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[Pterodactyl_imp]

I used to worry about "wear and tear" on my bikes, but for someone like me, it becomes an obsession. Eventually you have protection for your protection.

Instead, now I just ride and accept scratches and dings or whatever as part of the experience. I don't go out of the way to damage anything. I just accept it.

Key point - As long as I am the one who scratched or dinged the bike, I am fine.

In some ways, the "wear patterns" that you see on an "experienced" bike can be construed as beautiful. (Or maybe I am justifying my laziness?)

I wash my bike, but it is a "functional clean" rather than a "museum restoration". I'd rather ride than clean anyways. (Although on a rainy day I enjoy spending time with my bike in the garage cleaning it. It is very relaxing and zen-like.)

Here is a slightly-related proverb. Substitute "motorcycle" for "bicycle".

Quote:A Zen teacher saw five of his students returning from the market, riding their bicycles. When they arrived at the monastery and had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bicycles?"

The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!" The teacher praised the first student, "You are a smart boy! When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over like I do."

The second student replied, "I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path!" The teacher commended the second student, "Your eyes are open, and you see the world."

The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant nam myoho renge kyo." The teacher gave praise to the third student, "Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel."

The fourth student replied, "Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all sentient beings." The teacher was pleased, and said to the fourth student, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming."

The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle." The teacher sat at the feet of the fifth student and said, "I am your student!"

After reading the above I indulged in a little reverse anthropomorphising and, as I surely show the wrinkles of the laundromat of life, concluded that I am, in reality, beautiful. Good man Xyzzy, I love ya.





Quote:The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle." The teacher sat at the feet of the fifth student and said, "I am your student!"
Heavy man, heavy.

Cheers