The Open Source Cycling program is inspired by the open source model for software development projects (OSS).
Almost everyone in the developed world uses a computer with regularity these days, and those computers are useful and interesting to most people only because of the software they run. We believe in software that runs well, is usable and effective, and does not even have to be purchased!
This organization is really about bicycles, which everyone SHOULD ride, but it is simultaneously building awareness around a medium that impacts everyone in our society and COULD be better!
Some of the most successful software projects today are open source, yet very few people understand the impact this has on their computing habits, nor the potential to improve their day-to-day experience without costing them any money! Our group of cyclists ride and race because we love to, but this organization also exists to bring attention and credit to these amazing human collaborations.
For a relevant case in point, let’s just consider what software is involved in running this website… (coming soon)
Rather than following the typical model for a cycling team, where we solicit sponsorships that basically ask a company to subsidize our personal hobby, we will instead help promote the best free software on the planet, simply because it is great and worthy of praise. It is this same passion that inspires people to join an OSS project, and we are jumping on their bandwagon.
For further clarification on the meaning of Open Source, we recommend the Wikipedia entry. However, our emphasis is not on the licensing or use of code. We would probably fit best under the Non-software use sub-header, in that the architecture of this team is open to everyone.
You might be thinking, "Isn’t this just social networking, a la Web 2.0?" While there are many examples of innovative social projects on the web that allow users to connect with one another and generate content (which we do also), they typically do not allow access to the code that runs the site itself. Currently, anyone could improve this site by contributing patches to Typo. If we were to branch from Typo in the future (say, based on users’ request for special features), we could set up our own Subversion repository. The possibilities are quite endless.
More than the code itself, the entire team is built upon this model of open, user-motivated contribution. Do not forget, we are primarily promoting existing OSS projects as a sort of fan-base on wheels, and applying their approach to the organization of our sport club as a social experiment. See How OSC Works for more explanation.
A parallel meaning for Open Source Cycling is the notion that when you are open to your own potential as an athlete, you can tap into an infinite source of energy and ability. Gaining an understanding of this through the sport of cycling is merely a practice at being a better human being.