As usual, odd man (person?) out.

Variety in riding is critical to me. Different places, different purposes, different bicycles,

road bike
mtn bike
recumbent
utility road bike

different times, different lengths, different speeds. Bike simply to stop and talk with other folks on the trail. Bike up my "training route to see if I am doing it more easily. Ride with the wife.

I ride solo 99% of the time, but would join (and have joined) with a like-minded person. Right now, all my "buddies" have moved away or have other issues in their lives. I generally ride 5 - 6 days per week - using the above modalities. Given the above, it is NEVER boring. If it gets boring, I choose another modality.

Also, different physical activities. Bicycling is not the only thing there is in my fitness regime. Swimming, walking, hiking, resistance exercises, stretching - they are all axcellent forms of cross-training, and I try and do 2 - 3 of the selection daily.

Another thing that keeps me going is using the bicycle for utility purposes. Ride to church. Ride to the grocery/hardware store. Meet my wife at a restaurant for lunch. Bike to the swimming pool.

What I would HATE is having a single purpose for bicycling, such as always having to better myself. Ugh!! That is what would keep me off the bike. Always HAVING to get better.