Great thread, great responses. Around town and on day rides, I ride simply because I love it. I can afford the gas and the car, I just don't like them. I've always ridden enough that health and weight have never been an issue.

The other day, a motorist smiled at me at a red light, and said something about all the gas money I was saving. I replied to her that I cancel all those savings with the amount of food I eat. That's another reason I love cycling.

I also love touring, and besides exploring, a big motivation there is meeting people. The bicycle is a passport of sorts. It labels you as a traveler, not a tourist, and many people respect that.