A Hitching Post

I have ranted in the past about the fact that when you are driving an automobile, you are isolated from the world around you. I followed that by waxing philosophically about how riding a bike, you are more a part of the world around you.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit that even on a bike it is possible to migrate to a state of isolation as well. Case in point. I have been riding my current commuting route twice a day for just about every working day over the past 15 years. Just recently, on a typical ride home, I noticed this...

...a hitching post. I could go down the path of trying to surmise the purpose of such a rare device in such an unusual place. As I've said, I've been riding this route for 15 years and I have yet to overtake or be overtaken by a horse. In fact, I've never even seen a horse. So why is there a hitching post on the side of the road? I don't know the answer to that question and the fact of the matter is solving that mystery is not the point of this post.

The real question is, why is there a hitching post on the side of the road AND I'VE NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE?

It's not like I zoom past it. I'm riding along at a comfortable pace of only 12 mph.

It's not like it's too far from the road. It is right on the side of the road.  It can't be more than 4 or 5 feet from the tip of my handlebars as I ride by.

It's not like it's blocked from view. It's right out there in the open.

If all these things be true, and they are, then how in the world can I pass by this thing more than 2000 times and never see it?

Perhaps bike commuting has more to teach me still.

There is so much more to see, if only I look around.

There is so much more to find, if only I seek.

There is so much more to experience, if only I open myself up.

I'm not likely to pass this hitching post again without taking notice, and when I do, it will serve as a reminder of this invaluable lesson.