Let’s Talk about Why You Ride

I ride for simple reasons.  My bicycle carries me into life, not away from life.  It lets me see, feel, and hear what other transport machines keep from me.  It turns hills into friends and adversaries.  It turns routine trips into adventures.  It turns the changing seasons into my calendar, my strengthening heart into a watch.  My bicycle is a machine that gives much and takes little.  How can I not ride.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments everyone….you’ve helped build one incredible post.  Well Done.

I ride to improve my fitness, for the freedom of riding, enjoyment, satisfaction of achieving a distance or climb but mainly for the shear pleasure! It’s a way of life!
Riding in the morning sets you up for the rest of the day. You feel alive and awake and ready for what the day throws at you.
Getting out riding with friends and pushing each other

I ride because of the freedom it gives me. Makes me feel like a kid again! I like to push myself to go harder and further.  Great post and idea!  

To those who really know me, know that I ride for many reasons. I do refer to my riding (and a few other activities like surfing and rock climbing) as my Zen sports. I can’t ever shut my brain down for very long, and while Im out on my bike (or active in my Zen sports), I find peace. Before you start to think Im Schitzo and am quieting voices,.. well, I am in a way. See, my day to day job is one of huge mental and sometimes emotional strain. I work in Pediatric cancer research, and while being a two time Cancer survivor myself, I take my job to a very personal level. This is why I need the release of these activites. The monotony of the each pedal stroke is better than an hour on the couch talking to a shrink. Its an escape, and a think tank at the same time. It is also a key to the real world. When on the bike I feel as part of nature, part of what is important. Every ride, no matter how fast or slow, is reminding me of what is and what isnt real. Yes, as somebody who has experienced illness, it is also my cureall. It is something that I NEED to live. As dramatic as that seems, it is true in that I feel the most alive when clear thought and physical activity combine.
Yes, its great for the enviroment. Yes, it is great for health. And Yes, it is really part of who I am.
Incomplete without it.

Riding my bike encompasses a plethora of benefits and reasons for me.  Transportation, exercise, connecting with the outdoor environment, getting somewhere I may not normally go, therapy, exploring, connecting with other cyclists.  But mostly, I just love to be on my bike.  Be it mountain, road or single speed bamboo!

I ride because I love to ride. But there is more to it than just that. For me it is what caused me to lose 70 lbs (still have a few more to go) and to once again be fit and once again consider myself an athlete.

You can’t fool me, Darryl.  I know the proper Zen answer is:  “I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle.” 

Every time I ride, it makes me feel like a teenager again and I have an adventure!  Even if I’m just picking up something from the store or commuting, riding makes it a full experience.  Sometimes the adventures are scary because drivers don’t respect my space, or challenging because I’m not outfitted properly or feeling well, but usually they are fun and full of experiencing the world and the interconnectedness of things.  Riding fills me with energy and inspiration. 

Hmmmmm…its been awhile since ive thought of this.  I started riding cuz it was super fun and it got me in shape like nothing before, I was also really good at it right out of the gate.  That was from a racing/competing standpoint.  Then in college I rode for political reasons and the environment, and cuz at times it “got me the girl”(nice shaved legs back in the mid 90′s actually turned heads).  Lately, I dont know why I ride.  I suppose its time to find out again…which can make it that much more enjoyable!

I ride my bike for transport.  I ride for my health.  I ride to feel the breeze on my face.  I ride with my kids.  I could go on for a long time because just like you, I am loving my bike.

I ride for the feeling of freedom, connection back to my youth. The combination of getting out and seeing your neighborhood and other areas up close is great. All the while you’re getting a great workout and sharing time with friends. It’s an awesome way to spend your time.

I ride to enjoy every part of my day. Commuting or running errands in my car, I am in a hurry or anxious to get on to the next thing. Riding my bike to get where I am going anyway: I connect with my environment, my neighbors; I enjoy the details I notice, and the feeling of muscles well used.
I must admit, that using such a simple, elegant machine to get around (cheaply) also feeds my self-image. I love being smart, strong, and connected to my community, the way I am on my bike.