seely

We had to do an in-class assignment for a writing class where we describe something we enjoy doing without actually saying what it is. For some reason this thread made me think of it...

Tires create barely a whisper across the soapstone smooth asphalt. A car slips past, not going much faster. Curious passengers turn to look back at the oddity. The car slides into the space in front of me. I raise my body off the seat in a forward crouch. Legs respond mechanically as they push harder. Pistons on pedals. Faster. The space between us is taken up in a blur of sidewalk and sewer grates.

The light turns red. Cars begin to slow. My legs lock. The machine tries to throw me, bucking and skipping, it resists my command. The rear wheel settles to a skid. Rubber scrapes against asphalt. The rear of the machine fishtails as friction slows us. Motorists stare.

I’m five years old again.

lvleph

I have to ride almost a mile uphill to my work. The other day I was so into riding up that hill, I almost passed my work. lol

lvleph

I like this!

Shiznaz

pass some of that soapstone smooth asphalt over here!

seely

Literary license "Riddled with potholes" is more accurate.

Aeroplane

They only the the smooth parts so much more enjoyable. </glass half full>

Gurgus

I love when my chain is in the "sweet spot" between slack and tight and the only thing I can hear is the tires and my breathing. It's right up there with realizing, all of a sudden, that there is a bike under you and you aren't in bed and dreaming of flying.

I think riding fixed is better than sex.

I have been married a while.

localtalent

Definitely. Whenever I'm bored, lonely, frustrated, depressed, or anything, I just pick up and ride. I live by the Hudson river path, and riding up to Inwood, Westchester, or wherever is great - you just forget everything. I haven't taken the fixie up that far, I should soon.

Riding along the boardwalk by the ocean is also perfect therapy, as far as I'm concerned.

I'm also stoked about getting more involved in the local community.

Shiznaz

I gotta push myself to get into the real sweet spot where its just you and the road. Cruising allows too much room to dawdle in my thoughts. Sometimes I go out to punish/reward myself and the only speed I travel at is 'as fast as I can possibly go'. Anything else feels like I'm cheating myself.

andypants

i only rode my bike with headphones one once and it was a terrible idea because it scared the hell ou of me, but when I did I was definitely listening to Tragedy's Vengeance.

And I definitely think riding can have a huge effect on lifestyle and outlook. I know I am a 1,000x healthier and happier since dropping the car ad riding all the time.

Rugen

Wow. I've seen some gung-ho cyclists here, but I only lube my chain.

I always thought they meant something else when they said flaxoil makes you go faster.

666pack

i cannot run for schit. so the only time i can move fast under my own propulsion is when i'm riding.

i love riding for the same reason people love running, going fast, feeling like you're getting somewhere, and best of all doing it under your own power.

mihlbach

My favorite part about riding fixed on the road is when you are really cruising at a relatively fast but not insane cadence (like 24-28 mph with ~76 gear inches) and you find the energy to maintain the same cadence up and over a hill. I'm not talking about a wicked steep hill mind you, that would require mashing. I talking about some basic rolling hills where you can keep your hands in the drops and apply torque throughout the entire pedal stroke up and over the hill without losing any speed...that makes me feel like an unstoppable locomotive. I never get that powerful feeling on my roadie..changing gears just destroys the whole feeling.

My other favorite fixed feeling is what I would call "prowling". Thats when you are riding (or weaving) in an obstacle enriched environment (e.g. slow moving traffic or on a busy parking lot, or with a crowd of bikers, for example) and you more or less can invisibly modulate your speed without touching the brake. Its so smooth and quite and requires such focus that it reminds me of a cat stalking prey, hence the term prowling.

cosmo starr

i ride to get to places and i ride to get away from places, its perfect

Shiznaz

Perv!

mihlbach

Don't know why, but your post caused me to conjure up the image of a masked cyclist cat burglar.

dustinlikewhat

I need to get ahold of some of that

mihlbach

Or substitute with concentrated fish oil pills...its not as bad as it sounds.

k3nho

+1

DoshKel

But then it isn't veggie .

Dannihilator

I just simply enjoy sneeking up on geared riders without them even knowing until I pass them.

colnago57

I love flyin around on any one of my bikes, my fix especially. I started riding when my parents split and it was the perfect way to get away from everything and enjoy myself. Damn, I'm gonna go for a ride right now.

cointelpro

A great ride from Coney is taking Neptune Ave east through Sheepshead Bay and to Floyd Bennet Field. It's so cool out there, but kind of a hike from Manhattan.

schnee

Riding my bike takes me back to being a kid. I can go places that are inaccessible by car, and get there much faster than when I walk.

The city looks much different from a bike's perspective, too. I notice more. I meet people. I take my time. It's a great feeling.

sbcdestroy

my day begins and ends with a ride, I love it... riding brings me a greater sense of freedom and peace than anything ive ever tried. its my therapy, my relaxation, my exhileration, everything.