Hey James. Thanks for another thought provoking article. I hear what you’re saying and like your idea at the end. It also reminded me of another one of your articles where you wrote about wanting more and more trails. Both of my current mountain bikes I bought used. They were 2 - 3 years old when I got them and were still in good shape. I paid about a third the price they would have been new. Of coarse they don’t have the newest bits, and I have upgraded a few things, but I have a great time every time I’m on them. My point is, and the reason I referenced your earlier article, gratitude is the secret to happiness. Wanting/needing the latest and greatest is not. I know that’s not exactly what you’re saying here, but I did get a little sense of that. Thanks again for continuing to bring up these topics which exercise the muscle on top of my head.
Agreed...used bikes can bring lots of smiles to new riders. I guess, for me, what I'm getting at is that it's often the used/leftover/no longer what I/we want that we donate. Years spent working alongside less fortunate people has taught me that they sometimes tire of getting what others no longer want/use. I've had people ask me: why can't we have nice/new things? Without going into too much politics/economics/debate about opportunity and access to it, there are less fortunate people living among us and it might be nice if some of them get a new bike from time to time. That being said, I'm all in with you on gratitude and happiness.
Thanks for sharing your comment. I appreciate the conversation/discussion and welcome it. "Talking" and considering various viewpoints is good for all of us.
Hey James. Thanks for another thought provoking article. I hear what you’re saying and like your idea at the end. It also reminded me of another one of your articles where you wrote about wanting more and more trails. Both of my current mountain bikes I bought used. They were 2 - 3 years old when I got them and were still in good shape. I paid about a third the price they would have been new. Of coarse they don’t have the newest bits, and I have upgraded a few things, but I have a great time every time I’m on them. My point is, and the reason I referenced your earlier article, gratitude is the secret to happiness. Wanting/needing the latest and greatest is not. I know that’s not exactly what you’re saying here, but I did get a little sense of that. Thanks again for continuing to bring up these topics which exercise the muscle on top of my head.
I hear you, Michael.
Agreed...used bikes can bring lots of smiles to new riders. I guess, for me, what I'm getting at is that it's often the used/leftover/no longer what I/we want that we donate. Years spent working alongside less fortunate people has taught me that they sometimes tire of getting what others no longer want/use. I've had people ask me: why can't we have nice/new things? Without going into too much politics/economics/debate about opportunity and access to it, there are less fortunate people living among us and it might be nice if some of them get a new bike from time to time. That being said, I'm all in with you on gratitude and happiness.
Thanks for sharing your comment. I appreciate the conversation/discussion and welcome it. "Talking" and considering various viewpoints is good for all of us.
Cheers!
James