Tekné is an ancient concept no less relevant today than two thousand years ago. Typically spelled techne, the ancient Greek term translates to ‘craft’ or ‘art of making or doing.’ Its about embodied knowledge and understanding, in contrast to episteme, which is what we tend to think of as ‘theoretical’ knowledge or understanding. Aristotle wrote a fair bit about this distinction when discussing practical versus theoretical knowledge.

Tekné permeates everything we do with intention. It is to practice as reason is to rhyme. It is mindfulness brought to how we move our bodies in space. It is how we incorporate our tools – bikes – into our movement and expression.

Tekné is pedaling because pedaling feels good. Tekné is knowing that there are many ways to pedal. Tekné is caring about the arc of the turn. Tekné is the feeling of a seamless, rhythmic, echelon. Tekné is finding an edge and railing it. Tekné is appreciating how others manifest souplesse. Tekné is the embrace of the human drive to strive, improve, refine, and share lessons learned. Tekné is respect, not reverence, for tradition. Tekné is personal and social.

Tekné is our organizing principle. It is what unites us. It drives us. It is what makes cycling beautiful.

Tekné is why we ride.