…that’s not true.  (Thanks goodness for Team Revolution, so I can continue my cycling education!)

But as I thumbed through the introduction of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (Robert Fulghum, 1988) I couldn’t help but think how many of the principles listed are good starting blocks for life, as well as cycling:

Share Everything. – it’s nice to share when on a ride: a tube or some CO2 to the poor rider who already used their spare to fix the first flat; share water and snacks when in need;  even share some stories & wisdom.  (Disclaimer: please be prepared, so you can share)

Play Fair. and Don’t hit people. – stop at traffic signs. Be alert and watch where you are going. Signal for your friends and others around you. And literally, don’t hit people (hopefully they’ll do the same in return).

Clean up your own mess. – A couple different points: 1) don’t litter—we all know how annoying riding through junk can be. 2) Show your bike some love and clean it. It’ll stay in tip-top shape longer for you in return.

Don’t take things that aren’t yours. — City limit signs are always fair game (to sprint after that is—please only figuratively take them)!  Unfortunately, some kids didn’t learn this one in kindergarten so the bike lock was invented.

Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody. – but please don’t apologize after a hard-fought victory.

Wash your hands before you eat.—degreaser: on hands and bike may be necessary.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. – Cookies? Well, in moderation (or when in need of some quick, simple sugars), right? Drink-up on the milk though—healthy, muscle-repairing proteins and calcium!

Live a balanced life. – ride lots, rest too, lift a bit, have some fun with friends, and try some new cross-training

Take a nap every afternoon. – that sounds pretty ideal, but unrealistic, so let’s shoot for 8 hours of sleep a night!?

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. – Group ride, anyone?

When it all boils down cycling can be that simple. So can life.

Though, after mastering kindergarten, this Kid is thankful for organizations like Team Revolution to teach me the “grade-school curriculums” of the bike world (and someday even higher education…just think of the possibilities you could “major” in!)

Yours in the pursuit of furthered education,

The Kid