So today I ended up adding about 4 miles to the commute to work, after work my dad (nearly 70) needed some help loading some stuff in a trailer, so I ended up riding from work to his house (about 3 miles) helping him and then riding home from there (the temp was around 98 at that point), funny thing was I turned down a ride from my daughter and decided that the 18 mile ride home would be funner ;).

So why is it that we are addicted to riding, it isn't always about the weight loss or the exercise, I just really enjoy being on the bike and riding. quite the rush and I always good after the ride.

I'm not addicted.

In some cases the endorphins(?) created during exercise make you feel good. Things that make you feel good tend to be addicting. http://www.stack.myby.co.uk/smile_files/drink.gif

I like being alone* on the bike, and it really irritates me when I can't turn off the cellphone. I like the quietness in my head.

I used to think it was the pain from the saddle that attracted me to riding, but with the Brooks there is no pain and I still love to ride.

I know that I love the solitude and ability to watch my environment while moving at a fairly fast pace. I like the breeze created even when there is no wind. The thrumming of my heart, pump of the pedals, and the soft sounds of chain and tire are a wonderful chorus. Feeling integrated with the bike as I move along. The white knuckle suspense as I fly down a hill at break-neck speeds. Finding the lesser traveled path as the rest of the world whizzes by without notice. Sitting miles away looking at the beautiful bike, drinking water and thinking of the ride back. Finally, the bike is a gadget geeks nirvana.

Solveg & Jumbo- well put! sometimes.. theres nothing like just cruising being complete isolated and self suffient.

"I like the breeze created even when there is no wind. The thrumming of my heart, pump of the pedals, and the soft sounds of chain and tire are a wonderful chorus."

As far as i'm concerned thats on par with hemingway, hahah

I'm not sure what it is either; I injured my back while playing bike polo this weekend, and now I'm so bummed that I have to wait to get back on a bike! Part of it for me is the constant, steady motion of pedaling mile after mile. I like riding both with and without others, for different reasons: By myself, I am totally consumed by what I'm doing. I have thoughts all to myself and enjoy being able to process anything that comes to mind. On the other hand, when I ride with others, I feel the comradery with another cyclist. I also enjoy the fact that we both push eachother a little harder, just by being there. I work a little harder, which makes him work a little harder, etc...

Cycling to me is meditative. I fall down inside myself until I completely merge with the pattern of the traffic and the ride. It's literally a zen state for me.

What's also really interesting, is the fact that I do my most creative thinking on a ride and can generally work out even the knottiest problems. I honestly think a Middle East Peace deal could be brokered if the negotiations were done on a bike;) :p :D

What's also really interesting, is the fact that I do my most creative thinking on a ride and can generally work out even the knottiest problems. I honestly think a Middle East Peace deal could be brokered if the negotiations were done on a bike;) :p :D


This has happened to me many times. I think it is the meditative nature of the ride :).

For me I need to exercise. I've put on 40lbs in 2 years and just hate running. I enjoy lifting but I put on muscle really easy and always seem to gain weight and not lose enough fat... so I get bigger. Biking is something aerobic that I enjoy and need. It's something i'd do even if it weren't good for me. It's win/win.

I love the feeling and inner peace I get from my afternoon/evening 25 mile ride. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that it's along the beach. Even the constant wind doesn't bother me. Interestingly, my wife has noticed that my demeanor is much better since I have been riding again, and that I am in a better mood when I get home. Can't believe I quit doing that for so long.