Every 2 years, I join a few family members and take part in
a large organized week long 500 mile bike ride across Iowa. To
me it's a great mind clearing experience. The camaraderie among
fellow whacky weirdo's enduring it is absolutely inspiring.

  Last time, while taking a break with a few other friendly cyclists under a tree, I started thinking:
"there are things that are a pain about this"  Being overly analytical I brain stormed out a list irritants like:
   I feel like the seat is pushing my prostrate gland between my ears.
   My untrained leg muscles are tired, places I forget to wash are chaffing.
   got a layer of dust drawn to my sweat.
   It's hot, it often rains, this is somewhat dangerous.
   It was hard getting me and my bike out there, etc.

The next logical thought was "why do I like this gathering so much?" Again, my left hemisphere lopsided brain rattled off a list like:
   It's fun to catch up on my beer drinking and contemplating,
   the scenery, food and people are great,
   I love the tight get ups some of these biker bunnies wear. etc.

Then as I waxed less lecherous and more philosophical, I thought it's really the people who endure the weather, pains, and many creature comforts who make this such a happy upbeat event.  Then I had a great revelation:  There are upbeat happy fun people in the world and cranky whiny irritating people in the world.  An event like this is fun because the later group of people either don't go or drop out after the first day.   Just the former population shows up!  It's not about loving bike riding and crapping in corn fields - the whole event is a popular success because of the people who DON'T go. The activity is just a filter.
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