This

It really varies on the time of year.
Right now it's training for non race events (since I know I won't be racing, at least before june).
Depending on which group ride I choose it can be social, or survival.

More fun and social in the fall when the rides slow down.

Here's why I ride:

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...rle/Lizzie.jpg

In 2003 at age 47 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I have four children, with the oldest just entering college when I was diagnosed. After chemo, surgery, more chemo, more surgery, a relapse with cancer coming back in my liver (which is very bad news), more surgery and more chemo, and several thousand miles on my bike, I will beat the 30% five-year survival rate. And I got to walk my daughter down the aisle a year ago. Cycling, along with good doctors, strong medicine, and good luck, saved my life.

I don't ride because I got sick, I ride to keep from getting sick...BUT...most major illnesses such as cancer are more genetic related then most of you would like to believe or accept. Mostly I ride for the adventure.

Adventure and Exploration
Fitness
Fun
Personal challenge
Social reasons
Stress relief
Utility purposes (ie. commuting)

All of the above, but I might add that I love bikes: fast ones, slow ones, new ones. old ones, big ones, small ones, road bikes, mountain bikes, hardtails, full suspension, tandems, hybrids, classics, cruisers, electrics, touring, cruising, trail riding, technical riding, road riding, beach riding, MUP riding,
you get the picture.

yes

Incorrect. Most cancers and most other major illnesses are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. One rare form of colon cancer is genetic (if by "genetic" you mean "heritable"), in that it's passed down from parents to children. All cancer is "genetic" in that it results from damage to genes in the cells of the affected organ. Inherited genes create tendencies toward the development of some diseases, but it's environmental and lifestyle factors that result in those tendencies being realized. A genetic tendency to high cholesterol or high triglycerides does not "cause" heart disease - a diet and/or lifestyle that causes that tendency to be realized does. Calling disease "genetic" helps relieve people of personal responsibility for their lifestyle choices, and social responsibility for environmental factors. I have no doubt that my cancer was caused by a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet choices, stress, and maybe some environmental factors, not by my genes

qw

Why is that disappointing?

I honestly don't know why I ride, but I enjoy it and I can't seem to stop.

In other words, I ride because that's what I do.

Primarily because it's fun. Everything else is just an added bonus.

Because if I didn't, my life would go back to being that much emptier.

because I can.

After all of these years I can't imagine not riding.

1. It's a great way to get around and explore
2. Cycling is great exercise
3. I enjoy pushing myself to ride faster for longer distances
4. I want to be fit and share the experience with my daughter when she's old enough

People ask me why I love riding the bike and why I am so fanatical about it. The answer is simple: CHANCES. Now some of you maybe a bit confused at the answer, so let me explain:

1. As I am coasting down the wonderful Newport Beach coastline on PCH, there is a chance that my doctor will give me some positive news on my next physical.

2. As I am drafting a paceline down the Santa Ana River trail from Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach, there is a chance that I won’t gain an ounce of weight from the pasta dinner I had the evening before.

3. As I am keeping an 18-20mph pace on the LA River trail to Long Beach, there is a chance that I may be able to walk both my girls down the aisle.

4. As I am sprinting to the finish line on the Palm Springs Century ride, there is a chance that I may not need to resort to an electric scooter when taking my future grandkids to Disneyland.

5. As I am climbing the famous hill of Torry Pines on the MS150 Bay-to-Bay ride, there is a chance that I may get to see my future grandchildren get married.

6. As I am riding through the lush vineyards surrounding Solvang, there is a chance that I may be able to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary with my wife.

7. As I am climbing the majestic, yet treacherous, Azusa Canyon to Crystal Lake, there is a chance I may be able to tie my own shoes at the age of 70.

8. As I am watching the beautiful sunset on top of Santiago Canyon during a gel stop, there is a chance that I may witness the birth of my first great-grandchild.

9. As I am battling the headwinds during the Sea Otter Classics in the scenic roads of Salinas County, there is a chance I may get to witness the return of Halley’s Comet.

10. As I am walking my bike back into the garage after an 80+ mile around Orange County’s best riding spots, there is a chance that I may have kept death at bay for one more day.

I fully know that nothing in life is guaranteed and that my life can end at any moment. But if there is a chance that any of these can come true every time I hop on the saddle, then I believe it is a chance worth taking.

That is why I ride.

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/5...talcovehz7.jpg
Near Crystal Cove along PCH in Newport Beach, CA.

I went for all of the above.

Awesome!

Why would that be disappointing?

Among other things, I also chose fitness because I like cycling the best for keeping me fit.

Because it makes me feel young.
Because sometimes it feels like I'm flying.

This, pretty much, covers it for me too.

Cheers,

Brian J.

Interesting poll , Machka.. All apply really , except speed is not my top priority.. I'd say the big draw to a commuter, tourer type.. Exploration of the world outside. .....Get on my bike and I sort of imagine how Vasco De Cama must have felt when setting out for the new world.. As was the case with Da Cama, setting out on one's own power ( ie , sailing ships in his case.) makes it all the more fun.. Start one's exploration using the combustion engine, it's just not as much fun..

Can cycling be about anything more important than this? Continued blessings to you sir!

Cheers,

Brian J.

You both look VERY happy there. Beautiful.

That photo is awe inspiring. A favorite ride of mine... Been there, done that...... Deserves being posted twice.. since one view is not enough..Too bad more of the So Cal coastline has not been preserved in a similar manner...