Notices
General Cycling Discussion Have a cycling related question or comment that doesn't fit in one of the other specialty forums? Drop on in and post in here! When possible, please select the forum above that most fits your post!

Why do you ride?

Old 10-03-19, 02:43 PM
  #26  
ckolacny
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Kansas
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I peddle to improve my health.
ckolacny is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 03:34 PM
  #27  
delbiker1 
Mother Nature's Son
 
delbiker1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Posts: 3,111

Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 838 Post(s)
Liked 1,414 Times in 801 Posts
Because there is nothing else that gives me the same sense of child-like joy and freedom. When I am on a bicycle is when I feel most comfortable with myself, when I most have the feeling I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, when I am supposed to be doing it. Whether I am doing errands, commuting , joy riding, whatever the reason, I just plain love to ride a bicycle!
delbiker1 is offline  
Likes For delbiker1:
Old 10-03-19, 04:15 PM
  #28  
bpcyclist
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Portland
Posts: 1,115
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 451 Post(s)
Liked 364 Times in 227 Posts
First, it's a good physical workout. I don't lift weights anymore (I'm 55 now) because I never really enjoyed it. I don't care about having prominent muscles at my stage in life. Used to run marathons and I loved it. I can't run anymore because of an injury. Swimming just isn't in the cards. So, cycling's my workout. Second, it's an efficient form of transport in my car-clogged city. I can sometimes almost beat a car to a given destination, depending on traffic. And I'm not, like, a Tour rider or anything. So, I like that about my bike. And last but probably most importantly for me, it really, really helps with my bipolar disorder. My mood can be all over the place. But when I get on my bike and head out for a ride, all that stuff just falls away. And it's just me and my bike. My thoughts aren't an issue. I'm thinking about that car or my next turn or the debris up ahead. My mood is somehow miraculously always great when I am riding, no matter how bad of a day it was. Cycling brings me joy and peace--not infrequently the only joy and peace I will have all day. I literally do not know what I would do without it.
bpcyclist is offline  
Likes For bpcyclist:
Old 10-03-19, 04:31 PM
  #29  
horatio 
Hump, what hump?
 
horatio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SC midlands
Posts: 1,937

Bikes: See signature

Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 337 Post(s)
Liked 227 Times in 145 Posts
For fun, exercise, and some quality “alone time.” It’s also a great way to spend time with my oldest son.
__________________
2010 AB T1X ** 2010 Cannondale SIX-5 ** 1993 Cannondale RS900 ** 1988 Bottecchia Team Record ** 1989 Bianchi Brava ** 1988 Nishiki Olympic ** 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert(2) ** 1985 DeRosa Professional SLX ** 1982 Colnago Super ** 1982 Basso Gap ** 198? Ciocc Competition SL ** 19?? Roberts Audax ** 198? Brian Rourke ** 1982 Mercian Olympic ** 1970 Raleigh Professional MK I ** 1952 Raleigh Sports


horatio is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 05:21 PM
  #30  
pickettt
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 411

Bikes: DiamondBack Podium 7, Focus Raven 1.0, Ritchey BreakAway Cross, (2) Trek 8500, Paramount PDG 90, Trek T2000, Redline Flight Pro 24

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 160 Post(s)
Liked 57 Times in 33 Posts
It’s all I know.
pickettt is offline  
Likes For pickettt:
Old 10-03-19, 05:51 PM
  #31  
Flip Flop Rider
Senior Member
 
Flip Flop Rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: South Carolina Upstate
Posts: 2,104

Bikes: 2010 Fuji Absolute 3.0 1994 Trek 850

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 761 Post(s)
Liked 555 Times in 322 Posts
its a lifestyle choice
Flip Flop Rider is offline  
Likes For Flip Flop Rider:
Old 10-03-19, 06:00 PM
  #32  
Montag311
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 58
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Liked 14 Times in 4 Posts
Many of the reasons others have mentioned, but yeah, this.

Montag311 is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 06:53 PM
  #33  
one4smoke
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Nashville, TN.
Posts: 2,176

Bikes: 2020 Specialized Roubaix Comp SC - 2016 Specialized Roubaix SL4 - 2015 Giant Roam 2 Disc

Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 639 Post(s)
Liked 338 Times in 224 Posts
Yes, 'all of the above' #3 .

Plus, I really get a kick out of the look on someone's face when I tell them how many miles I rode that day.
one4smoke is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 07:04 PM
  #34  
MoAlpha
• —
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Land of Pleasant Living
Posts: 12,155

Bikes: Shmikes

Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10104 Post(s)
Liked 5,784 Times in 3,112 Posts
‘Cause it’s too far to walk.
MoAlpha is offline  
Likes For MoAlpha:
Old 10-03-19, 07:05 PM
  #35  
Metieval
Senior Member
 
Metieval's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,857

Bikes: Road bike, Hybrid, Gravel, Drop bar SS, hard tail MTB

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1218 Post(s)
Liked 298 Times in 214 Posts
One more reason is,

because I can RIDE to where ever, generally faster than I can clean the snow and Ice off the windshield of my car.
Metieval is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 07:11 PM
  #36  
Bassmanbob
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Posts: 981

Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Supersix EVO 3, 2015 Trek 520, 2017 Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, 2022 Moots Vamoots Disc RSL

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 282 Post(s)
Liked 267 Times in 140 Posts
Cycling offers the perfect ratio of speed to effort. Walking is OK for that too, but it's too slow for me. Running's ratio is way too low... relatively slow speed for lots of effort. I'm willing to do the effort, but I don't want to stand still either, so no treadmills or stationary bikes for me either. Although I will eventually get a stationary bike for poor weather training. Fortunately, that's not too often here in southeastern Florida. Swimming would be better for me if I didn't swim like a gorilla. I could never figure out why friends could casually tread water while I was working like a dog to remain alive. I was once told by a swim coach that some people are more buoyant than others. Apparently I am not very buoyant.

And like some others have mentioned, there's the cool gear, comradery and the enjoyment of being outside.
Bassmanbob is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 07:18 PM
  #37  
Leebo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North of Boston
Posts: 5,721

Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 854 Post(s)
Liked 111 Times in 66 Posts
Its quiets the voices in my head. I like to bike pack all over New England and get to see sights and sounds at a great pace. The smells too believe it or not. More importantly, I ride so the all the bikes in the garage don't gang up on me and beat my shins to a pulp.
Leebo is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 07:24 PM
  #38  
Jeff of Vt
Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 32
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
I got back into cycling as a replacement for running that doesn't trash joints over time. I've known too many serious runners that have required knee and hip replacements. The sport they usually switched to was cycling so I guess I'm ahead of the curve. It helps that I've always hated running despite being not that bad at it but always thoroughly enjoyed cycling. It's also made for a practical and much cheaper replacement for all other recreational, money-pit vehicles(such as motorcycles and sporty cars).
Jeff of Vt is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 08:12 PM
  #39  
mainaa471
Junior Member
 
mainaa471's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Augusta Maine
Posts: 15
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
For exercise fun adventure and I recently moved within sight of an amazing bike path/rail trail.
mainaa471 is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 08:28 PM
  #40  
Deal4Fuji
minimalist cyclist
 
Deal4Fuji's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,747

Bikes: yes please

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 1,626 Times in 935 Posts
All the above, but mostly - I like bikes. They're such efficient machines for moving people. Nothing beats riding a fast steady pace with barely a sound other than the slight humming of the chain on cogs & tires on pavement.

Last edited by Deal4Fuji; 10-03-19 at 08:40 PM.
Deal4Fuji is offline  
Old 10-03-19, 10:49 PM
  #41  
Hackman61
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Lakewood, WA
Posts: 125

Bikes: Matte black 2017 Specialized Sirrus, 2019 Salsa Journeyman, 2013 Cannondale Synapse

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Liked 15 Times in 12 Posts
Absolutely agree with every bit of this. Throw in high blood pressure and high LDL and thats why I ride. Being on my bike is my happy place.
Hackman61 is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 01:48 AM
  #42  
ctak
Full Member
 
ctak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 402
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 170 Post(s)
Liked 264 Times in 146 Posts
For the sake of fitness, fresh air and general sanity.
ctak is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 06:23 AM
  #43  
bruce19
Senior Member
 
bruce19's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,456

Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1722 Post(s)
Liked 1,272 Times in 734 Posts
I ride because I learn something about myself, the bike, the terrain and the sport on every ride. Literally.
bruce19 is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 06:45 AM
  #44  
DorkDisk
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,212

Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 991 Times in 484 Posts
I don't have to think
DorkDisk is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 08:35 AM
  #45  
DomaneS5
Fredly Fredster
 
DomaneS5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 639

Bikes: Trek Domane S5, Trek 1.1c, Motobecane Omni Strada Comp, Trek X-Caliber 6

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 207 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times in 14 Posts
Road bike: Fitness and to make rural folk cringe when they have to look at me in all of my lycra glory.

Mountain and Gravel: Fitness, peace and quiet... get away from the rat race for a few hours.
DomaneS5 is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 08:55 AM
  #46  
smullen
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Fredericktown, Mo
Posts: 67

Bikes: Trek 4900, Giant Anthem x 29er 4

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 21 Post(s)
Liked 16 Times in 10 Posts
Originally Posted by Fendertele
For exercise, fun, and getting outdoors and enjoying the scenery.
Nailed it. At least for me...
smullen is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 09:31 AM
  #47  
badger1
Senior Member
 
badger1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 5,093
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1566 Post(s)
Liked 1,163 Times in 591 Posts
Originally Posted by Montag311
Many of the reasons others have mentioned, but yeah, this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=8OhUJywiSUE
Someone should say something to those hands-off cyclists
badger1 is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 11:05 AM
  #48  
Korina
Happy banana slug
 
Korina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,753

Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1524 Post(s)
Liked 1,513 Times in 906 Posts
D) all of the above. Health, sanity, fun, transport. (I'd say 'cheap transport', but it's going to be a long time before my commuter pays for itself.) I have learned to love the sweat, feeling my muscles working, breathing hard, picking my line through rough pavement and debris. I love how easy it is to go from vehicle to pedestrian and back. I love going places I've never been. I love being self-reliant. I love riding my bike.
Korina is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 02:31 PM
  #49  
livedarklions
Tragically Ignorant
 
livedarklions's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613

Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times in 5,053 Posts
It definitely beats walking the bike or carrying it.
livedarklions is offline  
Old 10-04-19, 03:47 PM
  #50  
robnol
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 333
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 277 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times in 15 Posts
Originally Posted by BicycleThesis
I've been training for a triathlon, and biking is a huge part. It is one of the main reasons I have started, but I can see myself continuing after the triathalon. It is super addictive.
I ride so I can body shame the rest of fat America..... that is a lot of people....
robnol is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.