Not to bash any road bikers, but I do and dont get it. I know many people love the speed and the mileage etc.. But to me it's just not practical in a lot of situations for simple recreation/fitness. I understand the competitions etc.. but the other day I was driving through 55mph rush hour traffic on a 4 lane highway when I looked up and 2 road bikers were in the lane. which caused a big cluster F* in traffic and people erratically swerving everywhere. Why would you want to ride in such conditions???? Its almost like some of enjoy being in the way of motorists.

For me its not about their right to be there... its more about how impractical it is to ride in those congested conditions.
1. - You are going slower than the huge hunks of cell phone distracted steel around you.
2. - you are wearing a small helmet and no leather riding on on a carbon fiber rail. Nowhere near the same gear as a motorcyclist.
3. - These guys were not wearing neon clothing like a lot of smarter road biker ppl do.
4. - They were riding in a highly populated higher-speed area and not some calmer back road or country road.
5. - there was a nice open good sidewalk right beside them.
6. - Why would you want to ride in an environment physically exerting yourself... where the quality of the air consists of gasoline and diesel exhaust....This cant be good for your lungs in a long term perspective.

I just think road biking is impractical. Maybe more practical in a huge city where its harder to drive around, but for recreation in those conditions....why!?