Mind Blogging. Mind Boggling.

This is a book by an elite Cyclist, Tyler Hamilton, who raced alongside and competed with Lance Armstrong. It's an explosive tell-all whistleblower tale, and in that way unlike anything I've ever read before. My only other such experience was probably the movie Citizen Four, which was about Edward Snowden.  

The author shows how doping was rampant and also 'table stakes' in the world of elite cycling. It truly was a cat and mouse game- the cyclists carefully outwitting the testing agency and testing processes. It would have been so sad- a young cyclist coming up the ranks, but then, once he reaches the upper echelons he confronts reality . Tyler H is brave, in that he is speaking up so openly about his misdemeanors and also the woes of his personal life. He is also 'ratting' on his very 'brotherhood', which would take some doing.  The book goes into detail of the minute logistics that was involved in the entire doping operation. It is disturbing to see the abuse that the cyclists put their bodies to, to just compete. Gory is not an understatement, for some of the illegal acts they undertake. Once you set your mind on winning, or reaching a milestone, one can go to incredible lengths.   

This is a complete circle on the journey of my blog on the subject of Lance Armstrong. He has featured thrice in the past: 

Posts touching on the subject of Lance Armstrong 

In 2006, I read the book "It's not about the bike" by Lance Armstrong. I got extremely inspired. The effect was immediate and visceral- I put the book down and immediately went for an adrenalin pumped half hour fast cycling ride on my 18 gear bicycle .

In 2008, when I was in a situation where I was 'forced' to pick my idol, I chose Lance Armstrong.  

Then in 2016, when I was talking about Fallen Gods, I mentioned Lance Armstrong.  One has to diversify their heroes or idols. Just like stocks- one of them might plunge to absymal depths!

And now, in 2022, I got to know the entire inside story through this book. 

Well, 'It's not about the bike' produced a visceral call to action- Go out and get on your bike. That seemed like such a positive message. But then, the reality that came afterwards, teaches you to be a bit skeptical. The reality, and the stories of this book, tells you to treat real life stories with some care. This book does not inspire you to get on your bike. How ironical. How geared we are to believe in one kind of story. "The hero's journey", as codified by Joseph Campbell. 

The departure: The hero leaves the familiar world behind - Lance leaves the world of professional cycle racing because he falls sick.   

The initiation:  The hero navigates the unfamiliar world- Lance learns to get back to the circuit

The return:  : The hero returns to the familiar world- Lance returns as a hero to the world of professional cycle racing. 

As a society, we tend to be happy to start toasting success. Early social media is an example- everyone sharing their success stories or carefully manicured happy moments. The book also made me think about the 'costs' of winning. The 'winning' is celebrated publicly, but often the costs are hidden from the public eye. I will end with my favorite quote from the book: "The person who finishes at the back is often more courageous than the one who wins" 

Labels: Books

# posted by Ashwin Ravikumar @ 10:43 PM