Patriot

Of all the rants, raves, and grr's that plague this forum, the one thing about this sport/lifestyle is the level of optimism expressed. Even by those that are down and out. Bicycle destroyed, components jammed, aching knees, pulled muscles, cramps, arthritis, and road rash. We always keep coming back for more.

The thread by Hipcycler, saving his money to buy a new Klein is a perfect example. Always looking off in the distance, striving for something better, and building the anticipation for the next season, even though it is months away.

It is no wonder why this sport continues to not only survive but thrive as the market constantly expands. Even through rough years when many companies have gone the wayside, it still survives, and eventually makes its comeback.

For most sports, like tennis, or football, or baseball, the gear is there to provide ability to play the game. But, cycling not only provides with the means to ride, but with technology, there is an overwhelming effect of advancement to the sport itself. The emergence of Carbon Fiber in the industry is a prime example. After all, there really is only so much you can do to advance a tennis racket, or a baseball glove.

But, bicycles allow us to be truly creative. Just look at the broad spectrum within the sport itself, from road bikes to tandems, to MTB's that can take a 20ft drop. This is not only one of the most diverse lifestyles, but one of the most optimistic as well.

55/Rad

Well stated Patriot.

I think for me, and I suppose many others, cycling offers a healthy escape from the rigors of everyday life. I know that when I ride or am looking forward to a ride, I am a much happier person, which translates to the other areas of my life. Conversely, it can be like a drug wherein if I can't ride or it's been too long, I start to feel physically depressed.

The bonus is the added element of the gear. Or, the love of the gear to be more exact. I find that interest in both the gear and riding feed on one another and combined make a very complex and well rounded "hobby". One that is challenging from 3 equally important directions - physically, mentally and emotionally.

55/Rad

forum*rider

you can:

Tinker with the gear

Ride you're whole life

Have fun

get fit


How much better does it get?

khuon

All well put. Cycling is a lifestyle. With many other sports such as baseball, football, basketball, golf, etc... the attributes and benefits of the sport end at the end of the game. But cycling is different. One can live a cycling lifestyle beyond the bike and one can incorporate the bike and cycling into their life much more intimately than with many other sports. For many people, swinging a baseball bat doesn't allow them to get to work unless of course they're being confronted by muggers in an alleyway. On the other hand, people ride bikes to work everyday. Throwing and catching an oblong ball all day long only works to place food on the table for a small minority but people all over the world regularly bike to get groceries. Cycling is so much more universally adaptable to life than many other sports and that's why it will continue to be at the top of my interests until the day I die. Even then maybe they can tow my casket to the grave with a bike.

slvoid

Kind of like crack...

Patriot

Not exactly, but I understand your analogy...

Cycleman1958

You should mention that cycling must produce some of the best writing the modern world has to offer. Well put Patriot. Is that your normal profession?

Trekke

I agree with all. Addictive - Yes. In an bad way - No (unless you ask my wife). Working on her!

Great lifestyle. Look forward to a new year. New goals, new equipment and new friends. When I see a cycler out that I do not know I say to myself. "There is a friend that I haven't met yet".. Then I try to chase him / her down.

2manybikes

I had my endorphin fix yesterday. I'll be OK for a day.

Patriot

Trekke, I hope you don't try chasing someone down in a high crime area. Nowadays, someone might think you are either going to rob them, or are a sick perv. But, if you were an attractive member of the opposite sex, I may just slow down a bit for a chat. Even my other half understands that one. And, if you were a guy, you'd better have some good beer to offer.

77Univega

-
--Yes, the bicycle is the transportation machine of the future. When fuel supplies have dwindled and the teeming populations have congested the roads, the bicycle will come into its own.
-

Patriot

As China slowly leaves its bicycles behind for cars as their economy grows, our prices for crude will grow out of control. It will end up far more expensive than Hydrogen fuel costs per gallon. We will have to produce power with other alternatives. For now, Nuclear Power will just have to help fill the gap, until solar and other forms become less expensive as the technology grows.
Eventually, Fusion technology will slowly emerge within the next Cnetury, and will become the most prevalent source of power as we begin to slowly mine the moon for Helium-3.

auricpoe

I am fairly new to the cycling lifestyle (about 1.5 years almost) and I feel like it has been my tool for getting away from everyday life and just having fun....its good for my body too

mirona

Haven't you ever heard of that digital scrimmage line that they use in football broadcasts? You're telling me that's not as good as carbon fiber?!?!?!?!?

Trekke

Really? Around here if you are not fairly friendly with other bikers you are considered rude. Hell even guys on motorcycles waive and have stopped to ask if I needed anything while fixing a flat. Low crime area for sure. Worst I have ever seen are a couple old geazers in an old farm van slowly rolling (weaving) down the road at 5 mph while the yellow smoke just poors out of the windows. I consider a stranger on a bike a friend. I just haven't met them yet!

Patriot

Trekke. I'm just joshin' you. Don't sweat it. I know exactly what you mean. Although I will admit, the neighborhood I work in is a very high crime area, and you don't dare go out by yourself at night, especially if you are a woman.

However, I live out of town in the country, so where I live is very friendly, and I always say Hi to other bikers and runners when I take my ride. Even the motorists, country folk, area very curteous, and usually slow down and pull way over to make sure I have plenty of room. Only on ocassion some young kid in a sportscar wannabe buzzes by with attitude.

Western Washington is generally bicycle friendly. If you like ot climb hils, this is the place to live. Hills are easy to come by out here.

Speaking of technology. I saw one of those nifty cruiser electric/assist bicycles at the LBS. I guess they cruise about 20-25mph for quite while on a battery charge.

Now, it would be really neat to see one of those with a fuel cell.