I have always loved biking. BMX, then mtb, then road/cx and now more road/commuter/exploring. I raced cc mtb decades ago, but decades of competing in multiple sports with impact and wear/tear injuries have taken a toll. I barely made it in the club (50s), but I am limited to biking, swimming and light weights. I want to tour or bikepack with my son, but he isn't quite ready. I commute when the family schedule permits because I need and enjoy exercise and env reasons coupled with limited free time. I bike with my border collie/heeler/jack russell mix because she needs an outlet. I squeeze in a fun ride on my cyclocross rig with mixed road/trail when I can because I love being out there on a bike.
On commutes I've seen many things that would go unnoticed: a 'grow' house in a trailor park, an owl hunting past dusk, hungry coyote pups calling for mom in the open space trails, how much people throw out on the street (especially glass
), a variety of birds including bald eagles and red tails picking off prarie dogs. There are also the other regulars (dog walkers, commuters, firemen on pt runs) to exchange a node/wave too. In summation, riding allows for a unique viewpoint and way to experience things.