What do you think a bicycle can add to your life? You might even say, “What could it add other than fatigue?” You would probably answer without knowing what this two-wheeled means of transportation—one that even makes fatigue enjoyable—can actually bring into your life. For example, you’ll see that a bicycle is not just a means of transportation once you experience the joy of riding with a group. Although our primary goal is cycling transportation and taking action against environmental pollution, all of our activities have many factors that connect us to one another through this two-wheeled vehicle. What does it add to us, you ask? It adds a sense of belonging, for one. Very often, you witness perfect friendships and sharing among people who have never met before, on long roads—sometimes dirt, sometimes asphalt. There is a sense of peace in moving with team spirit and knowing that no one will be left alone. Did you get a flat tire? Everyone will stop immediately, and by rule, no one will continue until our friend’s repair is finished. Above all, you experience the happiness of sharing. When you take breaks on journeys passing through the scent of orange blossoms, you pull out your food and hear exchanges like “What do you have?”, “I brought eggs,” “Does anyone want greens?”, “Does anyone need bread?”—and during those delicious rest breaks, you truly live the saying, “The taste of sharing bread is better than the taste of bread itself.” Sometimes, beautiful friendships begin with a word said out of necessity. Even saying “Could you pass the salt?” can sometimes lay the foundation of an acquaintance. Out of water? Don’t worry. Someone will definitely have extra. No one will leave you thirsty, saying, “I have some extra.” If not, someone will surely say, “You can drink from mine.” No one leaves anyone alone on a journey made with this sincere two-wheeled means of transportation, feeling the hum of the wind in your ears.
The bicycle reminds us that sometimes we need to step outside of the luxury and comfort of everything that is presented to us ready-made. It lets us taste the reality of life by traveling, camping, and becoming a traveler—by stepping out of our comfort zone. Knowing that you won’t find comfort everywhere you go, and realizing that it’s more important not to make nature adapt to you but to find ways to adapt yourself to nature—this is what bicycle camping reminds us of. Sometimes, we need to live without forgetting our ancestors’ saying, “One should not look for luxury while away from home.” No gas canister? You’ll find wood in nature anyway—light two pieces, put the teapot on, brew your tea. You’ve poured your tea and added sugar, then you realize there’s no spoon. Why even think, “Oh no, what will I do now?” Just stir your deep-red brewed tea with a branch from the tree above your head.
No mat in your bike panniers? Isn’t nature’s carpet already the beauty of lush green grass offered to us? A bicycle gives you the opportunity to truly experience nature. You don’t just look at the colors of flowers and insects you wouldn’t see in the city, or the mimosa blossoms whose scent you can’t smell while passing by in a car—you stop and smell all the flowers. Not every scent is pleasant every time. If you come across the smell of fertilizer, your pedaling speeds up and you want to pass through that area quickly. Of course, you should pass through the smell of manure without disgust, knowing its naturalness. Remembering that all those tomatoes, cucumbers, and other fruits and vegetables you eat become delicious and natural thanks to what we call manure, you should pass through that smell with this in mind.
For example, a bicycle brings you the art of photography.
Sometimes you’ll be asked, “Could you take a photo of me?” And by learning from one another, you develop yourself in an art form by taking such beautiful photographs. Because in every cycling group, there are always cyclists who take wonderful photos.
What does cycling bring you? Sometimes, it even brings you money. The bicycle is the fastest and most free way of transportation.
In the city, you often cover in 20 minutes by bicycle what takes half an hour by car. And you do it for free, without stress, without traffic arguments—and of course, while exercising.
You gain national friendships through cycling. Wherever you go, there are wonderful people ready to welcome you in every corner of our beautiful country. Because the foundation of cycling friendship is strong. Cyclists are bound to one another with deep camaraderie.
And when I say national, it doesn’t stay national. These friendships sometimes extend internationally.
Cycling friendships create great opportunities for different cultures to get to know one another.
What does cycling bring you? For example, the bicycle is often the best prescription given from time to time to many patients who go to psychology departments and psychiatry. In other words, we could say that one bicycle is worth a thousand antidepressants.
What more could I list?
What does a bicycle bring you?
I think I may have asked the question wrong. Actually, perhaps it should be asked like this.
WHAT DOESN’T A BICYCLE BRING YOU...