Iron John

For those interested in what I get up to on the first Saturday of the month, you can visit the Iron John site to see a diary of our rides and photos too.

The Iron John Circle is based on the book by Robert Bly who used the legend of Iron John as a metaphor for conceptualising masculinity. You can read more about that here.

The Iron John Circle is a bunch of bikers from different walks of life who meet because they enjoy riding bikes but also want to connect with other men in a meaningful way beyond beer and sport (not necessarily to the exclusion of these two worthwhile pastimes). We meet once a month on a Saturday morning. We begin with Circle work – talking about life. This goes on for about an hour (men of few words). Then someone is elected (strong word – its more like mutual silent consent or at most a few grunts but it is democratic) to ride point and leads us on an excursion through the highways and byways of this beautiful part of the world. Once in while we also arrange extended rides over a weekend or even a week. We also organise the occasional John and Jill’s ride to include our wild women. Not all of us are riders, some ride pillion. This seems to be a good way to get involved to test the waters and learn about biking before one actually commits. Others simply prefer to ride pillion and not own a bike.

I often wonder what is more important: the ride or the circle? I still haven’t worked it out. I have never wanted to be part of a biker club, but I really look forward to my Saturday’s ride with the men. I guess I most look forward to connecting and hearing the wisdom of other men who have struggled in life. But I also don’t like the idea of a support group and if we didn’t have the biking, I guess that’s all we’d be. There is something about the mix of deep sharing and shared exhilaration that is compelling. Perhaps it is something that is missing in our society – a place where boys and men can test themselves in the company of wiser fellows.

I know I am a better man because of these men.

Our last ride of the year was a duzy. Nearly 300km through the back roads from CT north of Durbanville to Wellington and around Bains Kloof, Slanghoek and Du Toits Kloof. We had one crash, a skinny dip and two pit stops. Thanks to President William for riding point – magnificent ride in splendid conditions.