An Entrepreneur's case for Bicycles

Entrepreneurship is an uphill battle, pitting the strength of human will against the headwinds of a fickle market. Everything that entrepreneur gets, he or she earns. Cycling is not much different, especially in the context of the rolling hills of Central Kentucky. There are ups and downs, that conveniently alternate without warning. Frequently you have to climb out of gulch, yet you can't quite see the end. This is where determined cyclists and determined entrepreneurs can empathize. When you're not at the top, but you want to be, you focus the entirety of your consciousness to make it happen.

Sometimes, entrepreneurship isn't popular. Your friends and family, possibly your spouse, can be averted to the idea of discarding the security of a corporate job to pursue your passion. When commuting on my bicycle, I am frequently told by the drivers of neighboring cars that I should, "Get off the road!" or, "Buy a car you idiot!" Has this forced me to stop riding yet? No. Like a successful entrepreneur, I have taken the time to observe the big picture. I have a 1 mile commute. While this is a 20-minute walk, it is barely a 5-minute bike ride. During rush hour (ie the time when I actually commute), driving a car this distance through downtown Lexington takes about 15 minutes. I don't think my choice to commute by bicycle is that novel of an idea, but it seems to have far more benefits than drawbacks:

• Nearest bike rack is immediately outside the doors to my office building. The parking lot is around the back, across the street.
• During a 15-minute car ride through city traffic, 2 things are successfully accomplished
• Waste a lot of gas heating up an engine
• Build up a lot of frustration, wanting to go somewhere but being inhibited by the herd.

This is where I find the greatest similarity between entrepreneurs and commuter cyclists. So many people are frustrated with their jobs and their commutes. Yet, instead of looking for and being willing to try another viable option, they continue to give into the unintentional societal norms that suggest that a good benefits package is more important than following your dreams or that paying for the luxury of gasoline has better results than daily exercise.

Entrepreneurs and commuter cyclists must always be alert. They stand out from the herd, so they must learn to protect themselves. But likely that is the reason they have chosen their path in the first place. They care so much about their passion that they manifest the will to execute upon it. How the world is a better place as a result of these pursuit.