Don't fight it.

There's nothing to be ashamed of here.  I've done it, and I know there are others of you out there.  I know it can be hard to admit, hard to give up some of your deeply held convictions. 

I discovered this piece of lyrical work written by a well known late 20th century (read 80's) artist named Kevin Cronin who may or may not have been a die hard singlespeed or hardtail rider.  The text doesn't give enough clues to verify this, but from the thinly veiled references in the writing it seems clear that he went through a similar experience to the one I've recently had.

Here are a couple of excerpts that will give you the heart of a man caught in the inexorable slide toward fully suspended, geared mountain biking.  I've italicized some of the key passages that led me to my conclusions about this writer and his passion.

I can't fight this feeling any longer.
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow.
What started out as friendship,
Has grown stronger.
I only wish I had the strength to let it show.

I tell myself that I can't hold out forever.
I said there is no reason for my fear.
Cause I feel so secure when we're together.
You give my life direction,
You make everything so clear.

And even as I wander,
I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the window,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crushing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you.
I've been running round in circles in my mind.
And it always seems that I'm following you, girl,
Cause you take me to the places,
That alone I'd never find.

And even as I wander,
I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the wind,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crushing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.

(Sniff)  You must admit that's a beautiful emotive piece of writing for a rough and tough rider, but maybe it's that soft artist's heart that lurks in all of us that draws many of us down this path.  It's ok.  If you are feeling caught in the headlights here, exposing things inside that you thought were hidden away, you need to know you're not alone.  We're a supportive community of friends who will listen, care, and some of us (not me) even may have a bike to sell you.