September
2004
Of
Kayaks, Bikes, and Foils…
I once belonged to the Nutmeg Soaring Association. We flew
sailplanes, latching onto thermals for a four-thousand-foot
lift, or riding ridge currents with hawks.
I kayak now, and it’s not much different. The waves are
visible and smaller, but the feel of irrepressible natural forces
buoying me up and dropping me into the troughs is just as exciting,
with ospreys playing the role of the hawks.
Which is to say: both are a lot like sailing. Soaring pilots
think of themselves as sky-sailors and kayakers relish paddling
like the wind.
We are to be visited soon by twelve-hundred cyclists, many of
whom like to paddle, or sail, or even soar. I know this to be
so, because four years ago, when I was seduced by the adventure
of trying to keep up with the mob in Cycle North Carolina, I found
out what else this diverse population enjoyed when not spinning.
It’s not surprising to find overlapping passions. Using
one’s skill and strength as nature’s partner to
take a wild ride through marvelous surroundings, wondering at
the elegance of the inventions that make it possible –
these are the common draws that challenge and energize us, and
we need not limit ourselves to one alone.
So when you meet these or any serious cyclists, ask them about
their bikes, their rides, their experiences, but also ask them
what else they like to do, and consider the common thread.
Editors note: On Saturday October 9, over 1,000 bicyclists
will roll into Oriental as they finish the Cycle North Carolina
"Mountains To The Sea" ride. For more info:
Cycle North Carolina's web site
Story about preparing
in Oriental.
Previous
"Song Of The Paddle" Columns
•August 2004 - Good To
Be Home
•July 2004
- Paddling At The Solstice
•May 2004 - The Pirate
Queen
•April 2004 - Past Pamlico
Paddles
•March 2004 - Pushing
The Frontier
•February 2004 - The Manatee
