I can totally sympathize with those who do not track their mileage, number of commutes, etc. However, I think it's wrong to assume that us "trackers" lose sight of the aesthetic, cultural and "data-free" aspects to cycling. I track mileage because it's something I've always done with exercise, going back to my running days in my 20s (40+ years). For me, it's a way to assess my progress, fitness and stick-to-it-ive-ness. I also have found in life that you achieve more when you set goals, even if you don't reach them.

However, I thoroughly enjoy the culture of cycling, the scenery while riding, the friendships with other riders, bike touring and other aspects that have nothing to do with logging miles and average speeds. I value the bike tours I took this year, and the numerous rides to coffee shops and restaurants with friends, much more than just accumulating miles. I also value the fact that while commuting I am one less car on the road. I am helping to relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality and conserve energy. The website where I track my mileage also estimates how much CO2 emissions I prevent by cycling rather than driving, and I saved 2.06 tons in 2015. To some or perhaps many cyclists, this isn't important, but it is to me, and it's another reason why I track my rides.