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-   -   what makes cycling so much fun? (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=969816)

Insidious C. 09-03-14 08:51 PM

what makes cycling so much fun?
 
It seems such a simple activity. Repetitive even. But every ride puts a big smile on my face. Doesn't matter where I'm going. Why is this? A perplexing question well suited for the wise who inhabit Fifty Plus.

mcmoose 09-03-14 09:02 PM

I make no claim to be wise, but I'll toss out two possible smile-inducing aspects:

1) Mechanical Advantage -- bicycles are wonderful machines that magically increase the output of our physical efforts. There are a few elite humans who can run 15 mph... most of us can ride along at that speed (or much higher). There's an inherent pleasure in having that level of physical efficacy.

2) Near-Perfect Optic Flow Rate -- we are visual critters, and there's an intrinsic joy in watching the world flow by. But driving in a car is really too fast to appreciate the world around you (although there's another kind of fun in honing in on the road in a speeding car), and walking is too slow to be that visually interesting (unless you're surrounded by visual wonders). But biking -- that's pretty much a perfect pace.

JohnJ80 09-03-14 09:08 PM


Originally Posted by mcmoose (Post 17097813)
I make no claim to be wise, but I'll toss out two possible smile-inducing aspects:

1) Mechanical Advantage -- bicycles are wonderful machines that magically increase the output of our physical efforts. There are a few elite humans who can run 15 mph... most of us can ride along at that speed (or much higher). There's an inherent pleasure in having that level of physical efficacy.

2) Near-Perfect Optic Flow Rate -- we are visual critters, and there's an intrinsic joy in watching the world flow by. But driving in a car is really too fast to appreciate the world around you (although there's another kind of fun in honing in on the road in a speeding car), and walking is too slow to be that visually interesting (unless you're surrounded by visual wonders). But biking -- that's pretty much a perfect pace.


all that, but the real reason is endorphin release.

J.

Zinger 09-03-14 09:20 PM

The chance to get outside and enjoy the scenery close up. And yeah, Mechanical Advantage, Optic Flow and endorphins, lol.

Cognitive 09-03-14 10:00 PM

As a new cyclist of mediocre abilities (20 miles at 10-12 mph on MUP's) the best reason is mind cleansing.

Those of you who have been on a saddle for a while can do this automatically, much like we do driving. But cycling is not quite automatic for me yet, so there are lots of small tasks that need to be done, need to pay attention to the path (evil squirrels almost took out my wife last week), traffic, weather, hydration, and a zillion other things.

In other words, take your mind out of work, family, money, or the Chicago Cubs and focus it all on getting there and back. Amazing!

qcpmsame 09-03-14 10:18 PM

Its what has saved me from poor health and an unsatisfactory life style, I get out in the world, get to breath freely and benefit from that, its all in the win column for me with cycling.

Bill

OldsCOOL 09-04-14 04:38 AM

The faster you pedal, the faster you go.

OldsCOOL 09-04-14 04:39 AM


Originally Posted by qcpmsame (Post 17097982)
Its what has saved me from poor health and an unsatisfactory life style, I get out in the world, get to breath freely and benefit from that, its all in the win column for me with cycling.

Bill

This.

irwin7638 09-04-14 05:25 AM

1 Attachment(s)
It's a complicated question, but...
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=403773

qcpmsame 09-04-14 06:12 AM

^^^ FTW , great pic Marc!!!

modelmartin 09-04-14 06:18 AM

Freedom.

jon c. 09-04-14 06:21 AM

I don't really know, but it works for me.

GlennR 09-04-14 06:42 AM


Originally Posted by modelmartin (Post 17098438)
Freedom.

From all the daily pressures of life, work and family.

donheff 09-04-14 06:47 AM

I think there is a touch of meditation going on. The scenery and the need to control the bike pull your mind away from whatever ruminations may be occupying your mind and drop you back in the moment.

BlazingPedals 09-04-14 07:28 AM

It's fun because it's fun. Why look any further?

leob1 09-04-14 07:34 AM

When you loose yourself and find yourself at the same moment.

jjankie 09-04-14 07:48 AM


Originally Posted by leob1 (Post 17098600)
When you loose yourself and find yourself at the same moment.

Well put!

JohnJ80 09-04-14 08:38 AM


Originally Posted by leob1 (Post 17098600)
When you loose yourself and find yourself at the same moment.

that sounds like an old GPS I once had.

J.

wphamilton 09-04-14 08:51 AM

Beats the heck out of me. I know what I like about cycling but not what makes it fun. Just the thrills and the feeling of freedom is all I can come up with.

Biker395 09-04-14 09:33 AM

I've asked myself that question again and again.

I've had a lot of loves. Skiing, surfing, basketball, backpacking ... all kinds of stuff. But none has held my attention as closely or as long as cycling. Why?

I've come to the conclusion that it isn't for any one of the reasons mentioned above ... it's because it combines all of them together.

It's the ultimate road trip.
It's the camaraderie.
It's elemental transportation.
It's keeping me in reasonable shape.

At any one time, it's one or more of all those things.

nuke_diver 09-04-14 10:21 AM


Originally Posted by BlazingPedals (Post 17098579)
It's fun because it's fun. Why look any further?

/thread

Looigi 09-04-14 10:32 AM

Whatever it is, it's probably related to what makes hamsters like to run in wheels.

SA_Brak 09-04-14 11:25 AM

This:


Originally Posted by Robin Williams
the closest you can get to flying


dbg 09-04-14 11:50 AM

1. Increased speed from mechanical advantage
2. Increased optic flow rate (from the increased speed)

plus:

3. Increased emphasis on balance --similar to dancing
4. Increased fitness from aerobic demands
5. Increased range of travel (self contained)

personals:

6. something to work on with my hands
7. something to use in groups - socialize
8. something to use alone - meditate
9. something for artistic expression

10. Everything seems better when you worked hard to experience it.

on the path 09-04-14 12:20 PM

Cycling helps me maximize the moment and minimize all else. And it's usually a great moment.


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