eighteen

LOOK AT ME!

I'm 55 and remember those days when I could stand on the high diving board and yell for everyone to watch me jump. As a kid that is normal. However, as an adult it looks a bit foolish. Think about it, do we ever outgrow that need for attention? 

We secretly spend time and money to satisfy that need, the right haircut, car, house, career, and so on. I ride this goofy looking bike and yes I love the attention. All we do as adults is act cool about it and try to deny it feels great. The fact that people are curious about what I'm doing with all of that equipment strapped to my bike makes it easy to satisfy that need. 

Does that make me a self-centered phony, or am I just admitting I like people to notice me? If I'm in front of a grocery store someone will ask about what I'm doing. After a moment of feeling special I use their interest to find out about them. First they think I'm superman, and then I try to get them to understand there is a superman or superwoman inside of them too. 

We both get our need for attention stroked, which makes it a great and hopefully memorable conversation. It’s much better than yelling and throwing the bird at each other in traffic. 

If I had a cool car, and it was cooler than yours, you may think I was a jerk. Because I ride a touring bicycle, I’m not in competition with anyone. The people I meet can let down their guard and be complimentary and curious as I turn the tables and stroke their egos. 

Admittedly as we touring cyclists meet on the road we sometimes have an ego problem. Measuring is a human trait I’m attempting to cure in myself. We are few and far between but when we do cross paths I try to just be curious and let them sit in the seat of honor.