Thirty Years of Cycling, and Still Learning: The Saddle Height Revelation - 2021-07-07

For over thirty years, I've been cycling. I've ridden countless kilometers, explored new places, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of two wheels. I thought I knew cycling. I could hop on my bike and ride without a second thought. But recently, I had a revelation, a humbling reminder that even after decades of experience, there's always more to learn.

"I've been cycling for thirty years," I thought. "What could I possibly learn?" Turns out, quite a lot. I stumbled upon an article discussing the importance of saddle height. It explained how the correct saddle height optimizes power output and prevents injuries. It was a lightbulb moment. I'd been cycling for three decades, but I'd never actually studied the mechanics of it. I knew how to ride, but I didn't know why certain things were important. I'd never picked up a book, watched a video, or sought advice on proper bike setup. I was relying solely on my ingrained habits, which, as I was about to discover, were far from optimal.
Intrigued, I decided to experiment. I carefully adjusted my saddle height, following the guidelines in the article. It felt a little strange at first, a bit higher than I was used to. But as I started pedaling, I noticed a difference almost immediately. My legs felt more powerful, my cadence smoother. I felt like I was gliding effortlessly.
The results were astonishing. My average speed jumped from 14 km/h to 17 km/h – a more than 20% increase! I was amazed. Something as simple as adjusting my saddle height had such a dramatic impact on my performance. It felt like I'd unlocked a hidden potential I never knew I had.
This experience was a powerful reminder that learning is a lifelong journey. No matter how much experience we have, there's always room to grow and improve. We can become complacent, relying on what we think we know, without ever questioning or seeking to deepen our understanding. This applies to everything in life, not just cycling.
Since my saddle height revelation, I've become a more curious and inquisitive cyclist. I've started reading more about cycling technique, training, and bike maintenance. I've even considered getting a professional bike fit. I realized that my thirty years of cycling had been more about habit than true understanding. I was riding, but I wasn't riding smart.
This experience has also broadened my perspective beyond cycling. It's made me realize the importance of continuous learning in all aspects of life. Whether it's a hobby, a career, or a personal interest, there's always more to discover. We should never stop asking questions, seeking knowledge, and challenging our assumptions. The world is constantly evolving, and we need to evolve with it. My saddle height epiphany taught me that even the simplest things can have profound implications, and that the pursuit of knowledge, no matter how long we've been doing something, is always worthwhile. Who knows what other hidden potentials I might unlock simply by being open to learning? 

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