Riding Through Life: Minimalist Lessons from a Bike
Riding through Life: Minimalist Lessons from a bike
Have you ever rediscovered something from your past and realized it held the keys to profound lessons about balance, persistence, and gratitude? That’s exactly what happened to me during a recent visit from my daughter Michelle.
What I Did
From January 8 to January 19, 2025, Michelle and I shared ten meaningful days together in Squamish. Between work meetings, we’d take short walks, and in the evenings, we unwound with longer strolls.
On a sunny Friday afternoon, we took advantage of the clear skies and went for a bike ride. I rode a $35 used bike I had bought on Facebook Marketplace. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked well. We cycled along a scenic trail from downtown Squamish to Brennan Park, surrounded by towering mountains and glimpses of the Squamish River.
This was my first bike ride in 46 years. It was an invigorating experience. As we pedaled through the crisp air, memories of my university days in Fresno, California, came rushing back. Back then, cycling wasn’t a leisure activity, it was a necessity.
I had purchased a basic bike from K-Mart to commute to campus, but it was stolen on the third day despite being locked. A kind friend lent me his spare bike, but my inexperience led to a minor collision on my first ride with the loaner bike. The bike was too tall for me, and I ended up scraping by a car while making a sharp left turn. Luckily, neither the car nor I was hurt. After that, I gave up cycling and took the bus instead.
Life moved on, and cycling faded into the background. It wasn’t until this recent ride—my first in four decades—that I rediscovered the joy of it. This time, it wasn’t just about pedaling but about reconnecting with myself and embracing the lessons this simple activity had to offer.
Friday's ride felt like reclaiming a lost skill and a piece of my younger self.
Hop on and pedal forward
How I Felt
The ride was deeply nostalgic. It brought back memories of learning to cycle as a teenager in Hong Kong. As a child growing up in a lower-middle-class family, I didn’t have the opportunity to ride a tricycle or a bike with training wheels. When I was around 14, my dad took all five of his children to a bicycle rental spot in Shatin, in the New Territories, so we could learn in a playground with fences.
Learning to ride wasn’t easy for me; I struggled to find my balance, often looking down instead of ahead. I fell numerous times and got back up. I kept trying. Despite my slow start and frustrations, I eventually felt the wind against my face as I pedaled across the field. My dad’s patience and encouragement helped me push through.
That day, my dad invested more than just money; he gave us an invaluable experience that demonstrated resilience, courage, and the joy of learning. As an adult, or more appropriately, a vintage boomer, I now fully appreciate the significance of those lessons and the sacrifices my dad made to give us those opportunities.
Reflections on Life and Learning
Reflections on Life and Learning
There are valuable lessons learned for both personal and professional life.
Gratitude Fuels Growth
My dad’s decision to teach us to ride a bike wasn’t just about cycling—it was about giving us the tools to face challenges and embrace growth. In life and work, expressing gratitude to those who guide and support us—whether they’re mentors, colleagues, or family—fosters connection and inspires others. Taking the time to acknowledge their efforts is a powerful way to build lasting relationships.
Some Skills Stay with You for Life
The saying “You never forget how to ride a bike” applies to many areas of life. Foundational skills may grow rusty, but they remain with us, ready to be revisited and refined. These abilities can often form the springboard for new achievements, whether it’s public speaking, creative problem-solving, or navigating a tough conversation.
Lifelong Learning: A Path to Discovery
Learning never stops. This bike ride reminded me that it’s never too late to try something new or return to something familiar. In both professional and personal life, being open to new experiences—whether it’s mastering a new skill, adopting a new technology, or exploring a creative hobby—keeps us adaptable, engaged, and fulfilled.
Keep learning
A Tribute to My Dad
I never had the chance to thank my dad for the bike lessons he gave me. He also taught me how to swim and instilled in me many essential life skills. Expressing gratitude wasn’t something that came naturally to me when I was younger. It wasn’t until later in life that I truly understood the importance of appreciation and learned to express it—a hard lesson to learn and practice before it became second nature.
Dad, I want to honor you for the sacrifices you made to shape me into the person I am today. Your patience, generosity, and wisdom taught me far more than how to ride a bike or swim. Despite the hardships and traumas you endured, you were a wonderful father. You showed me resilience, determination, and the value of investing in others. Thank you for raising me with integrity. Your lessons continue to inspire me, and I will always be deeply grateful for all that you’ve imparted.
A Call to Action
A Call to Action
Life’s lessons, like cycling, are always there, waiting for us to hop on and pedal forward. Keep learning, because life never stops teaching.
Take a moment to reflect on your journey, and focus on what truly matters:
Thank someone - Who has taught you invaluable lessons, and how can you honor them?
Revisit a skill - What skill have you set aside that’s worth revisiting?
Embrace a new challenge - What new challenge will you embrace to see where it leads you?
