Originally Posted by
JoeyBike
There is an entire BF thread dedicated to the definition of "recreational cyclist"
HERE.
For me, utility cycling is a forced march basically. Work, doctors, grocery, visiting friends and relatives across town i.e., bicycling with a PURPOSE and a destination/event/cause that is somehow related to work or getting through daily life using a bicycle as basic transportation.
RECREATIONAL CYCLING is everything else. Anytime you jump onto your bike with "fun" in mind and ride your bike for the sake of riding a bicycle because you WANT TO. You just want to ride the bicycle. Sure, your destination may be the ice cream shop or even the grocery for that matter. It is your state of mind that makes all the difference. I have bike toured across the USA 5 times fully self contained ON ROADS. This is called "recreational cycling" as well as bicycle touring. I was on vacation and my touring bike was my RV (recreational vehicle).
So perhaps your definition of recreation should be tweaked. Check the link I supplied above if you want more input on this topic.
Do not mean to pry or to belabor the point. I am sure Recreational Riding includes the whole gamut of possibilities.Like you said, a state of mind where the ride is just for the sheer enjoyment of it. But there is a segment of Recreatioal Riding that does not include any streets. Dedicated Bike Paths and Parks for instance. You said you gave up "all" Recreational Riding even that does not include any street riding. All of your objections involve street riding. I am just asking why give up non street riding Recreational Riding as a matter of curiosity. Don't mean to be bothersome.