It seems that in this day and age where technology is paramount, the battle cry often appears to be; “advance or perish,” so lets throw out some high-tech characteristics and specifications.

Dual Quad Processors. Micro-neural, bio-electric, chemical interface. Split-sphere, articulating appendages, and a translucent, quantum-state core. Yea, I’m not talking about some futuristic, social media loving iPhone here, I’m talking about the human machine. That’s right, two legs, a brain, some swinging arms, and a soul.

It was with this body that I started thinking about Double Dutch.

First, the Netherlands and their bikes. Start out with the big picture; imagine a massive parking garage near the central train station, jammed pack; but not with cars, with bicycles, because that’s what you often see. The Dutch know how to bike. The Dutch teach their children to ride in the streets by age 12 where they can take their national test which enables them to bike to school. They build dedicated bike lanes, and paths, not to mention a National Biking Route. Any new infrastructure planning automatically includes cycling considerations. Yes, these things cost money, but cycling also creates revenue in everything from bike sales and rentals to bike tourism. It promotes physical and mental health, and the best part of all, it makes people smile!

The second Double Dutch is something I came across while thinking about biking in the Netherlands.

It’s Jump Roping. So simple an idea, so amazing in its execution. So incredible to watch! Like everything else in this world, the range of participation is wide and far. It’s done on the sidewalks of New York City, and on the dirt plains of Kenya. There are competitions, camps, and even a formal organization; http://worldjumprope.org  As if the “routine jumping” was not brilliant enough, I’m overwhelmed by the speed competitions. Equally impressive are the spinners on either end. I cccccccould go on and on, but the best thing to do, is just watch this video I came across for the Double Dutch Championship. Art in Motion! 

The Human Machine………doubly so.