The Ego's Battle with Balance:

Why Those with Uncontrolled Egos Struggle to Master Fixed-Gear Bikes:

Working on a small community bike project in central London aimed at introducing young people from troubled backgrounds to the sport of Tracklo-Cross, where you take a stripped back, (Often, Salvaged & Repurposed), Fixed-Gear bike without brakes Off-Roading. I started to notice that some of the service users would frequently really struggle to adapt to the concept of Fixed-Gear riding and just continually keep fighting against the bike in everyway they could find, which never ended well.

However, many of those who did stick it out and eventually stopped fighting the bike, found a way to make peace with it and even eventually become one with it, said that this journey and struggle had actually taught them some valuable life lessons and a better understanding of their own personal mindsets.

So, having heavily pondered and discused this phenomenon with another TrackloCross enthusiast/fanatic who is also a Psychologist we came up with this possible explanation for what we consistently keep witnessing within our project:

Riding a Fixed-Gear bike, commonly known as a "Fixie", demands more than just physical prowess; it necessitates a mental finesse that transcends the mechanics of pedaling. Interestingly, this challenge mirrors the struggle of individuals burdened with out-of-control egos. Aspiring fixed-wheel riders with unchecked egos often find the journey to mastery unusually challenging, unveiling a profound connection between the bike and the ego's dynamics.

The Ego's Appetite for Dominance:

An ego unbridled seeks control and dominance in all facets of life, perpetually striving to be at the forefront. However, when faced with a fixed-wheel bike, this desire for dominance clashes with the bike's demand for a harmonious partnership. A fixed-Gear bike requires a subtle balance of power, akin to managing a relationship. Those unwilling to relinquish the reins and share control often struggle to maintain the bike's stability, mirroring their struggle to balance their egos in daily interactions.

The Struggle Against Vulnerability:

Fixed-Gear biking necessitates a willingness to embrace vulnerability. The absence of a freewheel mechanism means that the bike responds instantly to the rider's actions. This sensitivity requires a delicate touch and a vulnerability that an unchecked ego finds discomforting. Individuals used to projecting an aura of invincibility often resist exposing their vulnerabilities, making it challenging to adapt to the bike's nuances.

Impulsivity versus Precision:

Riding a fixed-Gear bike demands precision and finesse. Minute adjustments in posture and pedal pressure translate directly into the bike's response. Impulsivity, often driven by an uncontrolled ego, results in abrupt movements that destabilize the bike. Those accustomed to impulsive actions struggle to embrace the patience required to glide smoothly through the streets or down demanding dirt/gravel tracks, mirroring their inability to control rash decisions in their personal lives.

Ego's Distraction from the Present:

An unchecked ego is often preoccupied with past accomplishments or future aspirations, preventing one from fully experiencing the present moment. Fixed-Gear biking (be it, on or off road), however, requires unwavering attention to the present.

The bike's responsiveness demands immediate and holistic awareness of the road or track and the bike's entire dynamics. Individuals with wandering minds, driven by their egos' insatiable appetite for recognition, find it arduous to commit to the present, inevitably leading to struggles in maintaining the bike's equilibrium.

Conclusion:

The parallels between learning to ride a fixed-Gear bike and the struggle of an uncontrolled ego are not mere coincidences. The bike serves as a metaphorical mirror, reflecting the ego's dynamics and struggles. Just as the bike requires a relinquishment of dominance, vulnerability, and adaptation to achieve harmony, taming an out-of-control ego involves learning to balance power, embracing vulnerability, and adapting to life's challenges.

While mastering a fixed-wheel bike might appear as a physical endeavor, it unveils profound lessons about the ego's role in our lives. For those willing to embark on this journey, the a fixed-gear bike can become not just a mode of transportation but a vessel of self-discovery and transformation. As one learns to navigate the streets or gravel tracks with ever greater grace and balance, they might also discover the art of navigating life's intricacies with a more controlled and harmonious ego.

Bénédict Tarot Freeman,

Recovering Fixed-Gear Addict: