Originally Posted by
corrado33
Perhaps. I'm sure some people use cycling as a way to get away from responsibilities, kids, family, jobs, etc. I'll admit that when I'm having a bad day I'll force myself to go ride.
However, that doesn't change the fact that for most people, cycling (at least on road bikes) is exercise, and that is the main point.
Where are you getting this fact from?
Originally Posted by
corrado33
It's like saying that "Running isn't exercise, I just do it because I like to." Do you REALLY like to run, or do you like the benefits of being in shape, getting an endorphin rush, and being ABLE to run. Do you feel guilty if you DON'T run/ride? If the answer is yes, then both are exercise for you and not just for pleasure.
I don't like running. I don't like exercise. I like riding bikes. I don't feel guilty if I don't ride. I just don't feel as happy if I don't ride. I only ride for pleasure. Last week I rode 120 miles and they were all fun. 54 of them were with a group of people who also ride for fun. The other miles were just by myself, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of riding a bike around Houston.
Originally Posted by
corrado33
You could perhaps make the argument that mountain biking is fun on it's own, and exercise is simply a side benefit, but that argument is harder to make for road biking.
I'm not saying that cycling ISN'T fun, I'm just saying that the main point is mostly exercise with commuting coming in a close second.
I've never tried mountain biking. For me, fun is the main point of road biking. Improved health is a great side benefit, but I would ride even if it didn't improve my health. I just love riding.
You don't?