Disobedience Is The True Foundation Of Liberty

2 January 2026

Prohibited by my doctor and physiotherapist, and frowned upon by Mrs. Kangaeroo, I’m not supposed to be riding my bike because I haven’t fully recovered from a broken leg. But after giving it a try and coming through unhurt, I have gotten on my bike again and find it liberating, regardless of whatever anyone else says.

I’m spouting all sorts of tripe like the title of this blog post that I stole from American philosopher Henry David Thoreau. But my track record in life is more disruptive than disruptor, and rebellion and defiance have almost invariably left me smashed to pieces, mostly rightfully so. So, I’ve been scared to get on the bike in case anything happens, and fear has gripped me at nearly all times on my rides.

I was off the bike for a few days short of two months, which is my longest span without cycling for about 16 years. I’m terrified. Everything feels new and unfamiliar, and my equipment was damaged in the crash where I broke my leg, so it’s not functioning as I expected, either. But, once finished, I have loved every second of being out on the bike. It’s still extremely tough to do even the shortest ride, thanks to my fear and muscle atrophy. But the only resolution to both those problems is to get back on and ride.