Hey all,

(I'm doing research for a grad thesis project; looking for common themes in the experiences of the expert user. If you have a second to give some thought to, and answer the following question, it would be much appreciated!)

We generally don’t think much about something we do every day. Yet if we stop and analyze the experience, there are complex and remarkable things going on that we don’t even notice anymore. I’m asking you to think critically about something you consider routine, to evaluate the experience as if it were the first time.

So, the next time you’re on a bike, examine the experience of going for a ride. Think of what motivates you, the common themes across the different disciplines of riding and racing; and how your experience as a cyclist has affected the rest of your life. If you want, focus on one aspect of the ride; break down the process of cornering; how do you handle traffic, etc.

In short, why do you ride?

Because taking the bus everyday SUCKS, and I'd like to keep the family down to only owning one vehicle.

I commute (everywhere) by bike:

Because it's faster than fighting traffic in a car.

Because today I passed a lineup of 15 cars inching down the street (each way) behind a garbage truck. Not enough room for anyone to get by going either direction - but room for lil' old me!

Because when I get home, I don't care one bit about anything (a bad day at work, the rain, traffic, chores or bills I haven't done yet, etc) except dinner (and maybe a shower).

Because my co-worker the road cyclist calls me hardcore for being a commuter!

Because sometimes I can keep up with the the messengers (who really are hardcore) through downtown.

I'll make my answer simple. I ride because it is fun and good exercise for me.

Please dont cross post: https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/69230-why-do-you-ride.html