My main reason for riding my bike is...
11-01-10, 07:07 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Colorado-California-Florida-(hopefully soon): Panama
Posts: 1,059
Bikes: Vintage GT Xizang (titanium mountain bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My main reason for riding my bike is...
WHY do we really ride our bikes? Not all the reasons, with the flowers and prose. What's the REAL reason you ride? Really.
Me, I think I do it because it simply makes me feel better. Granted, if I ride as long as I like, it makes me feel physically tired and exhausted. But the riding does something inside me - maybe it releases those brain chemicals. Maybe there's something primal inside my cells that needs the stimulation which exercise causes. But whatever is going on in my bio-chemistry, I feel good.
And why my bike? Why not jogging or swimming? I think I've become addicted to the exploration and adventure. I think I've become ADD over the years, and I can't tolerate boredom. In fact, I will load up my bike and drive several miles in search of a trail or road where I haven't been before, then ride half a day! I like the mental stimulation as well as the physical.
It makes me feel better!
Me, I think I do it because it simply makes me feel better. Granted, if I ride as long as I like, it makes me feel physically tired and exhausted. But the riding does something inside me - maybe it releases those brain chemicals. Maybe there's something primal inside my cells that needs the stimulation which exercise causes. But whatever is going on in my bio-chemistry, I feel good.
And why my bike? Why not jogging or swimming? I think I've become addicted to the exploration and adventure. I think I've become ADD over the years, and I can't tolerate boredom. In fact, I will load up my bike and drive several miles in search of a trail or road where I haven't been before, then ride half a day! I like the mental stimulation as well as the physical.
It makes me feel better!
11-01-10, 08:10 AM
#2
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Post-partisan Paradise
Posts: 4,938
Bikes: GF Wahoo '05, Trek T1000 '04, Lemond Buenos Aires '07
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
2 Posts
A poll question I was saving for the winter is this: do you ride to get TO something or AWAY from something?
11-01-10, 08:30 AM
#3
Artificial Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Cyberspace
Posts: 7,159
Bikes: Retrospec Judd, Dahon Boardwalk, Specialized Langster
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6859 Post(s)
Liked 5,564 Times
in
3,278 Posts
There are so many reasons I like to ride.
When I was a kid I had very vivid dreams of flying. No wings or machine. Just me pushing off the floor and making a mental effort to fly. And in my dreams, I did.
Riding my bike is as close as I can come to capturing that dream. I guess this is why I love descending a hill as fast as I can. Carving "S" turns for fun on an empty country road. Feeling the breeze on my face. I turn into a 57 year old kid. Flying.
When I was a kid I had very vivid dreams of flying. No wings or machine. Just me pushing off the floor and making a mental effort to fly. And in my dreams, I did.
Riding my bike is as close as I can come to capturing that dream. I guess this is why I love descending a hill as fast as I can. Carving "S" turns for fun on an empty country road. Feeling the breeze on my face. I turn into a 57 year old kid. Flying.
11-01-10, 08:46 AM
#4
Dharma Dog
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 2,073
Bikes: Rodriguez Shiftless street fixie with S&S couplers, Kuwahara tandem, Trek carbon, Dolan track
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
The omnipresent zen koan, but for those who may have been trapped in some Chilean mine and missed it:
Five students of a Zen master returned from the market on their bicycles. As they dismounted, their master asked : "Why are you riding your bicycles ?"
Each of them came up with different answers to their master's query.
The first student said "It is the bicycle that is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that my back has escaped the pain of bearing the weight"
The master was glad and said : " You are a smart boy. When you become old you will be saved of a hunch back unlike me"
The second student had a different answer. " I love to have my eyes over the trees and the sprawling fields as I go riding"
The teacher commended : "You have your eyes open and you see the world"
The third disciple came up with yet a different answer : " When I ride I am content to chant 'nam myoho renge kyo'"
The master spoke words of appreciation " Your mind will roll with ease like a newly trued wheel"
The fourth disciple said : "Riding my bicycle in live in perfect harmony of things"
The pleased master said " You are actually riding the golden path of non-harming or non violence"
The fifth student said " I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle"
The master walked up to him and sat at his feet and said "I am your disciple!"
> What other reason is there?
L.
Five students of a Zen master returned from the market on their bicycles. As they dismounted, their master asked : "Why are you riding your bicycles ?"
Each of them came up with different answers to their master's query.
The first student said "It is the bicycle that is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that my back has escaped the pain of bearing the weight"
The master was glad and said : " You are a smart boy. When you become old you will be saved of a hunch back unlike me"
The second student had a different answer. " I love to have my eyes over the trees and the sprawling fields as I go riding"
The teacher commended : "You have your eyes open and you see the world"
The third disciple came up with yet a different answer : " When I ride I am content to chant 'nam myoho renge kyo'"
The master spoke words of appreciation " Your mind will roll with ease like a newly trued wheel"
The fourth disciple said : "Riding my bicycle in live in perfect harmony of things"
The pleased master said " You are actually riding the golden path of non-harming or non violence"
The fifth student said " I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle"
The master walked up to him and sat at his feet and said "I am your disciple!"
> What other reason is there?
L.
11-01-10, 08:49 AM
#5
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,268
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1356 Post(s)
Liked 1,253 Times
in
629 Posts
It makes me feel better!
I sleep better.
I sleep better.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
11-01-10, 09:27 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 362
Bikes: 91 Specialized Sirrus, 96 Gary Fischer, 08 Specialized Roubaix Elite, 2010 Specialized Tricross Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride for several reasons. I love riding through the countryside with rolling hills, farms and forests. I always feel better after a ride. I do 2-3 rides per week with my club. Club members have become very good friends, we're like an extended family. It's all good!
11-01-10, 10:52 AM
#9
Wheezing Geezer
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Crowley, Tx
Posts: 1,782
Bikes: Bacchetta Corsa, RANS Stratus XP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fitness.
I love to just ride. I've really gotten into club riding and randonneuring. I've been surprised to find that I enjoy commuting to work by bike more than any of it, plus that saves me gasoline and wear and tear on my truck.
But the why of it will always be fitness.
I love to just ride. I've really gotten into club riding and randonneuring. I've been surprised to find that I enjoy commuting to work by bike more than any of it, plus that saves me gasoline and wear and tear on my truck.
But the why of it will always be fitness.
11-01-10, 11:10 AM
#12
Pedals, Paddles and Poles
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Vegas Valley, NV
Posts: 5,495
Bikes: Santa Cruz Tallboy, Ridley Noah, Scott Spark 20
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1233 Post(s)
Liked 69 Times
in
58 Posts
Started out as a need for fitness. I promised my wife I would outlive her, (she buried her first husband) and I was in pretty poor shape.
I had both hips replaced in 2008 and couldn't be a runner any more. Biking, specifically MTBing has grown from a need to get in shape necessity to an I love love chugging around these trails escape. I have also met some great people. I have taken a few tumbles on the trails and have learned to ride within my abilities because i want to do this for a long time to come. I do enjoy swimming and will do more of it this winter. Maybe next spring I will try biatalon.
Biking has really broaden all of the rest of my life for me.
I had both hips replaced in 2008 and couldn't be a runner any more. Biking, specifically MTBing has grown from a need to get in shape necessity to an I love love chugging around these trails escape. I have also met some great people. I have taken a few tumbles on the trails and have learned to ride within my abilities because i want to do this for a long time to come. I do enjoy swimming and will do more of it this winter. Maybe next spring I will try biatalon.
Biking has really broaden all of the rest of my life for me.
__________________
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
11-01-10, 11:20 AM
#13
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
I ride because I like to ride.
11-01-10, 11:24 AM
#14
Senior Member
I ride because I like it.
Fitness plays a part, being "green" plays a part.
Ridding with different groups of people, allows me to interact with many.
But mostly, I enjoy ridding, I love the quite of the sun rising.
The feeling of flying down a road, by myself.
I just like to ride my bike.
Fitness plays a part, being "green" plays a part.
Ridding with different groups of people, allows me to interact with many.
But mostly, I enjoy ridding, I love the quite of the sun rising.
The feeling of flying down a road, by myself.
I just like to ride my bike.
11-01-10, 12:09 PM
#15
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,325
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Like the OP I ride because the exercise makes me feel better.
I choose cycling over other forms of exercise because I enjoy riding more than walking, running, swimming, etc...
I choose cycling over other forms of exercise because I enjoy riding more than walking, running, swimming, etc...
11-01-10, 12:15 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SWMO
Posts: 3,185
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1400 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fun, fitness and arthritic knees.
__________________
It's all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.
It's all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.
11-01-10, 12:56 PM
#18
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
The main reason is fun.
Everything else (fitness, challenge, identity, community, entertainment, etc.) is a by-product (sub-unit?) of fun.
Rick / OCRR
Everything else (fitness, challenge, identity, community, entertainment, etc.) is a by-product (sub-unit?) of fun.
Rick / OCRR
11-01-10, 01:00 PM
#19
Senior Member
It makes me feel happy and healthier. Improves my mental outlook
Minimizes the use of our car and the need to buy petro.
Minimizes the use of our car and the need to buy petro.
__________________
Pray for the Dead and Fight like Hell for the Living
^ Since January 1, 2012
Pray for the Dead and Fight like Hell for the Living
^ Since January 1, 2012
11-01-10, 01:11 PM
#20
el padre
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: South East Kansas
Posts: 1,490
Bikes: Rans Stratus, ICE TRike, other assorted
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
what everyone else said but mainly to make my heart work hard for a while and make the blood flow faster....and I like the scenery, fresh air, etc.
11-01-10, 01:14 PM
#21
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
When I ride I'm free of pain in my legs letting my spirits soar! Walking for me is tough but put me on a bike and I'm very good!! 
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
11-01-10, 01:22 PM
#23
Thomm124
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Va Beach, VA
Posts: 53
Bikes: 2004 Litespeed Vortex
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'll agree with " because it makes me feel good!" But also....................
When I first got (back) into cycling in 2005, we were doing our normal 20 mile ride after work that we did a couple times per week. This time though was in the late fall and by the time we finished, it was nearly dark. As we were coming back into the main part of the town, we passed under a street light and I saw my shadow!! I was 50 at the time and the last time I saw a shadow of myself on a bike under a streetlight I was maybe 13 or 14 years old! It was a nice feeling but strange too. We stop doing things at different times in our lives and never even think about it. I used to love that streetlight shadow thing. Also, I was usually going FAST because I was suppose to be home before (or when) the streetlights came on.
So, maybe cycling also makes us feel good like we did when we were young.
When I first got (back) into cycling in 2005, we were doing our normal 20 mile ride after work that we did a couple times per week. This time though was in the late fall and by the time we finished, it was nearly dark. As we were coming back into the main part of the town, we passed under a street light and I saw my shadow!! I was 50 at the time and the last time I saw a shadow of myself on a bike under a streetlight I was maybe 13 or 14 years old! It was a nice feeling but strange too. We stop doing things at different times in our lives and never even think about it. I used to love that streetlight shadow thing. Also, I was usually going FAST because I was suppose to be home before (or when) the streetlights came on.
So, maybe cycling also makes us feel good like we did when we were young.
11-01-10, 01:30 PM
#24
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
I don't like walking. And as I drive for a living- I don't like driving either.
As I say- Don't like walking due to knee problems and driving 1200 miles a week I don't even drive my own car unless I have to. And the Cafe with pie is 10 miles away.
As I say- Don't like walking due to knee problems and driving 1200 miles a week I don't even drive my own car unless I have to. And the Cafe with pie is 10 miles away.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
11-01-10, 02:12 PM
#25
Just Ride
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 105
Bikes: Trek Domane 7 SLR // Cervelo R3T // Trek Madone 4.5 // Trek 6000D //Peugeot P6 (1986)//Motobecane Fantom Cross Team Titanium Cyclocross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Great stress relief, because I just like to ride!!!