Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Slow cycling Taiwan

This is Mr Li 林惠忠 who shares about slow riding movement in Taiwan. Its not just slow speed but being comfortable with just "rambling" around. Being able to enjoy the environment and the company of others.  What a kindred spirit!

Video Transcript in English
Mr Li says
Why u cycle on the PCN ? There is no traffic light. Its faster, in terms of time but not because I cycle very fast. When you drive, you need to find a parking spot. If you take a bus/MRT, you might have to switch to another bus or MRT line. It takes up precious time.
Also by cycling, I found out that I can talk to strangers on the road. Its a nice feeling to say "halow" loudly as we meet on the streets. I found the "humanness" in the big city. A simple smile and "good morning" . When I cycle home, its my most enjoyable moment. Everyday! When the sun sets, you put away ur daily stress and tiredness... just cycle slowly home.  Looking at the ever changing views. There is no one. Its quiet but its a nice precious moment. You are relaxed and at home with yourself.
Taiwan is a beautiful island. We should use the bicycle to understand her more.  I went to many countries to cycle and I still feel Taiwan is the most beautiful.  When I shared my slides, now in power point. Many people will ask me "where's this place"? All will guess every places... but it is actually in Taiwan!  Their faces would have that incredulous look.."how can that be possible??? I cycle there before but I have never seen it"
Mr Li smiles... "because you have been cycling too fast!!!"  The mentality need to adjust. To slow down. When you slow down... everything is easier.....
Mr Li perspective of cycling.
Cycling is to relax yourself. Don't be so caught up with speed nor the distance. Don't just be in a hurry to get it over and done with.  There are cyclists who are too "uptight" . It feels more like a competitive sports. I think its a real pity. We are not competitive athletes. Cycling is more than that.  I have 8 important words I live by.  "Slow cycle, Slow life, happy ride, happy living".  (慢骑,慢活,乐骑,乐活)
Not just cycling slowly and finding the shortest distance. But when you slow down, its becomes much much more easier to look up and appreciate the nature and the environment.  That's the most important element of slow cycle.  And then perhaps you will ask yourself..."what's the hurry? " and slowly embrace slow living. This is the foundation of "happy cycling" 乐骑. The route you plan is comfortable, is easy and then this becomes "easy living" 乐活. Lohas. Simple life!
Cycling is a simple thing. To understand the benefits... just go and cycle!
The Five senses
We are different from animals. We have senses. We can see, we can hear, we can smell, We can touch... and we can feel.
Heart! The cool thing in cycling is that we use all the senses and we can smell the rice fields, the cigarette smoke, the rippling of the water flowing. When the wind blows and sand hit your face. You can really feel and know that its painful.
Using your heart. We are rational creatures. We always have things we should do or not do. But when we cycle, the logical part of the mind is shelved. We use our heart to feel the place, together with the variuous senses.  And relax.... this is when you will realised. Its not where you go...every place is ok! Its a special feeling!
Mr li introduces Jin shan... and the places to see.. and to eat. Not too long distance.  Very LCSG style!  A motley crew and electic collection of bikes.

1 comment:

  1. Mr Li, you are my kind of cyclist..thx for sharing yr xperience and view

    ReplyDelete