How important is bicycling to you?
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 456
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Urban sprawl is so ugly and wasteful. San Antonio Texas is one of the worst I've lived in. To get anywhere you have to jump on the million lane interstate. It was a miserable place to live.
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 7,143
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 261 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
Wow! I guess my experience was similar in the past but since my accident, I've limited my bicycling to the weekends. The bus and train are more important to me for commuting purposes today like most of those who are carfree. Public transit is an option and I have the bicycle as an emergency should that not be the case. Furthermore, in situation when transit can't take me to a certain location, I have my bicycle with me to complete the journey especially if it's miles from the stop.
I've tried living with public transit alone and could not do it. I was unhappy with limited schedules and locations. With my bicycle, I actually enjoy using both again.
I've tried living with public transit alone and could not do it. I was unhappy with limited schedules and locations. With my bicycle, I actually enjoy using both again.
#53
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
How important is bicycling to you?
My cycling kind of died off for a few years in my late teens/early 20s, but then I renewed my acquaintance with cycling 23 years ago for the fun of it, of course, and also for fitness. I was already walking and had started bodybuilding, but added cycling for the cardio. After a couple years, I determined that I enjoyed cycling more than bodybuilding, so I focussed on that.
A number of years later, I got into racing ... and then randonneuring and other long-distance cycling ... and then touring (although I had dabbled in touring before). It's the challenge, the excitement, the adventure, the discovery.
I've commuted by bicycle in that time too, but mostly as training for racing and randonneuring. And for quite a few years, it allowed me to sleep in! Taking the bus took about 45 minutes ... cycling took 20 minutes. I'll take an extra 25 minutes of sleep.
And I've ridden all sorts of different bicycles in that time ... all part of the fun.
For me ... the journey is just as important as the destination.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#54
Jacob Lighter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Texas, USA
Posts: 29
Bikes: Huffy Holiday 1970s
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Very important. The first 3 years of college I lived within 5 miles of school and would commute by bike almost every day of the year(exceptions would be when I was sick or it was raining/snowing, in which case I would use my car or preferably take a bus). I'm staying in a different house this year that is considerably further away from school, which wouldn't be a problem but half of the commute is on highly trafficked roads with no bike lane and to be completely honest I'm pretty scared to try it. I've been making the commute to school with my car, but still do all of my local errands on bike and if there are no errands to do, I try and get atleast 4 or 5 miles in and without fail I feel like a million bucks afterwards. I totally agree with Roody on the idea that it's about the journey, not the destination. When I lived on the other side of town, I used to commute to the mall(5 miles) and when I got there I would walk around for about 15 minutes and couldn't wait to ride my bike back. Also the feeling that you can transport yourself and not spend any money or be dependent on gas or a car is just awesome.
#55
Senior Member
Very important. The first 3 years of college I lived within 5 miles of school and would commute by bike almost every day of the year(exceptions would be when I was sick or it was raining/snowing, in which case I would use my car or preferably take a bus). I'm staying in a different house this year that is considerably further away from school, which wouldn't be a problem but half of the commute is on highly trafficked roads with no bike lane and to be completely honest I'm pretty scared to try it. I've been making the commute to school with my car, but still do all of my local errands on bike and if there are no errands to do, I try and get atleast 4 or 5 miles in and without fail I feel like a million bucks afterwards. I totally agree with Roody on the idea that it's about the journey, not the destination. When I lived on the other side of town, I used to commute to the mall(5 miles) and when I got there I would walk around for about 15 minutes and couldn't wait to ride my bike back. Also the feeling that you can transport yourself and not spend any money or be dependent on gas or a car is just awesome.
I have coped with the busy highway route in the past, but the traffic volumes have increased. It's the one area where the bicycling infrastructure has fallen down a bit.
#56
Just a person on bike
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,140
Bikes: 2015 Trek 1.1, 2021 Specialized Roubaix, 2022 Tern HSD S+
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 132 Post(s)
Liked 86 Times
in
56 Posts
I ride because I love to ride. The most obvious benefits — saving money, going green, keeping in shape — matter far less than the pleasure I get from a good ride. It's a special experience on a hot summer day, in spring or fall and on a snowy road in winter.
If the love of cycling ever goes away, it's time to put away the bike and find another way of getting around. But I don't see that happening.
If the love of cycling ever goes away, it's time to put away the bike and find another way of getting around. But I don't see that happening.
__________________
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
#57
Senior Member
I was really into it my HS/College days… then burned out. Now after knee injuries+ surgery is one of the few forms of exercise I can do ( and enjoy)… so I'm back into it again.
#58
Sophomoric Member
Very important. The first 3 years of college I lived within 5 miles of school and would commute by bike almost every day of the year(exceptions would be when I was sick or it was raining/snowing, in which case I would use my car or preferably take a bus). I'm staying in a different house this year that is considerably further away from school, which wouldn't be a problem but half of the commute is on highly trafficked roads with no bike lane and to be completely honest I'm pretty scared to try it. I've been making the commute to school with my car, but still do all of my local errands on bike and if there are no errands to do, I try and get atleast 4 or 5 miles in and without fail I feel like a million bucks afterwards. I totally agree with Roody on the idea that it's about the journey, not the destination. When I lived on the other side of town, I used to commute to the mall(5 miles) and when I got there I would walk around for about 15 minutes and couldn't wait to ride my bike back. Also the feeling that you can transport yourself and not spend any money or be dependent on gas or a car is just awesome.
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Atlanta, GA. USA
Posts: 3,804
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Disc Trucker
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1015 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I ride because I love to ride. The most obvious benefits — saving money, going green, keeping in shape — matter far less than the pleasure I get from a good ride. It's a special experience on a hot summer day, in spring or fall and on a snowy road in winter.
If the love of cycling ever goes away, it's time to put away the bike and find another way of getting around. But I don't see that happening.
If the love of cycling ever goes away, it's time to put away the bike and find another way of getting around. But I don't see that happening.
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 85
Bikes: Trek 520 Disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bicycling started out as a way for me to get healthier. It has since evolved into a very important part of my life. I ride everyday and can't imagine life now without riding in it.
#61
In the right lane
#62
Senior Member
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 932
Bikes: '04 LeMond Buenos Aires, '82 Bianchi Nuova Racing, De Rosa SLX, Bridgestone MB-1, Guerciotti TSX, Torpado Aelle, LeMond Tourmalet 853, Bridgestone Radac
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Liked 46 Times
in
36 Posts
Basically, an automobile owns you and you own a bicycle. Consider how much information is on a state's DMV website concerning just the ownership aspect of a vehicle.
I find bicycling to be about freedom, among all the other things previously pointed out. I pedal past people at bus stops in Las Vegas in July and think "I'd rather be getting somewhere in this heat than standing still waiting for a ride."
I find bicycling to be about freedom, among all the other things previously pointed out. I pedal past people at bus stops in Las Vegas in July and think "I'd rather be getting somewhere in this heat than standing still waiting for a ride."
#64
Sophomoric Member
Basically, an automobile owns you and you own a bicycle. Consider how much information is on a state's DMV website concerning just the ownership aspect of a vehicle.
I find bicycling to be about freedom, among all the other things previously pointed out. I pedal past people at bus stops in Las Vegas in July and think "I'd rather be getting somewhere in this heat than standing still waiting for a ride."
I find bicycling to be about freedom, among all the other things previously pointed out. I pedal past people at bus stops in Las Vegas in July and think "I'd rather be getting somewhere in this heat than standing still waiting for a ride."
Even the marketers of automobiles seem to realize that bikes are the best symbols of freedom. If you look closely, many (maybe even most) car commercials have a bike somewhere in them. You might not have ever noticed these bikes, but now that I've mentioned it, you probably will.
Could this be one reason why people in cars often resent our presence on bikes? Might they be envious of the freedom we enjoy while they are imprisoned in little metal boxes?
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"
#65
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
Cycling has been an integral part of my life since I was born. I was born into a cycling family. And for the most part, we cycle for fun ... adventure ... a chance to travel and see the world. It is a lifestyle. I can't imagine living in a house without at least one bicycle in it ... and bicycle equipment, tools, gear, kit, books, magazines, stuff ... and ornaments. I've been surrounded by it all as long as I can remember.
My cycling kind of died off for a few years in my late teens/early 20s, but then I renewed my acquaintance with cycling 23 years ago for the fun of it, of course, and also for fitness. I was already walking and had started bodybuilding, but added cycling for the cardio. After a couple years, I determined that I enjoyed cycling more than bodybuilding, so I focussed on that.
A number of years later, I got into racing ... and then randonneuring and other long-distance cycling ... and then touring (although I had dabbled in touring before). It's the challenge, the excitement, the adventure, the discovery.
I've commuted by bicycle in that time too, but mostly as training for racing and randonneuring. And for quite a few years, it allowed me to sleep in! Taking the bus took about 45 minutes ... cycling took 20 minutes. I'll take an extra 25 minutes of sleep.
And I've ridden all sorts of different bicycles in that time ... all part of the fun.
For me ... the journey is just as important as the destination.
My cycling kind of died off for a few years in my late teens/early 20s, but then I renewed my acquaintance with cycling 23 years ago for the fun of it, of course, and also for fitness. I was already walking and had started bodybuilding, but added cycling for the cardio. After a couple years, I determined that I enjoyed cycling more than bodybuilding, so I focussed on that.
A number of years later, I got into racing ... and then randonneuring and other long-distance cycling ... and then touring (although I had dabbled in touring before). It's the challenge, the excitement, the adventure, the discovery.
I've commuted by bicycle in that time too, but mostly as training for racing and randonneuring. And for quite a few years, it allowed me to sleep in! Taking the bus took about 45 minutes ... cycling took 20 minutes. I'll take an extra 25 minutes of sleep.
And I've ridden all sorts of different bicycles in that time ... all part of the fun.
For me ... the journey is just as important as the destination.
I'll just add this ....
Despite the fact that an illness (DVT) took a lot out of me for about a year from 2009, I still cycled. Not as much as I had, and I found it extremely frustrating that I couldn't do what I could before, but I still got out there and rode and rode and rode. I've been plugging away at it for the last few years ... and finally this year I actually feel strong enough to start doing longer rides again. As summer comes on, we'll see how we go!
Meanwhile, the bicycles have always been there. We actually had to get a house with the storage capacity for them all. I can't imagine life without bicycles.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#66
Sophomoric Member
This thread is only three years old. Why, it's barely had time to get ripe!
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"
#67
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
How important is bicycling to you?
@Machka, I’m always amused at how you resurrect these threads.
Anyways, since I never posted to this current thread, here is my most profound reflection on the question:
I'll just add this ....
Despite the fact that an illness (DVT) took a lot out of me for about a year from 2009, I still cycled... and finally this year I actually feel strong enough to start doing longer rides again. As summer comes on, we'll see how we go!
Meanwhile, the bicycles have always been there. We actually had to get a house with the storage capacity for them all. I can't imagine life without bicycles.
Despite the fact that an illness (DVT) took a lot out of me for about a year from 2009, I still cycled... and finally this year I actually feel strong enough to start doing longer rides again. As summer comes on, we'll see how we go!
Meanwhile, the bicycles have always been there. We actually had to get a house with the storage capacity for them all. I can't imagine life without bicycles.
…My main reason to reply to this thread [”What stops you from riding?"] though is to ask, even rhetorically, why was this thread resurrected by the above post on 8/13/15, after the last preceding on 5/15/13?
My magic moment when I realized what makes cycling fun (important) to me was at a lunch with two doctors about 20 years ago. We got to talking about the vicissitudes of life, like sudden death, or trival symptoms as harbingers of a serious disease. We eventually came around to that old chestnut to live life to the fullest everyday.
As we were leaving, the surgeon, a marathon runner, said, “Well, any day with a run in it is a good day for me.” I was already an avid cyclist and cycle commuter, and that clicked with me, any day with a ride in it is a good day for me.
As we were leaving, the surgeon, a marathon runner, said, “Well, any day with a run in it is a good day for me.” I was already an avid cyclist and cycle commuter, and that clicked with me, any day with a ride in it is a good day for me.
#68
Senior Member
I'm glad that a thread that is actually about bicycling and bicycles, and not subjects such as prairie ecology and cockroaches, has been revived.
For me bicycles are a useful form of transportation, perhaps within a radius of five miles. It is efficient and often quicker than dirving
I've toured, including a tour across N America, and a number of tours in Europe.
I enjoy rehabbing old bikes that I get from the dump or yard sales. This feeds my inner mechanic.
I guess if bicycles didn't exist, I'd ride a horse.
For me bicycles are a useful form of transportation, perhaps within a radius of five miles. It is efficient and often quicker than dirving
I've toured, including a tour across N America, and a number of tours in Europe.
I enjoy rehabbing old bikes that I get from the dump or yard sales. This feeds my inner mechanic.
I guess if bicycles didn't exist, I'd ride a horse.
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
I'm glad that a thread that is actually about bicycling and bicycles, and not subjects such as prairie ecology and cockroaches, has been revived.
For me bicycles are a useful form of transportation, perhaps within a radius of five miles. It is efficient and often quicker than dirving
I've toured, including a tour across N America, and a number of tours in Europe.
I enjoy rehabbing old bikes that I get from the dump or yard sales. This feeds my inner mechanic.
I guess if bicycles didn't exist, I'd ride a horse.
For me bicycles are a useful form of transportation, perhaps within a radius of five miles. It is efficient and often quicker than dirving
I've toured, including a tour across N America, and a number of tours in Europe.
I enjoy rehabbing old bikes that I get from the dump or yard sales. This feeds my inner mechanic.
I guess if bicycles didn't exist, I'd ride a horse.
I live in Kenmore Square, cycle commute year round, and too have cycled across the USA. So true, +10, about cycling as transportation in The Olde Towne.
Jim
#70
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
And, as ironwood noticed ... it's about bicycles!
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#71
~>~
A stunning abnormality, and refreshing.
Just got back in from a long fixed gear ride, it's important to ride FG to maintain the supple powerful pedaling style that is useful for riding a bicycle.
Getting that free range chicken and a bag of fresh veg back from the farmer's mkt on the town bike is worth the effort.
-Bandera
Just got back in from a long fixed gear ride, it's important to ride FG to maintain the supple powerful pedaling style that is useful for riding a bicycle.
Getting that free range chicken and a bag of fresh veg back from the farmer's mkt on the town bike is worth the effort.
-Bandera
#72
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: I'm in Helena Montana again.
Posts: 1,402
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Bicycling isn't important to me as it once was. I don't own one now. What is important to me is that all people have access to safe cycling routes. What I want is for as many people as possible to want to bicycle more places than they do now.
My two wheel ride is a Xootr. I love scootering more than cycling because of the physical motion needed to use one. It is more pleasant to me than cycling. It is slower though. I'm considering taking up inline skating. If I love that then I might sell the Xootr.
My two wheel ride is a Xootr. I love scootering more than cycling because of the physical motion needed to use one. It is more pleasant to me than cycling. It is slower though. I'm considering taking up inline skating. If I love that then I might sell the Xootr.
#74
Sophomoric Member
This is rich--coming from two of the top contributors on the threads that are NOT about bicycling. If you don't like a thread, you can always skip over it without penalty. If you do post repeatedly on it, I assume you must be enjoying it, or else you are a compulsive masochist.Which is it???
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"
#75
Sophomoric Member
Me too! I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic about 20 years ago, but kept it at bay with a good diet and lots of exercise. Then it evolved into full-blown diabetes when I was sick with something else. For a while I was even on insulin. But now that I'm able to exercise again, my blood sugars have fallen back to normal levels with no insulin needed. Weight loss contributes to the control of diabetes--also helped by exercise. Even blood pressure and cholesterol are controlled fully or in part by exercise and diet.
__________________
"Think Outside the Cage"