Success and survival might well depend upon knowing when to not follow the rules
Life, like every good training plan, finds success with a predictable set of circumstances. Creating a repeatable routine allows for the building of mind, body and spirit which results in growth. If you are training for your first 100 mile race, you begin slowly and gradually increase the workload until your body is capable of withstanding the rigors of 8 hours on a bike. Or, maybe you just jump at the last minute and send it. Life, as we understand it today, requires a long term commitment to build capital, invest it wisely in something that can benefit you in the long run— a house or a college degree creates security which allows for a wider foundation and higher growth. Or maybe you just win the lottery and all your issues are solved.
What works for life is true for cycling. The first year of training might not be as coordinated as the fifth or even the twenty-fifth because the trial and error earnings have not accumulated. Even though you can read “it” in a book, for both life and cycling, doesn’t necessarily mean that is applicable to you and the immediate world around. And how much does luck really have to play in the whole game?
12 years ago, one of the most helpful cycling publications of all time was introduced to the world- Velominati’s “The Rules” are 95 maxims about how to become a true cyclist in the Belgium sense of the word. Their “god” or idol of cycling is Eddy Merckx, who, in the vein of great athletes of yesteryear, is more legend than real—but what he did do is undeniably astounding. Stories abound of Eddy training by pedaling his bike one legged across all of Belgium just to get to the other side and turn around to pedal it back with the other leg. In the same day. His nickname is the Cannibal because he had no fear or compunction of annihilating the other riders in the peloton whether they were his rivals or teammates- for reference, see what he did in his first Tour De France in 1969.
According to the first 3 Velominati cycling rules (1. Obey the rules 2. Lead by example 3. Guide the uninitiated), we are led to believe that following rules will lead us to success and that if we share these ideals with those around us, they too will gain advantages. In due course we discover that embracing hardship will lead to greater growth and strength while paying attention to details, such as where the label on the tire lines up and how much body hair should be allowed, will determine how well respected one is by fellow cyclists. Earning your place in the peloton is done by hard work, experience, perseverance and determination.
Almost exactly the same criteria as success in life: study, work hard, obey your elders, follow the rules, and call your mother (regularly).
Except, Eddy Merckx didn’t believe in any of that shit. He cheated (drugs), didn’t follow anyone’s rules, intimidated and embarrassed his rivals so they knew they were beaten before the race even began, and cared only about winning so significantly that even his teammates didn’t like him very much. Sound like Michael Jordan? Tiger Woods? Lance Armstrong? Steve Jobs? Donald Trump?
So, we find ourselves in a bit of a conundrum and it’s the one I have used to varying degrees of success over the course of my life, first one way and lately the other. For 40 years I was driven more by anger, believing that rules did not really apply to me- getting what I needed was more important than taking care of those around me (even my family didn’t like that me very much). Sometime around the publication of the Rules, I changed. I began to define myself by things I valued, not in opposition to things I resented. While I still didn’t want to be a corporate type, I did want to be more community minded. I didn’t want to be married to someone I didn’t like, but I did want to grow my relationships with those I did. I no longer wanted to win the races I entered, I wanted to share the experience with others.
Barring some bizarre catastrophe (I had one in a race in Belize once- the whole front half of the field got lost and I crossed the line first without actually knowing I was ever in the lead), I will never win another bike race. I will also never be an American success of rich and famous. But, I’m starting to believe that I have a shot at winning in life. That’s because I’m finally learning the rules and an understanding of when to follow them.
How much are you willing to give up to win?
Cheers.
