You can do all of that AND cycle!! For me, work, university, and life in general haven't ever replaced cycling during the 16 years I've been cycling "seriously".

It isn't as though cycling is a mutually exclusive activity from all the rest of the things I do in my life.

When I lived in Winnipeg, I commuted year round to work, partly because I couldn't be bothered owning a vehicle, and partly because it was faster and more enjoyable to cycle. So work and cycling went together.

I'm in University now, and I find that my cycling increases my energy level and increases the flow of blood to my brain so that studying is easier and more enjoyable. While cycling, I also think about what I want to say in my research papers, or I go over the lectures in my mind to review them for exams. Cycling and studying go hand in hand.

I also don't usually consider cycling as merely a fitness activity (although it certainly does have that aspect) ... I consider it as a way to get to know my community. I deliberately seek out historical places, little towns that hardly anyone ever goes to, scenic tourist places, ice cream places in remote villages, and intriguing roads here and there. I probably know more about the places I've lived for a short period of time than most people who have lived in those places all their lives.

I combine cycling with other sports and recreational activities ... I have often cycled somewhere and then camped and/or hiked. I even bought snowshoes so that I could carry them on my bicycle with me when I cycle in the winter (cross-country skies were a bit awkward to carry on the bicycle).

All my vacations over the past 5 years or so have involved travelling to other parts of the world to attend cycling events and to tour. Through cycling I have been able to see a number of countries - and see them in a way people don't if they are just driving through, and I've met a large number of like-minded people. I love travelling and can hardly imagine travelling without my bicycle!

And I do a large part of my socializing when I'm on a bicycle ride with my friends! I find it so much easier to talk to people when we're cycling together than when we're sitting having tea or something.

Cycling is a vital part of most aspects of my life!