The Wayside
We Are All Human
As part of Unity 2025, we asked Joshua Strong to give their input on Pride and the cycling community. Read on to hear what they had to say.
By Joshua Strong
Photos by Sydney Lewis
We are all human, that is what unifies us.
So often these days we focus on what makes us different, the irony is, we are all more alike than we are different.
In modern society, it seems that we attach so strongly to seeing people at the surface. What they look like, what they wear, who you see them love, and much more. These labels, though important as self-expression and identity, divide us more than they bring us together.
I like to say the bicycle is humankind’s best invention. Sure, for the obvious reasons: environmentally-friendly transportation, physical health, mental benefits, et all. My favorite concept of the bike is actually the analogy between bikes and humanity itself.
"When we fail to see people past their 'components', we fail to connect. If we only know people by these silly made up words, how real is our connection?"
Two bikes are more similar than they are different. You can build two bikes with completely different brands’ components, but at the end of the day, they both need to have two wheels, a frame, drivetrain, and the bits. Even a fixed gear bike is not all that different from the next bike over. Bold take, I know, but stay with me.
Different parts can spark conversations. Single speed or geared? Which material is better? What will save you watts? Tire choice?
Yet, once we put aside our pride, we have two bikes. Beyond the labels, they have the same function. When we ride, that unity is all that matters.
When we fail to see people past their “components”, we fail to connect. If we only know people by these silly made up words, how real is our connection?
About Joshua Strong
Joshua Strong is a cyclist, racer, accomplished non-binary athlete, and experienced artist. They blend art and sport through documentary style photography and multimedia production.
Joshua is based in Northern California and can be found at cycling events across the country.
Unity 2025
This year, Unity celebrates pride.
But it's also more focused than that. It specifically celebrates differences. All of our different backgrounds, expressions, and ethnicities blend together to create a community that is greater for it.
All profits are donated to the ACLU.
