Cycling for Intorverts

Cycling out into the world

 

 

“Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation.” - S Cain

 

I love riding bike.  I love swimming.  I love reading.  For the most part, these are solitary or "one friend with" activities for me.  I have always called myself a social introvert.  I love seeing others and interacting with them but I love being at home in my quiet space more. 

 

What most people don't understand is that introverts can enjoy physical and social activities as well as any extrovert.  We just prefer it to have more substance and maybe a little less noise. 

 

This is why I blog.  I can say things I mean in writing better than I can in person.  So here it is.  I love biking but I am not real involved with the big, group rides.  I think some of my friends have figured this out, since I manage to get out with onesies and twosies, now and again, and really enjoy myself.  It isn't that I don't like the big group rides, I just prefer pleasant conversation and a little less dust eating. 

 

I am also a highly competitive person.  So I spend a lot of time in a group, stressing about whether I am doing well enough or holding up the crowd.  I either feel like a failure or I get overwhelmed by my desire to be out front.  Maybe that's why we introverts don't push into the group.  Skirting the edge is our spot. 

 

Either way, I am learning to accept myself.  I am learning to ride with small groups.  I am learning to let go that need to lead and enjoy the moment.  And lastly, I am learning that its OK to race home after a ride, lie in a large bath of bubbles and relive that great ride in quiet solitude.  Because that's what I do, I rehash every great moment of triumph on my bike and every piece of interesting conversation with the wonderful people that I rode with. 

 

Cycling is for everyone.  We just have to find a way to make it work best for ourselves.