PunkMartyr

Whats your motivator to cycle?

I can't really get motivated to do fitness unless I just go and start doing it. Once I clear the first mile / first set or whatever it just doesn't seem like such an obstacle anymore. I also think about the shape I was in a few years ago and want to be back there. And of course for me its easier to be confident and laugh off negativity when I am in shape and feel at the end of the day when it comes down to it I could man handle the cager yelling obscenities or the coworker talking smack if they wanted to throw down. Its also easier to be positive and see every glass as half full, maybe even get more excited about the little things in life.

Machka 

What else is there to do with that level of interest, excitement, challenge, and adventure?

envane

My monthly CTA pass expired so if I wanted to get to work I would have to pay $4 round trip

On a more serious note: I ride because I enjoy it. I ride to go places and see things. Becoming fit is a side-effect of this.

slowjoe66

Getting ready for a hilly, arduous, self contained tour in two weeks

thdave

I'm prone to laziness and hate excersize. But, hopping on a bike to go somewhere doesn't feel like excersize. Just like playing tennis or basketball with my kids.

I stretch and look after my weight. But my motivation is primarily transportation. Also, regular biking seems to help my back issues.

Mr. Underbridge

*crossing a MUP bridge that passes over a gridlocked highway, while I wave to traffic below
*Passing gas stations with $4/gallon gas
*Stepping on a scale and seeing my target weight
*Eating as much as I want with no guilt because I know I'll burn it off
*Seeing a speed on my cyclocomputer I've never hit before on flat ground.
*Off-roading on my way to work

Oh, and good looking joggers. I'm just being honest.

ctoddrun

- My gut (or rather, my future former gut...)
- $3.69 / gal for regular
- I enjoy the "crazy guy" persona

lil brown bat

The Green Line.

ItsJustMe

Why to get on the bike TODAY: It's fun.
Why to get on the bike for the next 20 years: I'm 44 and I'm in better shape and feel better EVERY DAY than I ever did when I was 20.

jpdesjar

Being outdoors and staying in shape, I can enjoy some beers at night knowing I can work it off the next day. Becoming stronger and it helps my running too.

jdaniel

I hate working out. Period. I love swimming, but can't ever get myself to drive to the pool. Biking is just plain fun. Every work out session that I've ever had to do (especially running) I've had to psyche myself out for and find a motivator. Not biking. Don't know why, but I love it. I can push myself as hard as I want and if I get tired, I just coast. No pain, as with running. Hell, it's very similar to swimming except I dont have to prepare much for it. That being said, I'm about to bike to the pool (for some reason, a lot easier than driving....)

Neil_B

Getting ready for a long, nearly flat tour in two weeks.

n9viw

$4/gal gas.
My future former gut (AND love handles, take that Ma Nature! BLEAH!) (thanks to ctoddrun for that one!).
Lanesplitting gridlocked traffic.
The section of the DPRT between Dundee and Euclid that degenerates into what most people would barely call 'singletrack' in some spots (but only on the way home).
The feeling of accomplishment I get just having done it.
Getting to say, "I'm burning less gas than you!" to people in hybrid cars.
Giving gas stations the finger. (made one guy at a stop sign spit his coffee laughing at that)
Knowing this: I'm nowhere near as good as I'm GOING to be.

stevage

Easy effortless exercise. It's an easy accomplishment to start the day off with. It gets my head in better shape.

But really, I think the thought process goes something like this: "Time to drive to work. Ugh. You could ride there...oh, well there's that at least."

Steve

jpdesjar

Nice bum

andrelam

+1 on all accounts. Riding year round in Buffalo, and my recent ride from Buffalo to Rochester (82 miles door to door) both definitely uped my "Crazy Guy" status.

I'll also add:

Not wanting to drop dead from a heart attack like my Grandmother did at age 63 see details below:
- Get my blood pressure down to normal/healthy level from previously being slightly elevated, and borderline high.
- Drop my cholesterol without the use of expensive drugs that may lower my cholesterol, but may not actually reduce my risk of heart attack... Vytorin anyone? I'm glad I didn't spend $50 per month on that and deal with all the possible side affect. Who knew that could happen? I guess just popping a pill and not eating healthier or getting more physical activity doesn't magically reduce your chance of heart attack.
- Get in shape before I hit 40 when my metabolism is natually going to slow down... also part of "fight the bulge"
- Reduce stress by actually ENJOYING my commute to work. The ride is THE best part of the day.

Happy riding,
André

TechRydr

I get to wear Spandex on Friday's!

I sold my truck and I need to work to support my family...

girljen

-I sit down for 12 hours every work day. I don't want to get "Dispatch Butt."
-My husband needs the car to cart the kid around. Wouldn't want to make his life more difficult.
-It's fun and it wakes me up. One three-mile commute provides the same amount of energy as one cup of coffee.

chipcom 

It's fun. If I needed motivating, that would mean it isn't fun.

chephy

Same as most people's motivation to drive. I have to be places.

(And it's fun.)