The Philosopher's Bicycle

Nietzsche stands up to go.

He is due for a practice run with Team Philosophe, before lunch.

See you later, says Sweezus.

Neitzsche goes.

He hasn't touched his espresso.

How come he ordered it if he wasn't going to drink it? asks Sprocket.

Strange guy, says Sweezus. He only drinks water.

But orders espresso, says Arthur.

Yeah well, he likes to fit in, says Sweezus.

What bike is he riding? asks Arthur.

Cannondale Synapse, says Sweezus. Vulcan green.

Good one, says Arthur. My bike needs a tune up.

Mine too, says Sweezus.

I'm good at that kind of stuff, says Sprocket.

Then you'll be an asset, says Sweezus. We ought to go for a practice. What bike have you got?

I haven't got one, says Sprocket.

No worries, says Sweezus. You can borrow that one Gaius keeps in his shed.

It's not a racer, says Arthur. It belonged to Schopenhauer. Custom made by the guy at the Treadly Bike Shop.

Schwelbe tyres, Knog lights, San Marco saddle, says Sweezus. Yeah, you might need to do a few mods. Let's go and have a look at it.

Who's Schopenhauer? asks Sprocket.

Old guy. Philosopher, says Sweezus. Story goes, if you ride his bike, his thoughts come through. Messes with your head if you're not aware of it.

Lucky you told me, says Sprocket. Like what sort of thoughts did he have?

The purpose of our existence is not to be happy, says Sweezus. That's actually not a bad one when you're riding up a ball crushing mountain.

The will is devoid of intellect and rationality, says Arthur. That's useful too.

Sure is, says Sprocket.