Notes from Underground: Tracklocross Thinking

I often feel that cycling is the perfect example of existentialist thought in practice. In fact, I have an entire BMX blog that now seems to have meandered exactly into that territory, and I was re-reading a piece I wrote on Dostoevsky, as you do, there is nothing quite like being trapped in Russian existentialist dread, and I thought this transfers pretty well to tracklocross, so here we go.

Dostoevsky Spark Notes

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground is widely regarded as one of the earliest and most profound explorations of existentialist thought. Published in 1864, the novel delves into themes of alienation, free will, and the absurdity of existence, which all seem to sum up my life pretty well. The Underground Man, the protagonist of the novel, embodies a profound struggle with modernity, identity, and self-definition, and is probably the protagonist I have most felt akin to in my many years of reading.

Interestingly, the existentialist undercurrents of Notes from Underground find surprising parallels in the modern subcultures of tracklocross and fixie (fixed gear) cycling. These cycling disciplines are grounded in principles of individuality, rebellion against Big Bike and the mainstream norms, and a philosophical embrace of suffering and self-determination. I feel the next time someone releases a new tracklocross frame, they should use that as a tagline: The New Steamroller: embrace suffering and self-determination. I am sure that will lead to sales in the tens of units.

Notes from Underground: An Existential Manifesto

Dostoevsky’s Underground Man is the stereotypical existentialist figure, wrestling with the contradictions of human nature and the limits of rationality. He refuses to conform to society’s expectations, instead embracing an existence of self-imposed suffering and isolation. His famous declaration, “I am a sick man… I am a spiteful man,” underscores his rejection of utilitarian ideals and his assertion of radical individual freedom.

At the heart of Notes from Underground lies the concept of the absurd—the idea that human beings seek meaning in a world that offers none. The Underground Man grapples with his own consciousness, oscillating between a desire for social acceptance and an assertion of his individuality.

One of the central themes of existentialism present in the novel is the rejection of determinism. The Underground Man takes pride in his ability to act irrationally, challenging the Enlightenment belief that human behaviour can be reduced to scientific laws. This embrace of irrationality and chaos finds a striking parallel in the anarchic spirit of tracklocross.

Fixie Culture and the Rejection of Rationality

Fixie culture, originating from the cycling messenger scene, champions simplicity, self-reliance, and an almost philosophical acceptance of struggle. Fixed gear bikes, with their lack of ability to coast, demand complete control from the rider; the absence of gears and brakes requires constant engagement and an acute awareness of one’s surroundings. This purity of experience resonates with the existentialist notion of living authentically and embracing the present moment. I fear I may have drank the fixie Koolade here.

Much like the Underground Man’s rejection of societal norms, fixie culture often stands in opposition to mainstream cycling practices. Riders reject multi-geared bicycles and suspension, instead opting for a raw, unfiltered experience. The fixie rider, akin to the Underground Man, asserts their individuality through an act of rebellion against comfort and marketing, embracing instead the suffering and challenge that comes with riding a fixed gear bike.

The minimalist nature of fixies parallels existentialist ideas of stripping away superficialities to confront the essence of existence. Riders often express their disdain for consumer culture by opting for stripped-down, custom-built bikes that reflect their unique identity. In this way, fixie culture embodies the existential quest for authenticity, mirroring the Underground Man’s struggle to assert his identity in a world that seeks to homogenise individuals.

Tracklocross and the Absurdity of Existence

Tracklocross—a sub-discipline that involves riding fixed gear bikes off-road—further amplifies existential themes by introducing a heightened level of difficulty and absurdity to cycling. The idea of navigating rugged terrain on bikes designed for smooth, wooden velodromes exemplifies the existential embrace of absurd challenges. Just as the Underground Man takes pride in his suffering and self-sabotage, tracklocross riders embrace the struggle inherent in their chosen discipline.

Tracklocross riders must contend with unpredictable conditions—mud, gravel, steep inclines, and technical descents—on bikes that lack the features of mountain bikes. This deliberate embrace of adversity reflects an existential acceptance of life’s inherent challenges. The very act of taking a track bike and pushing it to its limits in chaotic natural environments becomes a statement of defiance against the expectations of cycling norms.

Moreover, the equipment choices in tracklocross underscore its existential resonance. Riders often opt for minimalist setups, while favouring control and skill over technological aid. The conscious limitation of the rider’s options mirrors the existentialist idea of creating meaning within self-imposed boundaries. Just as the Underground Man revels in his ability to exercise free will despite societal constraints, tracklocross riders find freedom in the restrictions they place on themselves.

The sense of camaraderie within the tracklocross community also mirrors existentialist themes. Riders come together to share their tales, yet each ride remains an individualistic pursuit, a test of one’s own resilience and willpower. This duality of connection and solitude reflects the tension seen in Dostoevsky’s novel, where the protagonist simultaneously yearns for human connection while defiantly asserting his independence.

The Philosophical Intersection

Both fixie and tracklocross cultures serve as contemporary expressions of existentialist themes that Dostoevsky explored in Notes from Underground. The fixation on self-reliance, the embrace of suffering, and the rejection of societal norms all point to a deeper philosophical connection. In choosing to ride fixed gear bikes, we reject ease and embrace a raw, authentic existence, much like the Underground Man’s conscious rejection of societal expectations.

The existential idea of freedom is at the core of both the novel and thefixed gear and tracklocross subcultures. The Underground Man insists on his freedom to act against his own interests, while fixie and tracklocross riders assert their freedom by rejecting modern cycling conventions and embracing the unpredictability of their rides. The act of riding, with its inherent risks and challenges, becomes a form of existential expression—a way of confronting your limitations and asserting your presence in an indifferent world.