Good thread by Grumpy McTrumpy asking people why they compete. Since I don't compete with anybody but myself, I didn't think it would be appropriate to respond to that thread. But it did get me thinking.

I have several reasons for not competing, even though I really admire those who do.

First, I don't like biking around anyone else's schedule. I go when I want, go where I want and come home when I want. All the training, group riding, racing, etc. required to effectively compete largely depends on meeting someone else's schedule much of the time.

Secondly, I prefer to compete with myself. I don't want to hold anyone else up, or be held up by others.

Third, I want to ride my bicycle, not get hurt riding my bicycle. Call me wussy, but I think it's safer to ride alone.