I really like a lot of the answers above! I agree with a lot of them. *Apparently my reading comprehension is broken today*. When I want a little push, I ride with faster friends. Yep, I also don't want to get hurt. I've already broken bones and hurt myself in other sports and I HATE rehab! And yeah, I like to ride when I want, not on someone's schedule. In all honesty when I see in the 2009 pic thread people posting shots of themselves racing or riding with a bunch of forty year olds all wearing the same kit, helmet, shoes, etc. I think, "Wow, I can't imagine something I'd rather do less..." Cycling is about fun, not training on a schedule, or with the same dudes every day.

As for me personally:
Well, from around the time I was eight until I was twenty-two I played competitive sports. I played lots of them, but there was one I played and practiced non-stop, with serious goals from a very early age. (I had older relatives and siblings that I was emulating). I enjoyed it for the most part. Then I played four years of Division I college sports, under a coach I absolutely didn't trust, respect, or admire. It was fun for a few seasons, but then I broke my leg, rehab was terrible, and it took me quite a long time to recover my speed and quickness. One entire season (my senior year) was hell. Underachieving team, coach was horrible. The only reason I didn't quit was because of pride and a commitment to the teammates I'd spent four years training and playing with. Between practice, games, weight training with strength coaches watching us, rehab, man-up practice, agility drills, cardio work...it was more or less work and dedication for four years, with a day off here or there, but not really. This was a follow-up to a lot of the same during high school.

I think for me it was the years of competing and the way it ended that turned me away from competing against others. For a few years after my college playing days I didn't do anything at all in terms of competing. In the past few years I've started playing in semi-serious leagues/games in a few different sports. I like the thrill of a game, but even in these I get frustrated with how willing old dudes are to lie and cheat, even though it is just a game for fun!

At this point in my life I'm not willing to elbow someone in the face or cleat their foot to score. A few years back, yes I was. I think my competition drive was maxed out, which is fine.

For me, cycling is about stretching my legs, letting my mind wander, and having fun. I continually get more serious and dedicated about it, but I make certain that it remains a source of leisurely pleasure. I like to see what I can do, and even what I can do in comparison to other people on group rides, but that is about it. Cycling is about fun for me, not beating others.

**I'm always interested in the background of people who DO compete. I wonder if they grew up playing others sports competitively? I wonder if they've been cycle racing since they were young? Or, did they find something that you can be pretty successful at without having a wonderful genetic make-up. (I know Larry down the block isn't going to win the TdF, but he was the biggest weakling nerd in high school and yet since he rides 60 miles a day, every day, he is still faster than everyone in town.) I've met some of both while riding - some dudes who probably were the high school quarterback and ride in sleeveless jerseys and want to tell everyone what to do and crush you with their biceps if you don't listen and then the skinny, nerdy neurosurgeon who didn't play anything growing up, but now is an adrenaline freak from his type of work (and the risks involved) so wants to show up on Saturday at 7am with Metallica pumping out of his Porsche and chew the legs off of everyone on the A ride.