Why do you ride?

oldbobcat said:

It's more fun than running, and it doesn't mess up my hip. And I like to fiddle with the equipment.

+1, and also I spent so much money on my perfect bike that I would kick myself if I didn't get my money's worth. Actually, after 40 years riding, I wouldn't know what else to do with my spare time.

Because I keep falling down when I am clipped in on my bike when I am not riding

Before I had a bike I just walked, Now I ride!😉

Satan makes me do it.

When I'm on a bike, all of my problems fade into the periphery. It helps me to put things into perspective.

...nick said:

Hey all,

(I'm doing research for a grad thesis project; looking for common themes in the experiences of the expert user. If you have a second to give some thought to, and answer the following question, it would be much appreciated!)

We generally don’t think much about something we do every day. Yet if we stop and analyze the experience, there are complex and remarkable things going on that we don’t even notice anymore. I’m asking you to think critically about something you consider routine, to evaluate the experience as if it were the first time.

So, the next time you’re on a bike, examine the experience of going for a ride. Think of what motivates you, the common themes across the different disciplines of riding and racing; and how your experience as a cyclist has affected the rest of your life. If you want, focus on one aspect of the ride; break down the process of cornering; how do you handle traffic, etc.

In short, why do you ride?

I ride because though a bicycle is a very efficient means of transportation, at the sporting level it can be very difficult. I like the challege of attempting to go faster and I like the fact that I can cover long distances on a bicycle - 50 to 100 miles. Plus, the shape you get into from the way that I cycle is incredible. I had cancer in 1995 in my right leg hamstring muscle and my oncologist asked me "how the hell did you get quads and calf muscles like that"? Turns out they had to remove my hamstring muscle which contained the tumor, but I can still ride and now ride faster and farther than I did when I had the muscle so riding for me takes on a different perspective. I love it and never take it for granted. Plus, I think the fact that I cycled prior to the surgery aided in my overall recovery.

I started to ride in 1986 at the tender age of 16 because my car broke down and it was either irde my bike or not see my girlfriend. (She's been my wife now for 19 years, so I guess I made the right choice). I bought my first real bike with money froma construction job (Shogun 12 speed touring bike) . I then got stationed in Germany and bought a 14 speed Peugeot Aspin, which I loved.I sold it for Grocery money. My wife bought me a new roadbike this past December as a Christmas present. It definitely renewed the spark of a sport I love. I weigh 250 lbs, and I'm out of shape, but I have ridden at least 170 miles every month since December. I rode 50 on Sunday and my heartrate hovered at 159 at an average speed of 15 mph. I'm far from in shape, but I'm certainly getting there. I love cycling for the freedom and the solitude. When I first started riding more (Aprilish) I repeatedly puked going up this one hill. Now, I tackle it out of the saddle. I'm riding my first Century in over 20 years on the 21st of September.
I used to wonder if I'd make it. Now I know I can. I probably won't average 20 mph, but I bet I come in around 15 mph.

It's cheaper than psycho-analysis. And I don't need an appointment.