OpEd: Group Rides Can Fulfill More Than Just Your Training Needs

We have been there time and time again, the sun rising in the east over the San Gabriels.  Our steeds under us, our gear mounted and our mind ablaze with how the next few hours will play out.  We welcome the presence of our neighbor yet relish in the individual victories of the day.  We return home satiated with the glory of our effort.  Our minds and bodies at peace and looking forward to the next hunt.  But this hunt isn't for food, it's the hunt of a group ride. 

Modern technology has brought us a lot of things it has also taken some away.  One of those things is hunting for the food that we put on our table. As a hunter, there is strategy, teamwork, physical strength and a challenge involved. When you go to the local market, the biggest challenge is finding a parking spot.  Yet scientists frequently refer to our hunter/gatherer ancestors when talking about their migration patterns, dietary habits, social organization etc.  If hunting and gathering was such a big part of our way of life then why aren't we all feel a sense of inadequacy?  I think we have found ways to find that link to the past, to that deeper part of us that seeks out social networks in the most primitive of ways.  Some find this in shopping for antiques, some find it at a gym beside others on treadmills.  Yet still others, like us, find it on the open road.   

Why do other people carry so much weight in our physical and mental health?  Scientists and doctors will refer to something called serotonin, the happy hormone (adjusted in some way by most anti-depression meds).  I just like to call it happiness, but I think it really goes deeper.  We are social beings as well as social hunters, much like dolphins and wolves, and thrive in a group environment. Combine social outings with hunting/gathering and you get the makings of a primal cocktail of happiness.   

It can't be that simple right? 

I think it can.  I have numerous friends of many ages, backgrounds and physical fitness that at some time or for some period of time have suffered from some form of anxiety.  Sleeplessness, anxiety attacks, loss of hair, loss of sex drive, anti-social behavior, depression etc.  The common denominator with these people is connectedness, the constant barrage of information, music, photos, video like we have never seen before.

 I recently read an article about something called Disconnectivity Anxiety, although the article itself may not really dive into real issues it does mention something that is real.  We are quite dependent now on the flow of information. We have formed habits around that flow, we base our work on it, our livelihoods. Now let me ask you a question, when is the last time your performed a workout without being connected?  Let me explain, when you run with headphones on, you are still connected.  When you run on the treadmill at the gym watching TV, you are still connected.  I can keep going, suffice it to say, being unconnected is rather simple.

Being unconnected allows you the opportunity to hear yourself and others around you.  Why is that so important?  It goes directly back to us being social animals.  A part of our nature is satisfied when we connect with others.  Another part is satisfied when we challenge our minds and bodies with work.  How can we connect with others in a real way if we have headphones in the way? or are completely tuned out to the world around us while watching TV or surfing the internet?

Are any of the things I've discussed a cure? Perhaps not, but you might meet some cool people, challenge yourself more than you ever have and possibly get a great nights rest.  And, because of the rules of the group ride, no headphones being one, it affords us the opportunity to have that conversation and it also gives us an opportunity to see and hear nature as it is, even if its only taking in the fresh air on Angeles Crest Hwy.

So perhaps in the future, think of your friendly Saturday club ride as the substitution for the group hunt of old.

Happy Hunting!