Walkin’ Funny

Rick Proctor

 

Cyclists often have a walking gait that is different than non-cyclists when moving about off the bike.  Those motion differences can be entertaining to watch, and for those with an understanding of why, the funny walking can tell us something about the person.

Bike shoes commonly contribute to a different stride due to the stiff soles and cleats.  There are plenty of fashionable footgear configurations to choose from that are designed to optimize pedaling performance while walking must be a distant secondary consideration.  Bike shoes are responsible for strides with hobble, stumble, or waddle qualities. 

Chafing in the saddle contact area of the human anatomy is a problem most cyclists have experienced.  Chafing can contribute to a unique floundering stride while the victim attempts to minimize the discomfort.  It’s rare for a chafe victim to share the true reason for such a unique stride.  If asked why, an evasive answer is to be expected.  Most of us don’t want to know the details anyway, but the wry expression of an observing cyclist may indicate knowing from experience.  A caring observer may want to offer suggestions for anti-chafe products.  A cautious approach is suggested for such a sensitive topic.

Injuries can provide the cyclist with sufficient reason for a unique stride.  During a bike tour a few years ago, I was moving my bike around in a hotel room while barefoot.  I wanted to shift the chain to smaller gears to keep the chain away from furniture in the room.  I lifted the back end of the bike with one hand, and with the other hand I cranked a pedal around then reached for a shifter.  This was not my day for graceful moves.  I bumped a lamp in the room and in my excitement to catch the lamp I briefly lost track of where the rear wheel was, and the spinning tire contacted a bare toenail.  #@&%!  My previously odd stride was even more odd with a faltering limp for the rest of the tour and weeks afterwards while my toe healed. 

A confident, experienced bicyclist will add a touch of swagger to their stride, even when there are other influences involved.  The swagger is a sign of being healthy in body, mind, and spirit – all enhanced through cycling.  It is on the bike where the cyclist becomes a vision of style and skill in flight.  You may not know you have it, but non-cyclists may sense it and look upon you with awe as you walk your bike to a road, mount up and ride to the horizon and beyond.