Cycling and Investing

By Scott Ronalds

We highlighted one of the winning entries in our cycling and investing analogy contest last week. Below is another submission that made the podium.

I ride my bike as much as I can. It is a commuter bike, not a racer, although I also love racing bikes. I try to treat my bike as my car – go to the movies, shop, to my favourite espresso bar. When I'm riding, I'm relatively unprotected. I wear a helmet but I know that if I am not paying attention, if I am hit or fall off, I will get hurt.

When I'm in my car, and I have always loved driving, mostly I pay attention. I enjoy the speed, shifting gears, the sounds of the engine. If I am hit I am much better protected, but know I am more vulnerable as my speed increases. Sometimes it feels like I am driving in a bubble which insulates me from what is going on outside.

My investing style used to be much more like my driving. I wanted speed, I wanted excitement, I wanted quick results. I was impatient with slow driving.

Now my investment approach is much more like the way I ride my bike. I know I will get there if I pay attention and ride within my limits. I have no illusions about my safety but I am not fearful. Thanks to the slower pace and using my body instead of adrenaline to get there, I get to enjoy the ride. Once or twice a year I maintain my bike but I don't fuss over it. And I am much happier and healthier than I was in the adrenaline days.