because people think cycling is only worthwhile on a sunny saturday morning racing down a trail.
you're not a snob, you know what makes you happy. and you're friend probably didn't mean anything totally rude, she was starting a conversation the only way she knew how, by being negative. i know people like this, overly concerned by looks, money, and what people think - and every convo ends up with talking about someone else in a bad way.
your health, happiness, and pocketbook are the only justification you need
p.s. i worked p/t at a gas station near my house a few years ago to save up some extra travel money. every person from my regular job who came in and saw me there was immediatly concerned for my financial well being - or joke about how much our company pays that i would need a p/t job.
people don't understand the true simple life, but that's ok... post anytime
i can't remember how often i explained "this is interesting, and i'm making extra money", or if i just said "hangin in there"