For me, it's mostly about the results, which are:

• staying fit, with less impact to my schedule than setting aside separate time for pure exercise
• saving a ton of money on gas and motor vehicle maintenance (I have three cars, but they're virtually garage queens, when the weather is decent, at least)
• partially alleviating my conscience for all the negative impact I have on the environment

Of course I enjoy bike riding for its own sake, and if commuting is curtailed due to weather or vacation (or even unemployment ), I still get in as much riding as I reasonably can.