paris.
Ireland has produced many esteemed cycling heroes, including Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche, and more recently, Nicolas Roche, who have inspired countless Irish individuals to take up cycling. When I cycle, it often transports me back to my childhood. I remember my mother taking us on cycling adventures around our hometown of Soran in Longford. It was a memorable experience and my first true exploration of my surroundings.
Recently, my mother asked me to help repair a bike so she could continue the tradition with her grandchildren, which filled me with happiness. It’s wonderful to think that another generation will discover the joys of cycling and the freedom it offers in Ireland. Though I’m not yet middle-aged, I can already see that being a MAMIL (Middle-aged Man in Lycra) is about expressing love for my country and embracing the roads that shape our lives.
In the spring, I had my bike serviced by an old friend, and now that summer is here, I can embark on thrilling adventures. While I may never race in the Tour de France, the Tour de Midlands is more than enough for me.
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