IŽll guess we all have different angles on cycling. Some of us probably do it for the fitness, some for transportation, some for competition and others for spiritual reasons. Why do you ride?

My reasons to ride:

• Commuting to work is faster then with bus, no waiting just on the bike and go.
• I relax (menthally) when on the bike.
• Environment friendly.
• I use the bike as my transportation, makes me tighter in my connection with life.
• I try to take a trip occasionally (when i get the time) to see and explore my surrounding areas.
• I believe bicycling keeps my senses sharp. IŽm not talking of animal instinct here, but more human senses.
• Keeps me in a reasonable physical and psychical shape.
• I like and support the idea of bicycling as transportation.

Come on let me hear your reasons.

Anders K
Sweden

Fitness, relaxation, get away from the madding crowd, being "one with nature," it is just a lot of fun!!

Pure pleasure.

because I have nothing better to do

j/k

i would have to say pleasure

I really enjoy this sport- and it's a great way to get outside and keep active. It tests my physical and mental limits in a race, but I can also take it easy on the country roads to relax. There is always a big sense of accomplishment when I get somewhere faster or clear a section of trail, and then there is the challenge to become even better.

It's a very independent sport, almost like golf- there is never really anyone to blame but yourself- and no one else to share the credit with!

You smoke on the bike???

Seriously though, you make a good point regarding our personal reasons for biking. Here are a few of mine in no particular order:

-Getting out with friends
-Just getting outside (I work inside all day ... argh!)
-Burning up stress through my legs and lungs
-Friendly competition with fellow bikers
-24-Hour mountain bike races
-The feeling of absolute freedom
-An excuse to eat like a pig
-Overall wellness of body and mind

"You smoke on the bike??? "

No, not really. I get high enough just riding

Anders K
Sweden

I ride because I enjoy it. It also keeps me in reasonably good shape, but mostly because I enjoy it ! Did I say that already? LOL

Slowing down to enjoy the scenery. I love scenic drives, but driving is just too fast to really slow down and savor the sights, sounds, and smells of a new place. It allows you to develop a greater sense of intimacy with the places you travel through and to.

It's just one of the things I do (all of the time).

1 - pain (I love the burn in my legs going uphill)
2 - daring - I enjoy the thrill I get when riding DH
3 - fitness

Anders!
You have given every reason I enjoy cycling, there is nothing more to add.

Physical and mental health... and the smell of a wooded country road early in the day... and the feeling of accomplishment when I reach the crest of a 3 mile/12% grade... catching a "rabbit" on a Sunday afternoon when I already have 50 miles on my legs... and being able to eat ice cream and not feel guilty... and riding with a compatable group of riders... and being able to think about "stuff" in the solitude of a solo ride... ... ...
the list goes on, but I need to go out and ride, so I'll leave it at that.


Oh yes, endorphines, endorphines, endorphines...

Feels good.
Looks good.
Smells...

Well, two out of three ain't bad!

Fitness and to be with friends.

Diabetes was my original motivation. Exercise is mandatory for diabetics. Hate running. Now I just love to ride my bike.

Carl

To get my butt up off the sofa to get a good calorie burn and have a great time doing it. Getting from point A to point B has never been more life affirming. It's great to be able to stop anywhere anytime to appreciate the beauties of nature without regard to having to find a parking space. To become one with the road or the trail. For the spiritual connection. Did I mention it's a cheap form of transportation good for the environment? For the mental disciplines that build confidence both on and off the road.

At work I do it because I'm getting paid and it's one of the best ways to get around without being noticed. On my own time it's the relaxation and the fun of being able to constantly challenge myself.

Ditto all that ! And a reason of my own: nearly every person on my dad's side of the tree has died at an early age due to heart disease and my mom's side of the tree isn't looking too leafy either... I figure staying fit might help me even up the genetic odds.
Besides...a road rash beats the old "dirt nap" any day in my book.

I bike because i enjoy it, but the most important reason is because of my son. I want to be here for him for a long time and the health benefits of riding a bike outweigh the health benefits of riding the couch.
Andre