What does cycling mean to you?

[lycraclad]

Came across this competition: http://www.facebook.com/probikekit/app_204169126292521 and it got me thinking about what motivates me to ride. I'm fairly new to road cycling (I'm an old school mtber) but have recently got addicted to asphalt. It's something about the buzz of rubber on the tarmac when there's not a car in sight!

Just wanted to know what motivates other riders to get out on the open road.

Carl.

 

[mark174ace]

I just bought my first road bike a couple of weeks ago because I got tired of dragging my heavier hybrid on 21 mile rides ouch. I also want to occasionally do longer rides as well. It is the best way I know to exercise and lose weight as I cannot run or do anything hign impact to my knees and feet. I also find it to be quiet and peaceful as I live next to a 10.5 mile rail trail which is what got me into this activity in the first place. It is also a cheap hobby.........well once you are done buying everything haha.

 

[jhuskey]

It's just what I do.Been doing it so long it would just be odd not to be on a bike.

 

[alienator]

What about cycling appeals to me? I'm a roadie, and with that in mind what appeals to me is the freedom, the hypnotic motion of the pedaling, the effort, and the speed.

 

[jpr95]

Originally Posted by alienator .

What about cycling appeals to me? I'm a roadie, and with that in mind what appeals to me is the freedom, the hypnotic motion of the pedaling, the effort, and the speed.

+1.

 

[limerickman]

When I was younger I cycled/raced because it was the toughest sport that there is, and I wanted to see how far I get in the sport.

These days I don't race anymore (too old) but I do a lot of touring/sportifs and I like to stay in shape.
I try to cycle every other day.

 

[Brian in VA]

To me it means freedom from fossil fuels for at least a few hours. It means a powerful workout if I wish or a quiet spin with lots of sightseeing. It means time spent in contemplation, working over problems in my mind while my body gets some much needed exercise. To that end, it means staying off all the meeds I was taking for hypertension, cholesterol, and pre-diabetes. It can also mean time spent in the company of like minded people, working our way through the wind as a team, performing better than we all could individually. And it means utilizing technology that is 100+ years old, combined with the latest technology, in a machine that is the most efficient human powered thing ever created. How cool is that? Wish I'd rediscovered it decades ago. Brian in VA

 

[Dave Cutter]

Cycling today still takes as much of my attention, concentration, and effort as it did when when I was eight years old. And the feelings I feel when cycling are the same as well. Although now many times eight years of age.... I still feel the same excitement and pleasure cycling today as if I was still only eight.

Cycling is the only "play" I still know how to do.

 

[jhuskey]

Originally Posted by Dave Cutter .


Cycling is the only "play" I still know how to do.

Uhh, no comment.

 

[danfoz]

Cycling is the closest I'll get to flying without wings.

 

[Dave Cutter]

Originally Posted by danfoz .

Cycling is the closest I'll get to flying without wings.

That too! I really hope I didn't tick anyone off with the use of the word "play". I certainly didn't mean to imply play was a primary use for bicycles... particularly for adults. But in my case, play (as defined) it was/is the correct word. I am retired... and was turning into a lump of pain and immobility... when I decided: enough was enough. I couldn't walk any further than to the car at the time so I bought a used bicycle as a way to get me outside and moving again.

I my case... [and three bicycles later] I move very good.... again.

 

[Pat Stowe]

It keeps me walking

 

[jhuskey]

Originally Posted by Dave Cutter .


That too! I really hope I didn't tick anyone off with the use of the word "play". I certainly didn't mean to imply play was a primary use for bicycles... particularly for adults. But in my case, play (as defined) it was/is the correct word. I am retired... and was turning into a lump of pain and immobility... when I decided: enough was enough. I couldn't walk any further than to the car at the time so I bought a used bicycle as a way to get me outside and moving again.

I my case... [and three bicycles later] I move very good.... again.

I was just thinking you still know how to play in other realms. I still like to play with girls just don't get to play with as many as I use to.

 

[biketroppo]

It's my life, I could live without most other things - but don't take my bikes away!!

 

[Dave Cutter]

Originally Posted by jhuskey .

I was just thinking you still know how to play in other realms. I still like to play with girls just don't get to play with as many as I use to.

Oh... I hadn't thought about sexual recreational pleasures as play (I must be getting old).

But honestly, I can't even remember the last time I played softball (let alone baseball)... not sure when the last time I had my golf clubs out ether. I've never have enjoyed cards or board games. Cycling is my only sport. Bicycling is a sport I enjoy with a real passion. I cycle most decent days... and many of the crappy days too.

 

[PalmettoRider]

Life! I enjoyed reading others motivation to pedal. Agree and enjoy my bike for most of the reasons in the posts. Also helps me beat Type II Diabetes and keeps the doc off my back!

 

[JSWin]

Its freedom. It just frees your mind. Gets you to pay closer attention to what is around you on the way wherever you are going. When you are in a car you miss so much. There is so much detail that you actually get to see when you ride. There is something liberating about it. It doesn't really cost you much once everything is in place.

 

[mayasupernova]

What I love about cycling is that challenge to go as fast as you can, almost like flying through the air. I love my adrenaline going high up into the sky when I go down the hill with a very high speed. I know it may be dangerous, and I did not do that often, but occasionally I would. Just puts me somehow in another realm, another worlds, I feel like if I were chased by anything or anyone, I would as well be able to get away. Wishful thinking but it keeps me going.
Also, cycling is something connected to freedom. I feel free, unconstrained, and my thoughts could roam around, even if I am cycling, but I am alone with my thoughts, which I always love.
Cycling is also something that keeps me fit, and in good condition. And, when it is sunny, I love to warm my back in the Sun, while cycling.

 

[oportosanto]

It's just what I do.Been doing it so long it would just be odd not to be on a bike.

You do it professionally huskey? I do know what you mean though, it's a part of my routine, so if for some strange reason I could not do it anymore a big void would stay inside me.

 

[jhuskey]

You do it professionally huskey? I do know what you mean though, it's a part of my routine, so if for some strange reason I could not do it anymore a big void would stay inside me.

I don't do much of anything athletic professionally anymore but I used to ski pretty well.