Roody
01-19-09, 09:48 PM
What is your cycling philosophy?
Living Car Free - Ride to live, or live to ride?
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.View Full Version : Ride to live, or live to ride?
bragi
01-19-09, 10:35 PM
I ride to live. I enjoy riding very much, and I often do it just for the heck of it, but, in general, I have a bike because I'm car-free, not the other way around. I don't see my bike as a fashion accessory (i.e, half the people who ride fixies), nor do I see it as much of a political statement (I heartily disapprove of Critical Mass). It's just a practical, healthy, fun, environmentally sound way to get from point A to point B with minimum hassle, no more and no less.
This is not to say that being a car-free cyclist has left me without a very clear point of view. Even though I see bicycles as more of a means to an end, the experience of being a car-free cyclist in an intensely car-centric culture has left its mark. It's like being the only sober person at a party full of drunks. I don't think being car-free is right for everyone, but I do think that, especially in urban areas, it's easily possible for every person to cut their driving by at least 2/3. If everyone in urban areas suddenly decided to use their cars only for trips of 3 miles or more, the quality of life in every city in North America would improve dramatically.
This is not to say that being a car-free cyclist has left me without a very clear point of view. Even though I see bicycles as more of a means to an end, the experience of being a car-free cyclist in an intensely car-centric culture has left its mark. It's like being the only sober person at a party full of drunks. I don't think being car-free is right for everyone, but I do think that, especially in urban areas, it's easily possible for every person to cut their driving by at least 2/3. If everyone in urban areas suddenly decided to use their cars only for trips of 3 miles or more, the quality of life in every city in North America would improve dramatically.
zeppinger
01-19-09, 11:50 PM
I do not mean to pick on you so dont take this the wrong way but... Is it not a political statement to be the only sober person at a party of drunks? I just mean even if the primary reasons that you like to ride your bike are for the pleasure of it and not necessarily political, does that make the action any less political? Maybe Rosa Parks just really really enjoyed sitting on the front of the bus rather than the back? Even if her reasons for her action had nothing to do with politics or racism, it still would have had its effects. Just food for thought but maybe you are not as different as you might think from all the critical mass types or the fixie kids, no need to hate ;)
wahoonc
01-20-09, 08:02 AM
Both.
I enjoy riding for the pure joy of riding. I love the feel of the bike, the sounds, the smells (good and bad), and the sights, these are all things you miss in part or even completely when traveling cooped up in a large metal and glass box.
I ride to live too; I need the destressing of a nice ambling bike ride, I am sure it helps keep my weight to a reasonable level, as well as blood pressure and fresh air. Endorphin high is a plus:thumb:
Aaron:)
I enjoy riding for the pure joy of riding. I love the feel of the bike, the sounds, the smells (good and bad), and the sights, these are all things you miss in part or even completely when traveling cooped up in a large metal and glass box.
I ride to live too; I need the destressing of a nice ambling bike ride, I am sure it helps keep my weight to a reasonable level, as well as blood pressure and fresh air. Endorphin high is a plus:thumb:
Aaron:)
Artkansas
01-20-09, 08:17 AM
Bicycling is just the real way to get from point A to point B. :thumb: Anything else I use on an "as needed" basis.
mconlonx
01-20-09, 08:21 AM
Alternative, stolen shamelessly from Rider Wearhouse: Ride to Work, Work to Ride.
wheel
01-20-09, 09:47 AM
depends on the destination.
Machka
01-20-09, 12:10 PM
Definitely ... both.
Riding has helped me live in so many ways ..... and one of the great pleasures of living is riding. :)
Riding has helped me live in so many ways ..... and one of the great pleasures of living is riding. :)
cerewa
01-20-09, 02:36 PM
I ride to live.
If I could jog or row to work at 15mph without getting particularly tired, I might do that instead. And I'd be happy to drive except that it's expensive, bad for the atmosphere, and doesn't provide exercise.
If I could jog or row to work at 15mph without getting particularly tired, I might do that instead. And I'd be happy to drive except that it's expensive, bad for the atmosphere, and doesn't provide exercise.
gerv
01-20-09, 05:36 PM
For some reason I lean more to "live to ride". The fact that it's healthy is just a side-effect.
I had this conversation with a colleague at work today, after he enumerated the good reasons for riding this time of year (carbon footprint, good gas mileage, great aerobic activity, etc, etc...). I pointed out it was fun, too. That was top of my list.
I had this conversation with a colleague at work today, after he enumerated the good reasons for riding this time of year (carbon footprint, good gas mileage, great aerobic activity, etc, etc...). I pointed out it was fun, too. That was top of my list.
BarracksSi
01-20-09, 10:07 PM
Maybe, "Ride while living."?
I really don't think philosophically about it at all. I've liked riding since I was seven years old, and I like how convenient it can be when compared to driving. I rode to soccer practice in 4th grade, I usually ride to work now.
Environmental friendliness? Extra exercise? Save money? Fashionable? *yawn* Just lemme ride.
I really don't think philosophically about it at all. I've liked riding since I was seven years old, and I like how convenient it can be when compared to driving. I rode to soccer practice in 4th grade, I usually ride to work now.
Environmental friendliness? Extra exercise? Save money? Fashionable? *yawn* Just lemme ride.
bragi
01-20-09, 11:16 PM
I do not mean to pick on you so dont take this the wrong way but... Is it not a political statement to be the only sober person at a party of drunks? I just mean even if the primary reasons that you like to ride your bike are for the pleasure of it and not necessarily political, does that make the action any less political? Maybe Rosa Parks just really really enjoyed sitting on the front of the bus rather than the back? Even if her reasons for her action had nothing to do with politics or racism, it still would have had its effects. Just food for thought but maybe you are not as different as you might think from all the critical mass types or the fixie kids, no need to hate ;)
As Freud expressed it, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. If you're surrounded by cars, but you still ride everywhere, it's not necessarily a political statement. Choosing a different path isn't the same thing as trying to convince everyone that your path is the only one. A bike can be a political statement, but in most cases, it's just transportation.
As far as CM is concerned, I do not, in fact, resemble them in any way, shape or form. I actually obey traffic laws, and I have no intention of teaching any drivers of any cars any kind of "lesson."
And, by the way, disagreement isn't "hate." Let's not adopt the tactics of Karl Rove to a simple discussion about bikes.
As Freud expressed it, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. If you're surrounded by cars, but you still ride everywhere, it's not necessarily a political statement. Choosing a different path isn't the same thing as trying to convince everyone that your path is the only one. A bike can be a political statement, but in most cases, it's just transportation.
As far as CM is concerned, I do not, in fact, resemble them in any way, shape or form. I actually obey traffic laws, and I have no intention of teaching any drivers of any cars any kind of "lesson."
And, by the way, disagreement isn't "hate." Let's not adopt the tactics of Karl Rove to a simple discussion about bikes.
zeppinger
01-21-09, 12:00 AM
As Freud expressed it, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. If you're surrounded by cars, but you still ride everywhere, it's not necessarily a political statement. Choosing a different path isn't the same thing as trying to convince everyone that your path is the only one. A bike can be a political statement, but in most cases, it's just transportation.
As far as CM is concerned, I do not, in fact, resemble them in any way, shape or form. I actually obey traffic laws, and I have no intention of teaching any drivers of any cars any kind of "lesson."
And, by the way, disagreement isn't "hate." Let's not adopt the tactics of Karl Rove to a simple discussion about bikes.
If I were to go to the middle east and eat a steak, it would be a political statement because the cow is sacred there and no one eats it. If a women were to wear a veil while outside of the house in the United States she too would be making a political statement because no one wears a veil here. Meaning does not come from the intentions of the individual actor but from the actions interpretation by the society around them. Eating a steak maybe just eating a steak for me but to those around me it would be very meaningful wether i had intended it or not. The way that the infrastructure is in the United States, that is completely lacking (almost) for cyclists, it is politically meaningful to ride a bike. I admit that there will be huge variations on the interpretation of the action but to many it will be political and there is nothing you can do about it. Everyone here drives, except that one guy on the bike....
Also, "hate" was used here in its slang form as in "Don't hate on the fixie kids." Translation, "don't talk smack." You certainly did more than disagree, you made fun of them.
As far as CM is concerned, I do not, in fact, resemble them in any way, shape or form. I actually obey traffic laws, and I have no intention of teaching any drivers of any cars any kind of "lesson."
And, by the way, disagreement isn't "hate." Let's not adopt the tactics of Karl Rove to a simple discussion about bikes.
If I were to go to the middle east and eat a steak, it would be a political statement because the cow is sacred there and no one eats it. If a women were to wear a veil while outside of the house in the United States she too would be making a political statement because no one wears a veil here. Meaning does not come from the intentions of the individual actor but from the actions interpretation by the society around them. Eating a steak maybe just eating a steak for me but to those around me it would be very meaningful wether i had intended it or not. The way that the infrastructure is in the United States, that is completely lacking (almost) for cyclists, it is politically meaningful to ride a bike. I admit that there will be huge variations on the interpretation of the action but to many it will be political and there is nothing you can do about it. Everyone here drives, except that one guy on the bike....
Also, "hate" was used here in its slang form as in "Don't hate on the fixie kids." Translation, "don't talk smack." You certainly did more than disagree, you made fun of them.
jbhowat
01-21-09, 11:20 AM
If I were to go to the middle east and eat a steak, it would be a political statement because the cow is sacred there and no one eats it. If a women were to wear a veil while outside of the house in the United States she too would be making a political statement because no one wears a veil here. Meaning does not come from the intentions of the individual actor but from the actions interpretation by the society around them. Eating a steak maybe just eating a steak for me but to those around me it would be very meaningful wether i had intended it or not. The way that the infrastructure is in the United States, that is completely lacking (almost) for cyclists, it is politically meaningful to ride a bike. I admit that there will be huge variations on the interpretation of the action but to many it will be political and there is nothing you can do about it. Everyone here drives, except that one guy on the bike....
Also, "hate" was used here in its slang form as in "Don't hate on the fixie kids." Translation, "don't talk smack." You certainly did more than disagree, you made fun of them.
People in the "middle east" eat steak (or at least beef, which I presume would include steak as much as ground for them). The cow is not sacred to the "people of the middle east". I assum you are talking about Islamic people, they can eat beef all they want. You might be thinking of some people in India or confusing beef with pork.
Either way it isn't political. A woman with a veil here makes non-xenophiles like myself say "oh i notice that woman has a veil on that must be part of her religion or culture", not "oh nobody does that here, she mustbe trying to make a statement" :rolleyes::rolleyes: People are just going about their lives. Riding a bike doesn't have to be a political statement and really it would be hard to make riding a bike a political statement without opening your mouth or carrying a sign (which I know many people do on their bikes: One Less Car, I AM Traffic, Etc, etc - I do, and that makes it a political statement).
Ignorant moron.
You also have an interesting and incorrect view of the Rosa Parks situation.
Hint: she wasn't sitting at the front of the bus, or in the "white" section. She refused to give up her seat (meaning stand for the trip) when the white section was full.
Although interestingly I've been on busses where people who were waiting and already on the bus were forced to exit so a late arriving wheechair could be accomodated.
Also, "hate" was used here in its slang form as in "Don't hate on the fixie kids." Translation, "don't talk smack." You certainly did more than disagree, you made fun of them.
People in the "middle east" eat steak (or at least beef, which I presume would include steak as much as ground for them). The cow is not sacred to the "people of the middle east". I assum you are talking about Islamic people, they can eat beef all they want. You might be thinking of some people in India or confusing beef with pork.
Either way it isn't political. A woman with a veil here makes non-xenophiles like myself say "oh i notice that woman has a veil on that must be part of her religion or culture", not "oh nobody does that here, she mustbe trying to make a statement" :rolleyes::rolleyes: People are just going about their lives. Riding a bike doesn't have to be a political statement and really it would be hard to make riding a bike a political statement without opening your mouth or carrying a sign (which I know many people do on their bikes: One Less Car, I AM Traffic, Etc, etc - I do, and that makes it a political statement).
Ignorant moron.
You also have an interesting and incorrect view of the Rosa Parks situation.
Hint: she wasn't sitting at the front of the bus, or in the "white" section. She refused to give up her seat (meaning stand for the trip) when the white section was full.
Although interestingly I've been on busses where people who were waiting and already on the bus were forced to exit so a late arriving wheechair could be accomodated.
zeppinger
01-21-09, 11:33 AM
Ignorant moron.
We have devolved to name calling? There are places in the middle east where eating beef is taboo. Your point about Rosa Parks has no bearing on the example I used. I would hope that most people would interpret a veil in the same way as you and me but most Americans are idiots in my opinion, and apparently pretty rude. :rolleyes: Nit pick as much as you want peoples actions have meanings that are different from their intentions and other people pick up on them.
We have devolved to name calling? There are places in the middle east where eating beef is taboo. Your point about Rosa Parks has no bearing on the example I used. I would hope that most people would interpret a veil in the same way as you and me but most Americans are idiots in my opinion, and apparently pretty rude. :rolleyes: Nit pick as much as you want peoples actions have meanings that are different from their intentions and other people pick up on them.
I-Like-To-Bike
01-21-09, 11:41 AM
...but most Americans are idiots in my opinion, and apparently pretty rude. :rolleyes: Nit pick as much as you want peoples actions have meanings that are different from their intentions and other people pick up on them.
And it takes a Gen-U-Whine Anthropology Grad with lots of free time to pick up on these meanings, eh?And stereotype millions of people at drop of a keystroke based on his extensive study of their motivations, eh?
And it takes a Gen-U-Whine Anthropology Grad with lots of free time to pick up on these meanings, eh?And stereotype millions of people at drop of a keystroke based on his extensive study of their motivations, eh?
zeppinger
01-21-09, 11:57 AM
And it takes a Gen-U-Whine Anthropology Grad with lots of free time to pick up on these meanings, eh?And stereotype millions of people at drop of a keystroke based on his extensive study of their motivations, eh?
You guys are so sensitive, they are just examples. Was I making an argument that everyone in the vaguely defined "middle east" do not eat beef? No. Am I the first person ever to say that they think most Americans are ignorant? No. Were we having a discussion (formerly polite) about wether or not it was possible to ride a bike in the United States without making a political statement? Yes. You guys are so touchy. :cry: Did I personally offend someone by saying that what they are doing maybe interpreted differently by the people around them? Oh I get it, I am implying that maybe we are not all individuals, that what we do has effects in the society around us that are beyond our control. I attack your personal freedom to ride a bike and not get lumped in with the critical mass types? Whats with all the personal attacks? I thought we were all just talking.
You guys are so sensitive, they are just examples. Was I making an argument that everyone in the vaguely defined "middle east" do not eat beef? No. Am I the first person ever to say that they think most Americans are ignorant? No. Were we having a discussion (formerly polite) about wether or not it was possible to ride a bike in the United States without making a political statement? Yes. You guys are so touchy. :cry: Did I personally offend someone by saying that what they are doing maybe interpreted differently by the people around them? Oh I get it, I am implying that maybe we are not all individuals, that what we do has effects in the society around us that are beyond our control. I attack your personal freedom to ride a bike and not get lumped in with the critical mass types? Whats with all the personal attacks? I thought we were all just talking.
Roody
01-21-09, 12:03 PM
Dear everybody,
I (the OP) would like this to be one of those friendly little threads where people talk about their philosophy of cycling and the impact it's had on them. Please, no insults! Thanks all (in advance) for your cooperation. :)
Sincerely,
Roody
I (the OP) would like this to be one of those friendly little threads where people talk about their philosophy of cycling and the impact it's had on them. Please, no insults! Thanks all (in advance) for your cooperation. :)
Sincerely,
Roody
dwilbur3
01-21-09, 12:17 PM
Ride to live? Live to ride?
Not really either one. I ride because I enjoy it and because it gives me freedom at a good price. I can take the bus for less than I spend on my bike, but I lose some freedom. Or I can drive and keep my freedom but that costs me something like $15-$20 a day more.
All that plus it's great exercise.
Not really either one. I ride because I enjoy it and because it gives me freedom at a good price. I can take the bus for less than I spend on my bike, but I lose some freedom. Or I can drive and keep my freedom but that costs me something like $15-$20 a day more.
All that plus it's great exercise.
JeffS
01-21-09, 12:24 PM
You guys are so sensitive
No, that's what happens when you use made-up facts to try to prove your point - especially when it's a point noone would agree with.
And for the record, yes, I do believe you thought cows were sacred in the "middle east".
No, that's what happens when you use made-up facts to try to prove your point - especially when it's a point noone would agree with.
And for the record, yes, I do believe you thought cows were sacred in the "middle east".
Roody
01-21-09, 12:28 PM
I started a new thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=8221694#post8221694) for discussion of bicycles as a political act. Hope to see you there!
LAJ
01-21-09, 12:32 PM
Ride to Ride
sharkey00
01-21-09, 12:35 PM
I ride to live. Cycling for me is as much recreation as utility. I enjoy physical activities of many kinds (hiking, climbing, skiiing, ect.) but none are as convenient as cycling. No matter where I am living a road is out my front door. Other events, for me at this time, involve driving time ect.
Also, there are few other activites that can get me to work without a car. I cannot ski to the park and ride but I can ride my bike for a time penalty of about 3 minutes.
There are many things I would be happy doing but none are as accessible as biking.
Also, there are few other activites that can get me to work without a car. I cannot ski to the park and ride but I can ride my bike for a time penalty of about 3 minutes.
There are many things I would be happy doing but none are as accessible as biking.
zeppinger
01-21-09, 12:39 PM
For the record, cow are sacred in some areas in what is generally accepted as the middle east. I would say look it up but I know you will. I did not say that this is true everywhere, nor does it matter for the purpose of my example. Furthermore, cows are not sacred everywhere in India. Further furthermore, the middle east has no defined boundaries, so some people even include India, North Africa, and Eastern Europe in this. Stop splitting hairs and stick to the issues. Are you guys wearing your lapel pins? Lets drop this and chat on the other forum please.
Platy
01-21-09, 01:45 PM
I ride mainly for transportation, but that doesn't keep me from enjoying it.
BarracksSi
01-21-09, 02:40 PM
Ride to Ride
+1
All this political posturing is just attempting to defend what doesn't even need defending.
To paraphrase an album title from Frank Zappa, "Shut up 'n ride yer bike."
+1
All this political posturing is just attempting to defend what doesn't even need defending.
To paraphrase an album title from Frank Zappa, "Shut up 'n ride yer bike."
Roody
01-21-09, 07:26 PM
I found out that I don't have to ride to live. Since my disability/inability to ride, I've relearned the arts of walking and riding the bus. But the bike adds a lot of convenience and is a great time saver. If I was working, I'd find it more important to save time, so I'd miss the bike even more. Also, I live in the city, and I worry a little about crime as I walk or stand at the bus stop, especially at night. I usually feel safer on my bike.
On a concrete level, I think about the heart attack I had a few years ago. I worry that I might literally die if I don't get enough exercise. I can walk now, but it's harder to motivate myself to walk, and I don't think the exercise is as intenst as cycling. Talk about riding to live!
I definitely live to ride. Cycling is my favorite activity, and I can't describe how much I miss it. My life is just less fulfilling when I'm not riding on a daily basis. I don't enjoy cycling as much in the winter, with the exception that I LOVE ice biking. It's been a great winter for that, and I hope I'll get some ice biking in this year before the ice melts.
On a concrete level, I think about the heart attack I had a few years ago. I worry that I might literally die if I don't get enough exercise. I can walk now, but it's harder to motivate myself to walk, and I don't think the exercise is as intenst as cycling. Talk about riding to live!
I definitely live to ride. Cycling is my favorite activity, and I can't describe how much I miss it. My life is just less fulfilling when I'm not riding on a daily basis. I don't enjoy cycling as much in the winter, with the exception that I LOVE ice biking. It's been a great winter for that, and I hope I'll get some ice biking in this year before the ice melts.
jefferee
01-21-09, 07:35 PM
I'd count myself in the 'ride to live' category.
But after I rode home last night in near 0F temperatures, accumulating a never-before-seen level of frost in my beard, I thought, "why do I ever take the bus?"
But after I rode home last night in near 0F temperatures, accumulating a never-before-seen level of frost in my beard, I thought, "why do I ever take the bus?"
bragi
01-21-09, 10:13 PM
Also, "hate" was used here in its slang form as in "Don't hate on the fixie kids." Translation, "don't talk smack." You certainly did more than disagree, you made fun of them.
I'm familiar with the "hate on" thing; I teach middle school. Your post used the word in a more conventional syntax, so I misunderstood your intentions, sorry. And I was only making fun of half of all fixie riders, not all of them. Many fixie riders are consummate cyclists, and passionate about their skills and their rides. The other half just want to look good while they ride the four blocks from their job at Adobe to the faux dive bar.
I'm familiar with the "hate on" thing; I teach middle school. Your post used the word in a more conventional syntax, so I misunderstood your intentions, sorry. And I was only making fun of half of all fixie riders, not all of them. Many fixie riders are consummate cyclists, and passionate about their skills and their rides. The other half just want to look good while they ride the four blocks from their job at Adobe to the faux dive bar.
bragi
01-21-09, 10:18 PM
I found out that I don't have to ride to live. Since my disability/inability to ride, I've relearned the arts of walking and riding the bus. But the bike adds a lot of convenience and is a great time saver. If I was working, I'd find it more important to save time, so I'd miss the bike even more. Also, I live in the city, and I worry a little about crime as I walk or stand at the bus stop, especially at night. I usually feel safer on my bike.
On a concrete level, I think about the heart attack I had a few years ago. I worry that I might literally die if I don't get enough exercise. I can walk now, but it's harder to motivate myself to walk, and I don't think the exercise is as intenst as cycling. Talk about riding to live!
I definitely live to ride. Cycling is my favorite activity, and I can't describe how much I miss it. My life is just less fulfilling when I'm not riding on a daily basis. I don't enjoy cycling as much in the winter, with the exception that I LOVE ice biking. It's been a great winter for that, and I hope I'll get some ice biking in this year before the ice melts.
when do you think you'll be able to ride again?
On a concrete level, I think about the heart attack I had a few years ago. I worry that I might literally die if I don't get enough exercise. I can walk now, but it's harder to motivate myself to walk, and I don't think the exercise is as intenst as cycling. Talk about riding to live!
I definitely live to ride. Cycling is my favorite activity, and I can't describe how much I miss it. My life is just less fulfilling when I'm not riding on a daily basis. I don't enjoy cycling as much in the winter, with the exception that I LOVE ice biking. It's been a great winter for that, and I hope I'll get some ice biking in this year before the ice melts.
when do you think you'll be able to ride again?
Roody
01-21-09, 10:21 PM
I'd count myself in the 'ride to live' category.
But after I rode home last night in near 0F temperatures, accumulating a never-before-seen level of frost in my beard, I thought, "why do I ever take the bus?"
Yeah....it's the challenging rides that make me feel the most alive.
But, a cold and gray day, a long ride to a store, then load 20 pounds in your backpack for the long ride home....
It feels more like "Ride to Die".
:D
But after I rode home last night in near 0F temperatures, accumulating a never-before-seen level of frost in my beard, I thought, "why do I ever take the bus?"
Yeah....it's the challenging rides that make me feel the most alive.
But, a cold and gray day, a long ride to a store, then load 20 pounds in your backpack for the long ride home....
It feels more like "Ride to Die".
:D