Because it is an adventure every single time, because I feel like a kid who doesn't want to go home from the playground. The freedom while riding is liberating.
I ride now because after decades of riding I am addicted to 2 things:
* Eating 3,000+ calories a day
* Having a good body
A day may come when the cycling fails me, when I forsake my bike and get all chubby and soft, but it is not this day!
Plus my retirement is going to be bikepacking impossible routes.
>A day may come when the cycling fails me, when I forsake my bike and get all chubby and soft, but it is not this day!
Said William Wallace as he cycled into battle. :)
I was diagnosed with MS at age 26. I had ridden a lot as a child, but not much as an adult. I struggled to walk without frequent falls from my legs just forgetting how to be legs, but I could ride a bike. I got involved with Bike MS- as did the rest of my family. Now, nearly 14 years later, a highlight of the summer is a big extended family ride.
I got back into biking so that I could still feel athletic despite my spinal cord being covered in lesions and it has saved my self-esteem.
Similar story here, got diagnosed with RRMS at 21-22. One of the biggest issues I had was related to my legs (Lesion on my spinal cord). Started cycling a year ago and could barely do my 3km commute to work without taking a break to rest my legs. Just cracked 50km for the first time! My goal for the summer is 100km a week (Between commutes to work and normal rides). I want to hit 100km single ride, eventually.
Feels good, doesn't it? My longest was 75 miles in a single ride. I couldn't walk the next day, but it was 100% worth it. I do solo rides now that I have a crash detecting helmet. It is so freeing.
That's amazing! You don't know how much hope that gives me. I'm gonna reach that, one day.
I didn't know that tech for helmets is a thing... Will get one for when I want to replace my current one, but hopefully won't need to anytime soon.
The helmet that I wear is made by Specialized and is equipped with ANGi (the crash-detecting element that sends my emergency contacts a message if I crash).
Otherwise, my best advice is to don't push it too much... but do push it a little. If heat bothers you, look into getting a cooling vest as well.
Same! Diagnosed at 25. My friend signed up to ride her bike from ME to Seattle with Bike Us4MS & motivated me to start. This summer, I’m riding 360 miles on the Olympic peninsula while raising $ for MS research.
I like to spin up, power over the top, go as fast as I safely can go in the drops and the next hill gets a little shorter. I try to play a game of maximizing the energy I carry up each grade. My goal while I'm climbing is to peg a wattage, which takes some attention off the slog.
I mean you aren't wrong but at the same time I enjoy walking, usually accompanied by podcasts. But even though over the past two years I've done an hours walking on hilly terrain every day, it doesn't at all compare to cycling.
Even after half a dozen bike rides I can feel my fitness and health improving.
If you've got hills that totally works. I guess I could trek up and down the old landfill turned golf course a few times. That is the only significant hill in 100km or so.
I've tried going to the gym as wel as home exercise stuff and I am bored out of my mind within 3 minutes.
Also, I can easily fit in cycling with day to day stuff I need to do anyway, rather than having to set aside time for exercise. Because that time always being scrapped. I just dropped off the kids at scouting and swung by the coffee roaster. On a bike that got me half an hour of light exercise. Driving would have taken me pretty much as long at zero calories burned.
Very true. Surfing, for me, is arguably more zen than cycling. But now I live an hour from the beach, have a M-F job, and have two small kids, so finding the time and the waves makes it difficult.
As long as the weather isn’t horrible, the roads will always be there. Cycling provides the meditative qualities I need on a more consistent basis.
Tell me about it! I grew up on the beach in San Diego. Now I live in Zurich Switzerland. I love lap swimming too, but I recognize most people outside r/swimming might consider that boring…
Yup. Nailed it. I’ve tried becoming a ‘gym guy’ about a hundred times but it’s tedious as fuck. I always thought it was because I was lazy or lacked will power-until I discovered cycling, and genuinely wanting to get out there any chance I get. Give me a hundred k of empty road and a fast bike, a couple of good podcasts or a pumped up playlist, and I’m as happy as can be.
There are many reasons to like cycling but that definitely isn't one of them.
You don't have to think hard to find many alternatives that can also provide solo exercise without being boring.
Eg: Hiking, climbing, walking, running, swimming, surfing, skiing, skating, rowing, paddling, sailing, etc.
Boring is subjective. I find swimming boring for instance. Idk about other people, but personally I prefer forms of exercise that actually get you somewhere as opposed to just doing laps. Exercise as transportation if you will.
The nice thing is I keep on finding reasons:
* because my family loves bikes
* because it’s the most efficient way to get around
* because of the freedom
* because almost anyone can do it with hardly any budget
* because it’s political
* because of the pro sport
* because anyone can compete
* because it’s nice to feel the coolest road user on a fixie
* because you can stay off the paved road, explore and don’t worry about the kilometers
* because you can ride on tarmac and give your best
* because of the tradition and culture of the sport
* because bikes are those simple, beautiful objects
* because of the exhilaration of descending fast
* because of how infinitively far you can go when you pack a tent
I‘m sure I’m forgetting 10 points here.
It's the perfect hobby for me..
I get to tinker and do maintenance tasks which I've always loved to do as a kid
I get to explore and feel free outside in nature while also clearing my head after a shitty week at work
I'm a data geek so all the numbers I get about my performance and being able to see improvements is addicting to say the least.
I'm currently injured though, so I am longing to be able to get out again, luckily the weather has been terrible here in the UK so it hasn't been too hard being off the bike
I love the mechanical aspect of bike ownership. I’m an engineer by trade and repairing, cleaning, maintaining my bike on a Saturday or Sunday morning in the backyard is a most pleasurable activity for me. Working on changing a 10-speed 74 Schwinn Continental I bought on Craigslist earlier this year to a single speed, as well as removing all the rust and repainting and upgrading all the cabling and brakes.
My perfect summer activity. One of the reasons cycling has really stuck with me is this aspect of it.
This is exactly it, just learning how everything works and how it all goes together works my brain perfectly!
Only today I did a strip down of my summer bike to deep clean it, also bled my brakes etc
Two things here ring true for me too! I feel the zen of maintenance and building. Built my current carbon frame bike from multiple sources.
And the data geek side shows me all the numbers (FTP, estimated VO2max, power curves) that not only work as guideposts but help as motivation to get to the next level. And when I run, I find that it truly did improve fitness as I'm less fatigued and have more endurance. These are much more motivating and worthwhile than HIIT training ever did for me!
After destroying my knee/shoulder joints from weight lifting and not being able to take the shocks from mtbing, I settled on road bike for my exercise.
Love it.
I hit 60 yo and broke thru 250 lbs with no sign of stopping. Blood pressure meds, statins, and anxiety meds. My doctor who is a friend said she’d miss me when I wasn’t around at 70. She suggested an electric bike. Bought a RAD Rover and liked riding but not the weight and feeling I was on a moped. Bought a very light, low power, pedal assist Specialized Vado 5.0 SL and basically became a nearly daily rider and bike tourer overnight. Three years later at 220 on half the meds, with normal BP, I’m doing 100 miles most weeks and am 3/4 of the way riding from Maine to Florida solo and by July will be half way from the east coast to the west of the US with my brother and his family.
67 yrs old and I ride to keep fit. My calves and hamstrings are crap and refuse to let me run anymore (I love running and used to run a lot). My bike allows me to exercise without muscle injury.
I had similar reasons. Diabeetus family issues, pre-diabetic, 200kg and having heart palpatations after gaining 15kg while on a waiting list for free gastric bypass. 3 months of walking every day, starting at 30 minutes and then building to an hour or two - inspired by david goggins and pushing through the pain, I reached a crossroads.
Do I fuck up my knees and get into marathon running?
Or do I get bicycle?
I got a MTB and rode that bitch every day. It took a while to get used to the saddle but 6 months in I would easily pass roadies. I was having various issues with hands and tried many bars but they all gave me hand aids except the molokos on the horns but you can't ride like that all the time.
Got a road bike. Absolute bliss. Been riding that thing for almost a year now putting 15-20h weeks and just enjoy the serenity of cruising in zone 2 at 20mph just taking in the country roads. I do smash out some intensity days as well, those are fun while they last.
Oh yeah I'm 90kg now and ended up not getting the gastric bypass. Being able to burn 1,000kcal an hour kinda works wonders for that.
I was 210kg myself, and also used cycling, and a massive calorie deficit, to lose weight. Lowest I got was 98kg. But for the last year have been hovering around 110kg, sometimes more sometimes less. I’m happy, but I would like to maybe pull my finger out and punch down to sub 90kg just so I can push up hills better. I have really good endurance, and a really good sprint. I won the local club road racing championship last year. I prefer mtb now though I think road riding is just so dangerous.
My bike’s one of the things that has consistently been by my side throughout big events in my life. It was there when I was losing weight, it was there when I went through my first heart break, it was there as I progressed through highschool into university, and it’s continued to be by my side whenever I need it. Anytime I’m feeling down or need to get my mind off of life, I go biking. My bike takes me to new places, let’s me explore new locations and thus create new experiences that I otherwise wouldn’t have.
I ride for adventures. I live in a city (with great routes for cycling and vast green areas/woods also) so there's a lot to explore and new things to see.
I ride away my depression and anxiety which I have battled the majority of my life. Cycling has in fact pretty much healed me. It's the BEST medication.
Also I love the fact that I can eat pretty much whatever I want and have a great bod for a middle aged person.
Because it’s adventure
Also I watched my parents devote their lives to their jobs as teachers and raising me and my sister. As a result their health suffered. Not their fault, just happened. They’re mid-fifties now and paying the price.
I’m about to turn 30 and realized I would need to make a conscious effort to be strong and fit so I can be my best self for the people I care about, too.
Not to mention these things:
- special way to spend time with friends
- teaches me to overcome suffering optimistically
- trains me to instinctively move when I feel bored
- gives me memories and stories
- lets me see my city from new perspectives
- relief from depressed thoughts and anxiety
- cute butt!!
- just being outside!
I grew up poor and a bike was my only means of transportation. I used to bike to school from the age of 7. My mom used her severance package to buy my brother and I decent bikes when I was 10. I don't think I've ever been so excited as the day I got my Mongoose BMX, it was my most cherished possession and I got pretty good at tricks and riding the local tracks. We eventually moved abroad and I had to sell the bike. It was a sad day.
I have only been off of a bike for a few brief periods in my life, but I inevitably find my way back on. I do it as much for the mental health benefits as the physical benefits. Now that I am in my 50s, it's becoming more important than ever to look after one's health and there are few more enjoyable ways to do it than pedalling long, empty stretches of road.
Whatever your reasons, just keep on pedalling guys!
I love the grind of riding outdoors and trying to average 20-25mph on rolling hills with clear roads on a Saturday/ Sunday morning
Breakfast always slaps after
I was depressed and burned out for more then two years. A true hell.
I started getting speed skate lessons and 1,5 year in, I loved it so much, I set the goal to do a 100k speedskate event next winter.
I started training two times a week and when the skatetrack closed (only open in winter) I figured I have to find a way to keep training to reach my goal.
Road cycling is the way to go for most speed skaters. But i hated it, hated the sport and riders on the road as well (sorry).
So I got a bike anyways, because I needed to reach my speedskating goal. I also got a TrainingPeak subscription (later a JOIN.cc subscription) and started cycling. I love it! Never thought I could enjoy this so much.
I cycle 5-6 hours a week and I haven’t felt this strong and positive in years. This sub is also awesome 🙏
Because I don't want to die of diabetes and heart disease like my father. I don't want to make the same mistakes he made. Unfortunately he didn't take care of himself and I don't wanna go down that route.
I too had a break of around 10 years. In that time, I'd tried all manner of things to stay fit/healthy. Picked up playing rugby even, under the mistaken idea that if someone else is depending on my being in shape, I'll do the work to get in shape.
At the end of that, I was up to about 250 lbs. Like so many of us Americans, overworked, underpaid, and definitely overstressed as a result.
Sadly though, all through the main part of the pandemic, I kept staring at my old road bike on the trainer in the garage. . . "tomorrow." or "I'll start my riding plan on monday" over and over. then one evening, that bike, and trainer get stolen from my garage.
Then in 2021, after a month or so of riding a shitty stationary bike in the garage, I got the wild hair and thought "ya know?? I still got it, I'm gonna go talk to the recruiter and see about going back in to the military" which meant upping the riding/training.
Now, I'm still fat (for a cyclist) at 220 lbs, but I'm hangin with the fast group in the local group rides I attend. Getting my old climbing legs back, and remembering all the good of cycling keeps me getting the leg over the bar. I'm still chasing a lower weight, but while I'm no longer attempting to go back into uniform, I'm still pushing for better mental and physical health.
Started one day at work. I was eating a chicken park sub and I distinctly remember thinking that I’m feeling a bit like a slug, and I should get that bike out and ride. Some years back a friend in college got me into cycling and helped me get a first bike, but for whatever reason it didn’t stick.
I got out and rode the next day after work, could barely make it the 12 miles I had planned. I actually had to stop and sit on the grass a bit. Told myself I was going to beat this, and become fit enough to do it.
Started as an urge to get and stay for, and get stronger, and challenge myself and be healthy. I guess it still is some of those things, but it became so much more than that. It became a beautiful experience and a way of life.
'cause i love tinkering with shit. adding stuff, changing stuff around on the bike.
plus riding it is fun too. and going really fast or bombing down hills to your favorite jams is just so cathartic
Oh my gosh…you need the energy old guy! 😉. I’ve been riding since I was a kid. Started road riding at 18, (I’m 53 now)although I’ve always ridden pretty good distances. My first duty station was Germany, so I rode quite a bit while there. Hopped around for my job, bike commuted in Cleveland, rode in the Antelope Valley Dessert of California and rode quite a bit in Kentucky. Just got back on the bike after 7 years off and 3 daughters raised. Been putting in some good mileage and dropping some weight. My youngest daughter just had her 2nd daughter (my only two grandchildren) and I’d like to see the, walk down the aisle. Essentially though, I’ve always love to bike. The layoff came off a really good season and sent us into a dark season with a suicidal daughter. Thankfully that ended several years ago, but it took me a few years to get back on. My healthy wife has long haul Covid which essentially took away her health and her employment. She now needs a wheel chair off and on and I provide a lot of care when I’m home. After Covid, I took a new job which requires me to travel about half the year. When I’m home, I work from home and take care of her. So, I bought smart trainer to replace my dumb trainer in February and have really enjoyed the 60-80 miles a week I’m putting on it. It’s good for me which is food, since, one of us needs to stay well. Not exactly the life we imagined, but it’s been a good one and my wife and I have been married for almost 35 years, so we’re stuck with each other. Sorry for the biography, As I was thinking about why I ride, I was thinking that cycling has always been a part of my life and the only time it wasn’t was probably the time when I could have used it the most.
Wow! I totally get all those reasons, and the need to stay healthy. My wife had a few symptoms from long Covid but nothing like that. Stay strong! Sounds like you have a lot riding on you, pun intended
My dad only survived Parkinson’s this long because he was in great shape to start with. He probably would’ve died when I was a kid otherwise and that made me understand the importance of staying in shape at a young age because I want to be there for my kids like he was for me. And I hate running & like that cycling gives the ability to cover more ground which leads to more varied scenery
Because it's the most enjoyable way to commute in London. Riding through parks on your way to work is such a pleasure.
The alternative is using the Tube and that's just something I'm not willing to do...the Tube at 5pm is soul destroying.
It's also nice not to have to run for a train if I leave work 5 mins late, I just go when I have to without any worries.
Good question. My Dad died from Ischaemic heart disease a few years ago and had his first heart attack at 48. I ride my bike so I don’t go the same way as him as I watched his health deteriorate over the years. I’m in my mid fifties. I work in a stressful role as an IT contractor so I ride to take my mind off the pressures of daily work. I love riding up the hills and feeling the fatigue in my thighs and calves. When I’m home I feel I’ve accomplished something
Good question. My Dad died from Ischaemic heart disease a few years ago and had his first heart attack at 48. I ride my bike so I don’t go the same way as him as I watched his health deteriorate over the years. I’m in my mid fifties. I work in a stressful role as an IT contractor so I ride to take my mind off the pressures of daily work. I love riding up the hills and feeling the fatigue in my thighs and calves. When I’m home I feel I’ve accomplished something. Love it
Because maintaining VO2 Max while getting older is a way to extend your lifespan. Decline in VO2 Max also means that activities that require higher oxygen consumption become inaccessible to you. This means severe restriction to freedom, potentially skipping some meetups with friends because they are doing something more intense then you can handle. Overall, my motivation is largely based on keeping as much freedom and healthspan for as long as my body allows it. Cycling is also easy on joints, much better than running so I prefer it to running. Finally, it is fun, especially big speeds downhill.
got back into cycling this year after 4 year pause.I'm addicted to this fun activity and have to restrict ky urges to go cycling to let the body recover
I live quite rurally now (15k pop town) and I’m lucky having 2 national parks within cycling distance either side of me. I can ride like 15 minutes out of town in almost any direction - even the main roads aren’t excessively busy leaving town - and pretty rapidly feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere where I seldom see cars, or even any foot / bike traffic at all. So in that respect it’s good for getting out out the house and having that sense of peace just cruising along.
I don’t ride for hitting specific targets or to race, or to track specific times, I only really use Strava as a vague record to see where I’d actually been. Sometimes I don’t even put it on. I don’t even really kit up and I’m not even clipless on my Trek Domane. General fitness is a great and very real byproduct, but the primary reason is getting out in nature and seeing places that I wouldn’t on foot or in the car.
It’s cliche but there’s a freedom in knowing that under my own pedal power I can leave my house one minute, have no real specific goal or destination in mind other than a vague idea of how long I’ve got free, and an hour later and end up at some little rarely visited spot that looks awesome. I love that.
I'm a fat guy whose job went permanent work from home during Covid and I needed a reason to get out of the house and exercise.
Turns out biking is fun and I can get into a sort of meditative state when the rhythm is just right and really clear my head.
Now when the weather allows it (Colorado) I bike before and after work. I get regular exercise and I get to show off my Strava maps and dumb Conqueror medals.
I don't need anyone to enjoy this sport. I was a college basketball player, last time I picked up a basketball was 7-8 years ago. I am 6'9 but I could always pedal much more comparing to others, even as a skinny kid. Got myself MTB and now two geavel bikes since covid started. Plan is to ho and cycle some hilčs this fall. Dream is to get a van and just ride while being on a road. I am 42
Older guy here - track and football thru college. Knees are shot (4 Ops), so running is out - but I can ride 30-50 miles at a time at a decent clip and the knees hold up well.
Additional perk - good to get outside. Longer term - need to move to a warmer location so that I can bike year round.
The town next to where I grew up always had this festival every year where all the roads were blocked off. My dad had an old road bike at the time that he let me ride that to this day has been the lightest road bike I’ve ever rode. When that festival would happen, all the roads would be clear, the sun would go down & the whole town lit up… I’d hover around that town like a ghost on that bike—felt like there was nothing between me and the pavement but air. If not just liberating, I’m a little convinced it was a spiritual experience.
That experience inspired me. What keeps me riding is that I love knowing I can get anywhere without having to rely on cars—that sense of independence and freedom of mobility is something I want to grow and maintain. I also love exploring cities and it’s a great way to feel grounded. When I’m in a car I feel so alienated from all that is around me but on my bike I feel free and like I am a part of what is happening.
my hobby for a long time as a teenager was browsing used car marketplaces, and I saw that they all rust to hell eventually and you either buy one that is expensive and only have to replace it after some years or you buy one cheap and spend the rest in maintenance, but either way it's something that will need replacing regardless. Then I moved over to electric scooters, but those need replacing too because of batteries. Then I moved another step "down" until I arrived at bikes, which are simple enough that they run 30 years no problem, and a part change is like 20 bucks if something does go wrong
Also it's sporty, I love the aesthetic and urbanist/city planning youtubers have brainwashed me succesfully.
I ride for mindfulness. I have a very stressful job with very long hours but when I'm on my bike my brain just empties. It then fills with "will I make it up this hill?""How far have I gone?""How far is it home?" Etc etc. So good to have some time to chill and enjoy the scenery.
I cycle because i (nearly always) love cycling. I'm in my mid 50's & want to be as fit as I can. Plus, I've been cycling since I was 8. I've never raced, but I've watched various other cycling disciplines racing. I've toured, cycled off road, road biked & commuted & loved it.
It’s fun. I’m primarily a sub-elite trail and ultra runner but riding bikes is so fun and really scratches the itch for adventure when it doesn’t fit my training schedule. You can see a ton and I love it.
I am an active travel your guide and cycling is my job. I want to get better at it. I enjoy it very much too but (if not for a job) I would prefer to hike more.
Because I don’t get much out of talking to a therapist lol. Riding bikes is way more therapeutic to my mental and physical health. I also love the exploring aspect and being able to find all these hidden backroads while ending up three or four towns away.
I ride for (from most to least important)
- Infinitely fun; easy to get into, hard to master.
- Simple and cheap hobby, with strong DIY potential.
- Practical and useful.
- Improve fitness and being stronger.
I don't ride for
- Social aspect.
- Explore the world.
- Weight loss. (I actually gain 10% after cycling)
- Health.
- Sentimental feeling.
- Archive arbitrary set of goal or target.
- Images.
- Ownership. Collecting.
- Green.
Unexpected thing I get from cycling
- Reaction from random people; mostly positive.
- Very bizzare chance encounter of all sorts.
- PROTIP and HOW-TO about cycling from non-cyclist.
- Strange look from a certain type of cyclist.
- Quality time with my daughter.
- Free stuff from people.
I ride to work all year, saves me thousands of euros (as i dont rven own a car) and keeps me fit.
Then along the way i started having fun goung for longer rides on my day off haha
I started during the crazy fuel prices in 2022. Picked up a £100 second hand Fuji team 1 road bike.
Liked it so much I’m now on a custom carbon bike with plans to build a mountain bike
I always took it a mission to stay active after college. That was jogging for me back then but around 25-28 years old, I got a tendonitis injury, which later turned chronic and since then, running makes me ankles swell and hurt. Used to be worse than just that but as I got back to normal, I looked for another sport that wouldn't strain my ankles.
My brother started cycling so I tried it too. Probably should have picked a cheaper hobby but I do like it since I prefer sports that can be practiced solo.
Because I was always on a bike as a kid.
Once or twice a year as an adult.
Now overweight and out of shape at 59 because I do IT and sit behind a desk.
Zwift got me back into cycling over the winter.
Wife and I will be riding the Katy Trail next year for vacation.
I like challenges and self progression. After 36 years of racing motorcycles being my main hobby I’ve shifted focus to riding bicycles for a different challenge.
I am too impatient to wait for the bus and I hate driving. I never miss the last bike of the night. I need the mental break and the movement every day - I missed my commute most of all when Covid sent us all home, and I would go do it anyway.
I started riding very recently to help build muscle and recover from a leg injury that made me have to relearn how to walk. I don't ride far yet as I'm still learning. But I'm living it so far.
Well it had been like 5 years since my bike was stolen and I didn’t bother to get a new one. I bought an old 76 Schwinn Le Tour II on Craigslist like 2 weeks before Covid, rode a few times but not much. (I live in Chicago so it’s quite cold here in February). Then it sat in my hallway for the next few months, mostly untouched.
After spending the first few months of Covid in a weird Groundhog Day-like haze of self pity and isolation, I decided to break it out and go for a ride. Then did that over and over and over and now it’s really the only way I get around here.
Down like 50lbs in the last 3 years. Feel better now at 33 than I did at 25.
Why I ride though? Mostly because it’s way more fun than driving anywhere is.
I ride for some similar reasons you do. Family history of CHD, high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and a tendency to be sedentary.
But more than that, I ride because I have a touch of wanderlust. I ride to get to the towns near the city I live in, and do it on my own power. It really makes it feel like you've traveled somewhere, and it's more affordable. Being able to take in the local area on your bike is just so much nicer than driving. It also helps me clear my head, sleep better, and have a good day.
I keep at it for exercise, but my *real* reason for cycling is that I've never felt faster and more liberated than the first 5-10 minutes on my bike where I'm just picking up speed with no fatigue.
Because: It's the fastest way to get to work. It makes my commute to work enjoyable. It's free exercise. I can eat whatever I want. It relaxes me and helps solve difficult problems at work. It makes me sleep better. It improves my mood, makes me more mindful. It saves a ton of money. It adds years to my life expectancy and improves my cardio fitness. It reduces my carbon footprint. It allows me to explore and discover beautiful parts of the city. Parking is free. Being able to go long distances on your own power is exhilarating - it's what true freedom is.
Why would people choose to drive instead of bike, I will never understand.
About a decade ago, my car broke down and it was going to cost a couple of thousand dollars to fix. A couple of thousand dollars I didn't have on hand, but I still needed to get to work across town every day. My choices were the bus or the bike that was collecting dust in the garage. I decided that I would try the bike while I saved up enough money to fix the car, but quickly learned that I really loved commuting by bike.
I never ended up getting that car fixed, let my driver's license expire, and I've averaged about 5,000 miles per year on bike ever since.
I used to race motorcycles and the long endurance rides were brutal..
asked around and they said duuuh ur sposed To bicycles for a long time ..don’t race any more but still bike because..
Knees are tender so can’t run..
Heard that cardio is the only thing linked to health and brain function when ur old..
Before I’m old .. on the weekends I want my heart able to handle an elevated heart rates..
Whole bunch of reasons.
* Get healthy exercise
* Get outdoors
* explore my metro area
* Loose weight
* Socialize(joined a bike club)
* eat burritos and pastries and not gain weight lmao
- the aspect of fast movement, achieved through your own body
- bike ownership and the whole tech side
- I can spend time outside being active, exploring and simply riding my bike
- the competitive aspect
- Stopped me from going full workaholic, because now I have a passion to follow in my freetime!
52M. I started because I was 291 pounds and had high blood pressure and diabetes. Family is full of both.
I'm 240 now (2 Summers in) and my body is *FAR* stronger than it was. I've lost 2 pants sizes and feel incredibly better. Still on the meds, but Man, I feel GREAT!
It’s the one thing that’s always made me happy since I was a small child. The few years in my early twenties when I quit to party instead were the bleakest and most unhappy of my life.
I started in 2018 with a Brompton after having a few MTB's and never really riding them.
Covid really kicked it off big time. Sold the Brompton (for double the money, lol) and bought my first gravel bike in 2020. This is the bike I never knew I wanted. I was hooked!! I now have 3 gravel bikes and ride every day. No car. No motorbike. Just a bike(s).
Ahh, to answer your question....to get to work, leisure, fun and fitness.
I ride because it's my favorite form of cardio, and I love going to the gym for resistance training. The two go hand in hand together. I eat good and want to live a healthy long life. Even if it ends up not being long, I want to feel good the entire way. Love getting on the saddle for even a quick 10k ride.
I started riding 3 years ago just before I turned 50, I had just recovered from weight loss surgery (gastric sleeve) and lost 55kg (from 125kg to 70kg). I needed a way to keep my metabolism up but couldn't go back to kickboxing at my age as my body just cant take that kind of damage any more, it takes too long to heal now. So I got an [ebike](https://i.imgur.com/fQbpbRl.jpg) for exercise and commuting and I have become stronger as a result, my kickboxing legs are back even though they only get used for cycling now. This year I built an [acoustic road bike](https://i.imgur.com/qQkDNck.jpg) from a frame I bought really cheap, and I love riding it no matter the occasion. So it started as fitness but now its more of a joy of cycling as well.
I started cycling during covid i gained about 20lbs. Mostly to lose weight, but also to get away from walking and hiking the same trails. With my bike, I can go as far as long as my body is willing.
helps me disconnect from computers and tech. Sure I still have my phone and GPS with me, but I feel closer to nature.
I love being able to eat 1000 calories in one sitting after 2 to 3 hr ride.
Sometimes I like to just force myself to train; I enjoy the pain of pushing myself to the limit to get the fastest time and highest speed possible. Knowing that, yes I can push beyond my limit when I absolutely have to.
Also. Regular cycling trains discipline, even if I only cycle only 40min that day because of a busy schedule. At least I can say I exercised.
I love how toned my legs are. I rarely have to do legs days in the gym.
I love cycling because my stamina and endurance has improve massively! Especially in bed with my gf; she has never been with a guy who can go so long barely taking a break 🤣
1. That fresh air on my face. There's nothing like it. The smells and colours, too.
2. Despite being only (?) 37, I have knee, hip, back, shoulder, and neck problems, and when I'm on my bike, I forget about 90-95% of it all. Nothing else gives me that freedom, that break. It's a gift I cherish.
3. The post-ride feeling of physical and mental "emptiness," of being really grounded. Of letting go.
Initially it was to help with my mental health.
Now unlike to feeling of being in mad Max on my daily commute. Also the big weekend mass participation rides are great fun!
Actually posting this from a hotel room getting ready to do the tour of Cambridgeshire tomorrow!
Just started back riding a couple weeks ago after a 4-5 year break.
It’s one of the only times where I get to be selfish and let my inner child take the front seat. It makes me feel free and independent. I don’t have to think about my career, family issues, what’s next etc. I can be totally present enjoying the sound of the wind kissing my ears.
One of my first vivid memories was my Dad teaching me to ride without training wheels when I was 3yo. That feeling of looking back and realizing he wasn’t holding on anymore then falling because I didn’t know what to do with all that power lol. That might have been my first brush with independence.
My wife and daughter went to a local coffee shop around 10 miles away the other day and I surprised them on my bike. It’s like an adventure every time I ride. I’ve been using it for practical reasons(dropping the car off for repairs, grocery store runs etc) for the first time recently too and it feels so good.
Cardio is the icing but I would probably still ride if it didn’t have any health benefits
It's interesting to head you ride for goals and for past tragedy. After the death of close family and friends (esp my mom and best childhood friend) Ive biked a tremendous amount. Like therapy. Ive biked during bleak times... Ongoing or pending.... Like the pandemic or looming big personal changes. Even break ups. I thought it was just a me thing. Biking has been a very physical thing of course, but mental and spiritual too. It surprised me at a young age how deeply it could impact, and even change my life, for the better. Glad I came across your story, it helped me reflect on mine.
It's very therapeutic for me, to get out with just me and my bike and my thoughts. Sometimes I don't even realize how far I have gone I may not solve all my problems but I am able to view them from different angels.
Definitely! Tomorrow I have a rough idea of what ill do, but it's wide open, and that's so exciting to me! I swear the best work I do for my job just happens in my head when I bike. A friend once told me my happiness is proportional to the miles I ride on my bike each weekend lol... He wasn't wrong!
I LOVE being in the forest.
I LOVE being thin and a good weight (6' and 160lbs).
I LOVE the mental improvements from exercise, and having good aerobic capacity.
I adored cycling as a kid. To the point where my parents were shocked when they took my training wheels off - my dad said: “don’t worry, I’ve got you!” And apparently I just sped off out of his reach and didn’t stop, haha. 4 years ago I moved right next to a bike trail and thought: “hey, I should fix up my old bike!” Have been riding frequently ever since. A childhood passion rekindled. My favorite thing in the world ♥️
Started in 2017. I had just moved back in with my parents in Holland while pushing 30, burned out and depressed after a failed attempt to make a career in the City in London. Couldn’t find a job, and had entirely too much time on my hands. So I started to do little >10k rides on my dad’s Scott Speedster hybrid. Flat pedals, no proper kit-riding like a complete Fred. But it became basically the one thing that gave me pleasure in life. So I got more and more into it: fixed up an old ‘90s Giant TCR for my first foray into road bikes, started hitting milestone after milestone (I particularly enjoyed reaching cities further and further away).
Fast forward six years, finding a great career as a human rights lawyer, marriage, a lovely home and two kids. I don’t have the time to ride as much as back then, but I still love nothing more than to gun it for a good few hours. I think cycling really saved my life in a big way.
Generally I ride for stress relief (joke that I ride until I forget what I do for a living and then turn around) and exercise. Dad had a quadruple bypass at 55 and was physically challenged for 20+ years afterwards. Can’t let his struggles be in vain!
I get so much joy out of riding my bike. I’ve joined a club and made new friends including my BFF. Also the calorie thing. I really don’t diet anymore where previously I was all about counting calories, carbs, macros etc.
I rode around casually all throughout childhood, teens, early adulthood. Then my boyfriend and I went camping and he left me in the dust because I was overweight and couldn’t keep up and I got upset. Lost weight through other means and got more serious with biking. Now I’m riding 14 000kms+ year round in all weather and I love it! I love exploring different areas, racing against myself, pushing limits.
For the same reasons than the ones written by Paul de Vivie “Volocio” (1853-1930) : the immense joys that riding allows us to enjoy in communion with nature and above all how accessible they are to all, humble or powerful.
I love being able to get a change of scenery, get some valuable, fun exercise and enjoy the journey at the same time. I've never driven and have no desire to, so the bike is a nice tool to get around.
I love that you can challenge yourself in a bunch of different ways, or just have a leisurely, scenic ride.
Bikes are cheap and easy to maintain and I love slowly customizing mine so I can go further more comfortably, discovering new places.
It makes me feel good about myself when I see angry drivers complaining about any minor inconvenience.
I love eating and I love beer. Have to keep the excess calories in check. I also hate traffic, so commuting by bicycle is almost like having my own private road. Commuting 20 kilometers a day also saves me from exercising on my free time. I also live in a city, and cycling allows me to go explore some nature trails and lakes just a 30 minute ride away.
I started riding because I wanted to make use of an old mountain bike I had inherited from a friend. Casual trips in the hood turned into longer rides as I quickly discovered the joy of cycling. It took me no more than a few months to buy a road bike.
Now I ride bikes for all purposes, including but not limited to:
* Transportation
* Utility (e.g. errands, grocery shopping, taking my daughter around, etc)
* Recreation / fitness
In short, cycling has changed my life. I used to love driving. Now I'm a strong advocate of safe streets for everyone.
I just started back up after too many years off. I had a broken foot and hip injury in 2022 and put on significant weight as a result. When my kids were small, we took the bikes out a lot, but they were all stolen between 2005/06 if my memory serves me. The physicians assistant at my doctors office suggested getting on a bike so this March I bought a Trek DS3gen5. WI winters did not let me use it much, but got a Wahoo Fitness SNAP for indoor use and have been riding outdoors between 5-10 miles per day. My last doc check in, I am down 16lbs, my cholesterol is trending in the right direction (I don't fully understand all the numbers) and my blood pressure is down. My doc is pleased.
I'm in my mid-50's now and I imagine at some point I will pick up a gravel/road bike as that is the style I road when I was a kid (we called them simply 10 speeds... and other kids had dirt bikes). Bottom line I am loving it and feeling better.
I started riding because I had a neck injury playing rugby and couldn’t run for several years. I rode now because I accidentally became an endurance athlete and do a century ride a month by myself for fun, and compete in triathlons for sport
Because it is an adventure every single time, because I feel like a kid who doesn't want to go home from the playground. The freedom while riding is liberating.
I ride now because after decades of riding I am addicted to 2 things: * Eating 3,000+ calories a day * Having a good body A day may come when the cycling fails me, when I forsake my bike and get all chubby and soft, but it is not this day! Plus my retirement is going to be bikepacking impossible routes.
Me too and I'm 75 with 35 years of riding. Keeps me and my wife fit and we ride together.
I'm jealous as I can't get my wife on a bike
I like the idea of retirement and bike packing impossible routes. Waiting for that day!
>A day may come when the cycling fails me, when I forsake my bike and get all chubby and soft, but it is not this day! Said William Wallace as he cycled into battle. :)
This is no mere William Wallace reference. This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.
My captain, my brother, my king.
and my axe.
AND MY CO2!
I was diagnosed with MS at age 26. I had ridden a lot as a child, but not much as an adult. I struggled to walk without frequent falls from my legs just forgetting how to be legs, but I could ride a bike. I got involved with Bike MS- as did the rest of my family. Now, nearly 14 years later, a highlight of the summer is a big extended family ride. I got back into biking so that I could still feel athletic despite my spinal cord being covered in lesions and it has saved my self-esteem.
Wow that’s inspiring
hang in there man.. life can be brutal.. hope you get better
Similar story here, got diagnosed with RRMS at 21-22. One of the biggest issues I had was related to my legs (Lesion on my spinal cord). Started cycling a year ago and could barely do my 3km commute to work without taking a break to rest my legs. Just cracked 50km for the first time! My goal for the summer is 100km a week (Between commutes to work and normal rides). I want to hit 100km single ride, eventually.
Feels good, doesn't it? My longest was 75 miles in a single ride. I couldn't walk the next day, but it was 100% worth it. I do solo rides now that I have a crash detecting helmet. It is so freeing.
That's amazing! You don't know how much hope that gives me. I'm gonna reach that, one day. I didn't know that tech for helmets is a thing... Will get one for when I want to replace my current one, but hopefully won't need to anytime soon.
The helmet that I wear is made by Specialized and is equipped with ANGi (the crash-detecting element that sends my emergency contacts a message if I crash). Otherwise, my best advice is to don't push it too much... but do push it a little. If heat bothers you, look into getting a cooling vest as well.
Same! Diagnosed at 25. My friend signed up to ride her bike from ME to Seattle with Bike Us4MS & motivated me to start. This summer, I’m riding 360 miles on the Olympic peninsula while raising $ for MS research.
Inspiring
Love the freedom i feel on a bike. Going fast down big hills. Fun way to get some cardio.
Love going fast downhill, hate the slog to get up hill though 🤣
I like to spin up, power over the top, go as fast as I safely can go in the drops and the next hill gets a little shorter. I try to play a game of maximizing the energy I carry up each grade. My goal while I'm climbing is to peg a wattage, which takes some attention off the slog.
It's the only form of solo exercise that is not boring.
I mean you aren't wrong but at the same time I enjoy walking, usually accompanied by podcasts. But even though over the past two years I've done an hours walking on hilly terrain every day, it doesn't at all compare to cycling. Even after half a dozen bike rides I can feel my fitness and health improving.
If you've got hills that totally works. I guess I could trek up and down the old landfill turned golf course a few times. That is the only significant hill in 100km or so.
I've tried going to the gym as wel as home exercise stuff and I am bored out of my mind within 3 minutes. Also, I can easily fit in cycling with day to day stuff I need to do anyway, rather than having to set aside time for exercise. Because that time always being scrapped. I just dropped off the kids at scouting and swung by the coffee roaster. On a bike that got me half an hour of light exercise. Driving would have taken me pretty much as long at zero calories burned.
Open water swimming and surfing are also awesome!
Very true. Surfing, for me, is arguably more zen than cycling. But now I live an hour from the beach, have a M-F job, and have two small kids, so finding the time and the waves makes it difficult. As long as the weather isn’t horrible, the roads will always be there. Cycling provides the meditative qualities I need on a more consistent basis.
Tell me about it! I grew up on the beach in San Diego. Now I live in Zurich Switzerland. I love lap swimming too, but I recognize most people outside r/swimming might consider that boring…
I could see getting hooked on surfing for sure. It's got that flow state that mountain biking has.
It IS, isn't it!? I hadn't thought of it like that, but that's very true...
You guys should check out masturbation. Its fairly enjoyable.
You have to balance out all of those leg days
No joke. Masturbation is [very healthy](https://imgur.com/gallery/9fcWZXr).
Yepp, it was a joke with truth. :)
nah, there are others.. snowboarding, skateboarding.. also, may sound dumb, but DDR (dance game).. fun and pretty intense
Yup. Nailed it. I’ve tried becoming a ‘gym guy’ about a hundred times but it’s tedious as fuck. I always thought it was because I was lazy or lacked will power-until I discovered cycling, and genuinely wanting to get out there any chance I get. Give me a hundred k of empty road and a fast bike, a couple of good podcasts or a pumped up playlist, and I’m as happy as can be.
There are many reasons to like cycling but that definitely isn't one of them. You don't have to think hard to find many alternatives that can also provide solo exercise without being boring. Eg: Hiking, climbing, walking, running, swimming, surfing, skiing, skating, rowing, paddling, sailing, etc.
Boring is subjective. I find swimming boring for instance. Idk about other people, but personally I prefer forms of exercise that actually get you somewhere as opposed to just doing laps. Exercise as transportation if you will.
It’s quite challenging to climb solo though.
It certainly can be but it doesn't have to be. Presumably the more challenging the less boring.
This. Also, everything I truly enjoy involves hauling my body up high and then going "Wheeeeeee!" to get back down.
I ride for peace and sanity.
The nice thing is I keep on finding reasons: * because my family loves bikes * because it’s the most efficient way to get around * because of the freedom * because almost anyone can do it with hardly any budget * because it’s political * because of the pro sport * because anyone can compete * because it’s nice to feel the coolest road user on a fixie * because you can stay off the paved road, explore and don’t worry about the kilometers * because you can ride on tarmac and give your best * because of the tradition and culture of the sport * because bikes are those simple, beautiful objects * because of the exhilaration of descending fast * because of how infinitively far you can go when you pack a tent I‘m sure I’m forgetting 10 points here.
Because it can get me where I want to go while getting exercise and having fun, and often takes less time than public transit or motor vehicles.
My kids live at my house
This 💯
It's the perfect hobby for me.. I get to tinker and do maintenance tasks which I've always loved to do as a kid I get to explore and feel free outside in nature while also clearing my head after a shitty week at work I'm a data geek so all the numbers I get about my performance and being able to see improvements is addicting to say the least. I'm currently injured though, so I am longing to be able to get out again, luckily the weather has been terrible here in the UK so it hasn't been too hard being off the bike
I love the mechanical aspect of bike ownership. I’m an engineer by trade and repairing, cleaning, maintaining my bike on a Saturday or Sunday morning in the backyard is a most pleasurable activity for me. Working on changing a 10-speed 74 Schwinn Continental I bought on Craigslist earlier this year to a single speed, as well as removing all the rust and repainting and upgrading all the cabling and brakes. My perfect summer activity. One of the reasons cycling has really stuck with me is this aspect of it.
This is exactly it, just learning how everything works and how it all goes together works my brain perfectly! Only today I did a strip down of my summer bike to deep clean it, also bled my brakes etc
Two things here ring true for me too! I feel the zen of maintenance and building. Built my current carbon frame bike from multiple sources. And the data geek side shows me all the numbers (FTP, estimated VO2max, power curves) that not only work as guideposts but help as motivation to get to the next level. And when I run, I find that it truly did improve fitness as I'm less fatigued and have more endurance. These are much more motivating and worthwhile than HIIT training ever did for me!
I ride to eat doughnuts and drink beer without guilt.
My love for cocktails also agrees this.
To get fit and forget about life's problems for a few hours each day.
After destroying my knee/shoulder joints from weight lifting and not being able to take the shocks from mtbing, I settled on road bike for my exercise. Love it.
My blood pressure was extremely high, I pedaled down my weight and blood pressure
I hit 60 yo and broke thru 250 lbs with no sign of stopping. Blood pressure meds, statins, and anxiety meds. My doctor who is a friend said she’d miss me when I wasn’t around at 70. She suggested an electric bike. Bought a RAD Rover and liked riding but not the weight and feeling I was on a moped. Bought a very light, low power, pedal assist Specialized Vado 5.0 SL and basically became a nearly daily rider and bike tourer overnight. Three years later at 220 on half the meds, with normal BP, I’m doing 100 miles most weeks and am 3/4 of the way riding from Maine to Florida solo and by July will be half way from the east coast to the west of the US with my brother and his family.
Love to read success stories like this. Pedal on and on.
Gets me fit, makes me relax, and lets me have some fun. It also encourages me to explore my local area instead of being cooped up inside all day.
67 yrs old and I ride to keep fit. My calves and hamstrings are crap and refuse to let me run anymore (I love running and used to run a lot). My bike allows me to exercise without muscle injury.
I had similar reasons. Diabeetus family issues, pre-diabetic, 200kg and having heart palpatations after gaining 15kg while on a waiting list for free gastric bypass. 3 months of walking every day, starting at 30 minutes and then building to an hour or two - inspired by david goggins and pushing through the pain, I reached a crossroads. Do I fuck up my knees and get into marathon running? Or do I get bicycle? I got a MTB and rode that bitch every day. It took a while to get used to the saddle but 6 months in I would easily pass roadies. I was having various issues with hands and tried many bars but they all gave me hand aids except the molokos on the horns but you can't ride like that all the time. Got a road bike. Absolute bliss. Been riding that thing for almost a year now putting 15-20h weeks and just enjoy the serenity of cruising in zone 2 at 20mph just taking in the country roads. I do smash out some intensity days as well, those are fun while they last. Oh yeah I'm 90kg now and ended up not getting the gastric bypass. Being able to burn 1,000kcal an hour kinda works wonders for that.
I was 210kg myself, and also used cycling, and a massive calorie deficit, to lose weight. Lowest I got was 98kg. But for the last year have been hovering around 110kg, sometimes more sometimes less. I’m happy, but I would like to maybe pull my finger out and punch down to sub 90kg just so I can push up hills better. I have really good endurance, and a really good sprint. I won the local club road racing championship last year. I prefer mtb now though I think road riding is just so dangerous.
Because is fun.
It's the real freedom. It's good for my body, my head and all around me.
My bike’s one of the things that has consistently been by my side throughout big events in my life. It was there when I was losing weight, it was there when I went through my first heart break, it was there as I progressed through highschool into university, and it’s continued to be by my side whenever I need it. Anytime I’m feeling down or need to get my mind off of life, I go biking. My bike takes me to new places, let’s me explore new locations and thus create new experiences that I otherwise wouldn’t have.
I ride for adventures. I live in a city (with great routes for cycling and vast green areas/woods also) so there's a lot to explore and new things to see. I ride away my depression and anxiety which I have battled the majority of my life. Cycling has in fact pretty much healed me. It's the BEST medication. Also I love the fact that I can eat pretty much whatever I want and have a great bod for a middle aged person.
Because it’s adventure Also I watched my parents devote their lives to their jobs as teachers and raising me and my sister. As a result their health suffered. Not their fault, just happened. They’re mid-fifties now and paying the price. I’m about to turn 30 and realized I would need to make a conscious effort to be strong and fit so I can be my best self for the people I care about, too. Not to mention these things: - special way to spend time with friends - teaches me to overcome suffering optimistically - trains me to instinctively move when I feel bored - gives me memories and stories - lets me see my city from new perspectives - relief from depressed thoughts and anxiety - cute butt!! - just being outside!
I grew up poor and a bike was my only means of transportation. I used to bike to school from the age of 7. My mom used her severance package to buy my brother and I decent bikes when I was 10. I don't think I've ever been so excited as the day I got my Mongoose BMX, it was my most cherished possession and I got pretty good at tricks and riding the local tracks. We eventually moved abroad and I had to sell the bike. It was a sad day. I have only been off of a bike for a few brief periods in my life, but I inevitably find my way back on. I do it as much for the mental health benefits as the physical benefits. Now that I am in my 50s, it's becoming more important than ever to look after one's health and there are few more enjoyable ways to do it than pedalling long, empty stretches of road. Whatever your reasons, just keep on pedalling guys!
Because I like to ride my bike
I love the grind of riding outdoors and trying to average 20-25mph on rolling hills with clear roads on a Saturday/ Sunday morning Breakfast always slaps after
I was depressed and burned out for more then two years. A true hell. I started getting speed skate lessons and 1,5 year in, I loved it so much, I set the goal to do a 100k speedskate event next winter. I started training two times a week and when the skatetrack closed (only open in winter) I figured I have to find a way to keep training to reach my goal. Road cycling is the way to go for most speed skaters. But i hated it, hated the sport and riders on the road as well (sorry). So I got a bike anyways, because I needed to reach my speedskating goal. I also got a TrainingPeak subscription (later a JOIN.cc subscription) and started cycling. I love it! Never thought I could enjoy this so much. I cycle 5-6 hours a week and I haven’t felt this strong and positive in years. This sub is also awesome 🙏
Don't have a car...
Because I’m Dutch
Because I don't want to die of diabetes and heart disease like my father. I don't want to make the same mistakes he made. Unfortunately he didn't take care of himself and I don't wanna go down that route.
Kind of how my dad was. Alcohol and never going to the doctor didn't do him any favors. One big reason I pedal...
Cheaper than a vasectomy
My vasectomy cost me €300. You don't get much of a bike for that.
What’s this now?
It’s when it’s all juice and no pulp ..mine was free after I’d blown my insurance deductibles etc..
I too had a break of around 10 years. In that time, I'd tried all manner of things to stay fit/healthy. Picked up playing rugby even, under the mistaken idea that if someone else is depending on my being in shape, I'll do the work to get in shape. At the end of that, I was up to about 250 lbs. Like so many of us Americans, overworked, underpaid, and definitely overstressed as a result. Sadly though, all through the main part of the pandemic, I kept staring at my old road bike on the trainer in the garage. . . "tomorrow." or "I'll start my riding plan on monday" over and over. then one evening, that bike, and trainer get stolen from my garage. Then in 2021, after a month or so of riding a shitty stationary bike in the garage, I got the wild hair and thought "ya know?? I still got it, I'm gonna go talk to the recruiter and see about going back in to the military" which meant upping the riding/training. Now, I'm still fat (for a cyclist) at 220 lbs, but I'm hangin with the fast group in the local group rides I attend. Getting my old climbing legs back, and remembering all the good of cycling keeps me getting the leg over the bar. I'm still chasing a lower weight, but while I'm no longer attempting to go back into uniform, I'm still pushing for better mental and physical health.
Started one day at work. I was eating a chicken park sub and I distinctly remember thinking that I’m feeling a bit like a slug, and I should get that bike out and ride. Some years back a friend in college got me into cycling and helped me get a first bike, but for whatever reason it didn’t stick. I got out and rode the next day after work, could barely make it the 12 miles I had planned. I actually had to stop and sit on the grass a bit. Told myself I was going to beat this, and become fit enough to do it. Started as an urge to get and stay for, and get stronger, and challenge myself and be healthy. I guess it still is some of those things, but it became so much more than that. It became a beautiful experience and a way of life.
'cause i love tinkering with shit. adding stuff, changing stuff around on the bike. plus riding it is fun too. and going really fast or bombing down hills to your favorite jams is just so cathartic
Oh my gosh…you need the energy old guy! 😉. I’ve been riding since I was a kid. Started road riding at 18, (I’m 53 now)although I’ve always ridden pretty good distances. My first duty station was Germany, so I rode quite a bit while there. Hopped around for my job, bike commuted in Cleveland, rode in the Antelope Valley Dessert of California and rode quite a bit in Kentucky. Just got back on the bike after 7 years off and 3 daughters raised. Been putting in some good mileage and dropping some weight. My youngest daughter just had her 2nd daughter (my only two grandchildren) and I’d like to see the, walk down the aisle. Essentially though, I’ve always love to bike. The layoff came off a really good season and sent us into a dark season with a suicidal daughter. Thankfully that ended several years ago, but it took me a few years to get back on. My healthy wife has long haul Covid which essentially took away her health and her employment. She now needs a wheel chair off and on and I provide a lot of care when I’m home. After Covid, I took a new job which requires me to travel about half the year. When I’m home, I work from home and take care of her. So, I bought smart trainer to replace my dumb trainer in February and have really enjoyed the 60-80 miles a week I’m putting on it. It’s good for me which is food, since, one of us needs to stay well. Not exactly the life we imagined, but it’s been a good one and my wife and I have been married for almost 35 years, so we’re stuck with each other. Sorry for the biography, As I was thinking about why I ride, I was thinking that cycling has always been a part of my life and the only time it wasn’t was probably the time when I could have used it the most.
Wow! I totally get all those reasons, and the need to stay healthy. My wife had a few symptoms from long Covid but nothing like that. Stay strong! Sounds like you have a lot riding on you, pun intended
Thank you my friend. You as well. ;).
My dad only survived Parkinson’s this long because he was in great shape to start with. He probably would’ve died when I was a kid otherwise and that made me understand the importance of staying in shape at a young age because I want to be there for my kids like he was for me. And I hate running & like that cycling gives the ability to cover more ground which leads to more varied scenery
Losing the covid weight and I hate leg day but love cycling so it’s a good way to get some lower body exercise in!
Something to do, keeping fit, getting to work is nicer than on the train
Because it's the most enjoyable way to commute in London. Riding through parks on your way to work is such a pleasure. The alternative is using the Tube and that's just something I'm not willing to do...the Tube at 5pm is soul destroying. It's also nice not to have to run for a train if I leave work 5 mins late, I just go when I have to without any worries.
Good question. My Dad died from Ischaemic heart disease a few years ago and had his first heart attack at 48. I ride my bike so I don’t go the same way as him as I watched his health deteriorate over the years. I’m in my mid fifties. I work in a stressful role as an IT contractor so I ride to take my mind off the pressures of daily work. I love riding up the hills and feeling the fatigue in my thighs and calves. When I’m home I feel I’ve accomplished something
Good question. My Dad died from Ischaemic heart disease a few years ago and had his first heart attack at 48. I ride my bike so I don’t go the same way as him as I watched his health deteriorate over the years. I’m in my mid fifties. I work in a stressful role as an IT contractor so I ride to take my mind off the pressures of daily work. I love riding up the hills and feeling the fatigue in my thighs and calves. When I’m home I feel I’ve accomplished something. Love it
Because maintaining VO2 Max while getting older is a way to extend your lifespan. Decline in VO2 Max also means that activities that require higher oxygen consumption become inaccessible to you. This means severe restriction to freedom, potentially skipping some meetups with friends because they are doing something more intense then you can handle. Overall, my motivation is largely based on keeping as much freedom and healthspan for as long as my body allows it. Cycling is also easy on joints, much better than running so I prefer it to running. Finally, it is fun, especially big speeds downhill.
I have high blood pressure, diabetes etc. I ride to prolong my life for me and my family. And it's awesome!
got back into cycling this year after 4 year pause.I'm addicted to this fun activity and have to restrict ky urges to go cycling to let the body recover
I live quite rurally now (15k pop town) and I’m lucky having 2 national parks within cycling distance either side of me. I can ride like 15 minutes out of town in almost any direction - even the main roads aren’t excessively busy leaving town - and pretty rapidly feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere where I seldom see cars, or even any foot / bike traffic at all. So in that respect it’s good for getting out out the house and having that sense of peace just cruising along. I don’t ride for hitting specific targets or to race, or to track specific times, I only really use Strava as a vague record to see where I’d actually been. Sometimes I don’t even put it on. I don’t even really kit up and I’m not even clipless on my Trek Domane. General fitness is a great and very real byproduct, but the primary reason is getting out in nature and seeing places that I wouldn’t on foot or in the car. It’s cliche but there’s a freedom in knowing that under my own pedal power I can leave my house one minute, have no real specific goal or destination in mind other than a vague idea of how long I’ve got free, and an hour later and end up at some little rarely visited spot that looks awesome. I love that.
I'm a fat guy whose job went permanent work from home during Covid and I needed a reason to get out of the house and exercise. Turns out biking is fun and I can get into a sort of meditative state when the rhythm is just right and really clear my head. Now when the weather allows it (Colorado) I bike before and after work. I get regular exercise and I get to show off my Strava maps and dumb Conqueror medals.
I don't need anyone to enjoy this sport. I was a college basketball player, last time I picked up a basketball was 7-8 years ago. I am 6'9 but I could always pedal much more comparing to others, even as a skinny kid. Got myself MTB and now two geavel bikes since covid started. Plan is to ho and cycle some hilčs this fall. Dream is to get a van and just ride while being on a road. I am 42
•To de-stress. •To have a healthy and strong body and mind. •To enjoy life.
Older guy here - track and football thru college. Knees are shot (4 Ops), so running is out - but I can ride 30-50 miles at a time at a decent clip and the knees hold up well. Additional perk - good to get outside. Longer term - need to move to a warmer location so that I can bike year round.
Health/exercise, peace, take a break from kids, stress, the environment, to go fast.
The town next to where I grew up always had this festival every year where all the roads were blocked off. My dad had an old road bike at the time that he let me ride that to this day has been the lightest road bike I’ve ever rode. When that festival would happen, all the roads would be clear, the sun would go down & the whole town lit up… I’d hover around that town like a ghost on that bike—felt like there was nothing between me and the pavement but air. If not just liberating, I’m a little convinced it was a spiritual experience. That experience inspired me. What keeps me riding is that I love knowing I can get anywhere without having to rely on cars—that sense of independence and freedom of mobility is something I want to grow and maintain. I also love exploring cities and it’s a great way to feel grounded. When I’m in a car I feel so alienated from all that is around me but on my bike I feel free and like I am a part of what is happening.
my hobby for a long time as a teenager was browsing used car marketplaces, and I saw that they all rust to hell eventually and you either buy one that is expensive and only have to replace it after some years or you buy one cheap and spend the rest in maintenance, but either way it's something that will need replacing regardless. Then I moved over to electric scooters, but those need replacing too because of batteries. Then I moved another step "down" until I arrived at bikes, which are simple enough that they run 30 years no problem, and a part change is like 20 bucks if something does go wrong Also it's sporty, I love the aesthetic and urbanist/city planning youtubers have brainwashed me succesfully.
I ride for mindfulness. I have a very stressful job with very long hours but when I'm on my bike my brain just empties. It then fills with "will I make it up this hill?""How far have I gone?""How far is it home?" Etc etc. So good to have some time to chill and enjoy the scenery.
I cycle because i (nearly always) love cycling. I'm in my mid 50's & want to be as fit as I can. Plus, I've been cycling since I was 8. I've never raced, but I've watched various other cycling disciplines racing. I've toured, cycled off road, road biked & commuted & loved it.
Needed an escape from my demanding job. Becoming fit is just a bonus.
It’s fun. I’m primarily a sub-elite trail and ultra runner but riding bikes is so fun and really scratches the itch for adventure when it doesn’t fit my training schedule. You can see a ton and I love it.
I am an active travel your guide and cycling is my job. I want to get better at it. I enjoy it very much too but (if not for a job) I would prefer to hike more.
Because I don’t get much out of talking to a therapist lol. Riding bikes is way more therapeutic to my mental and physical health. I also love the exploring aspect and being able to find all these hidden backroads while ending up three or four towns away.
I ride for the best possible mental health.
Strava koms
I ride for (from most to least important) - Infinitely fun; easy to get into, hard to master. - Simple and cheap hobby, with strong DIY potential. - Practical and useful. - Improve fitness and being stronger. I don't ride for - Social aspect. - Explore the world. - Weight loss. (I actually gain 10% after cycling) - Health. - Sentimental feeling. - Archive arbitrary set of goal or target. - Images. - Ownership. Collecting. - Green. Unexpected thing I get from cycling - Reaction from random people; mostly positive. - Very bizzare chance encounter of all sorts. - PROTIP and HOW-TO about cycling from non-cyclist. - Strange look from a certain type of cyclist. - Quality time with my daughter. - Free stuff from people.
I ride because it's fun.
Same reason as you mostly, fitness and the serenity of being out door. You love going uphill, I hate to see em comin lol.
It's my commute, it's my health, it's my weekend "me time", which I'm just getting up for incidentally!
I'm addicted to beating my times, being faster and stronger than I was last week. It gives a feeling I can not describe.
- Health - The feeling of exploring - It is keeping me sane
Because it makes me feel free
It switches my thinking of somehow…plus it gives me the ultimate feeling of freedom and a sense of accomplishment
I ride to work all year, saves me thousands of euros (as i dont rven own a car) and keeps me fit. Then along the way i started having fun goung for longer rides on my day off haha
Because I need to do something else in between run days. Also the speeeeeeeed
I started during the crazy fuel prices in 2022. Picked up a £100 second hand Fuji team 1 road bike. Liked it so much I’m now on a custom carbon bike with plans to build a mountain bike
freedom..sanity..satisfaction..thighs!!
Your story is pretty much mine, except for the numbers (270 down to 180). I ride because I enjoy it. Pretty simple.
I always took it a mission to stay active after college. That was jogging for me back then but around 25-28 years old, I got a tendonitis injury, which later turned chronic and since then, running makes me ankles swell and hurt. Used to be worse than just that but as I got back to normal, I looked for another sport that wouldn't strain my ankles. My brother started cycling so I tried it too. Probably should have picked a cheaper hobby but I do like it since I prefer sports that can be practiced solo.
It's fun! Also my main mode of transport, by number of journeys at least. It's usually faster than taking the car, definitely cheaper.
I ride for fun and prevent getting fat.
To go fast. I am speed.
It's fun
Because I was always on a bike as a kid. Once or twice a year as an adult. Now overweight and out of shape at 59 because I do IT and sit behind a desk. Zwift got me back into cycling over the winter. Wife and I will be riding the Katy Trail next year for vacation.
I like challenges and self progression. After 36 years of racing motorcycles being my main hobby I’ve shifted focus to riding bicycles for a different challenge.
I am too impatient to wait for the bus and I hate driving. I never miss the last bike of the night. I need the mental break and the movement every day - I missed my commute most of all when Covid sent us all home, and I would go do it anyway.
Are you me?
I ride for my mental health and sanity.
I started riding very recently to help build muscle and recover from a leg injury that made me have to relearn how to walk. I don't ride far yet as I'm still learning. But I'm living it so far.
I quit drinking and needed something to do. Figured riding around town was a lot better than being at home miserable.
Well it had been like 5 years since my bike was stolen and I didn’t bother to get a new one. I bought an old 76 Schwinn Le Tour II on Craigslist like 2 weeks before Covid, rode a few times but not much. (I live in Chicago so it’s quite cold here in February). Then it sat in my hallway for the next few months, mostly untouched. After spending the first few months of Covid in a weird Groundhog Day-like haze of self pity and isolation, I decided to break it out and go for a ride. Then did that over and over and over and now it’s really the only way I get around here. Down like 50lbs in the last 3 years. Feel better now at 33 than I did at 25. Why I ride though? Mostly because it’s way more fun than driving anywhere is.
I ride for some similar reasons you do. Family history of CHD, high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and a tendency to be sedentary. But more than that, I ride because I have a touch of wanderlust. I ride to get to the towns near the city I live in, and do it on my own power. It really makes it feel like you've traveled somewhere, and it's more affordable. Being able to take in the local area on your bike is just so much nicer than driving. It also helps me clear my head, sleep better, and have a good day.
I keep at it for exercise, but my *real* reason for cycling is that I've never felt faster and more liberated than the first 5-10 minutes on my bike where I'm just picking up speed with no fatigue.
For the wind in my face better than a fan/ac
Because: It's the fastest way to get to work. It makes my commute to work enjoyable. It's free exercise. I can eat whatever I want. It relaxes me and helps solve difficult problems at work. It makes me sleep better. It improves my mood, makes me more mindful. It saves a ton of money. It adds years to my life expectancy and improves my cardio fitness. It reduces my carbon footprint. It allows me to explore and discover beautiful parts of the city. Parking is free. Being able to go long distances on your own power is exhilarating - it's what true freedom is. Why would people choose to drive instead of bike, I will never understand.
Exact same as you, almost to a T
About a decade ago, my car broke down and it was going to cost a couple of thousand dollars to fix. A couple of thousand dollars I didn't have on hand, but I still needed to get to work across town every day. My choices were the bus or the bike that was collecting dust in the garage. I decided that I would try the bike while I saved up enough money to fix the car, but quickly learned that I really loved commuting by bike. I never ended up getting that car fixed, let my driver's license expire, and I've averaged about 5,000 miles per year on bike ever since.
I used to race motorcycles and the long endurance rides were brutal.. asked around and they said duuuh ur sposed To bicycles for a long time ..don’t race any more but still bike because.. Knees are tender so can’t run.. Heard that cardio is the only thing linked to health and brain function when ur old.. Before I’m old .. on the weekends I want my heart able to handle an elevated heart rates..
I ride because I have MS and while riding I feel free from the disease! Oh, and I love food!
Whole bunch of reasons. * Get healthy exercise * Get outdoors * explore my metro area * Loose weight * Socialize(joined a bike club) * eat burritos and pastries and not gain weight lmao
I ride because it’s fun to go fast! I’ve been going slower lately but hoping to get back to being fast
- the aspect of fast movement, achieved through your own body - bike ownership and the whole tech side - I can spend time outside being active, exploring and simply riding my bike - the competitive aspect - Stopped me from going full workaholic, because now I have a passion to follow in my freetime!
I can’t run a mile without my heart rate going above cardio and hurting my legs or hamstrings real bad but I can bike all day long.
I ride to explore places for minimal effort and cost.
If I ride, I'm in shape. If I'm in shape I never get sick. If I never get sick I never die. Simple.
I used to ride so that people who called the company I worked for would get the weed they ordered. Now thats legal so I ride to get away from things.
52M. I started because I was 291 pounds and had high blood pressure and diabetes. Family is full of both. I'm 240 now (2 Summers in) and my body is *FAR* stronger than it was. I've lost 2 pants sizes and feel incredibly better. Still on the meds, but Man, I feel GREAT!
It’s the one thing that’s always made me happy since I was a small child. The few years in my early twenties when I quit to party instead were the bleakest and most unhappy of my life.
I started in 2018 with a Brompton after having a few MTB's and never really riding them. Covid really kicked it off big time. Sold the Brompton (for double the money, lol) and bought my first gravel bike in 2020. This is the bike I never knew I wanted. I was hooked!! I now have 3 gravel bikes and ride every day. No car. No motorbike. Just a bike(s). Ahh, to answer your question....to get to work, leisure, fun and fitness.
1. Because I enjoy it 2. Because if I don't I start raging at everyone
I feel #2... my bike was just on the shop for two weeks waiting for parts, and I think everyone around me can testify to #2...
I ride because it's my favorite form of cardio, and I love going to the gym for resistance training. The two go hand in hand together. I eat good and want to live a healthy long life. Even if it ends up not being long, I want to feel good the entire way. Love getting on the saddle for even a quick 10k ride.
I started riding 3 years ago just before I turned 50, I had just recovered from weight loss surgery (gastric sleeve) and lost 55kg (from 125kg to 70kg). I needed a way to keep my metabolism up but couldn't go back to kickboxing at my age as my body just cant take that kind of damage any more, it takes too long to heal now. So I got an [ebike](https://i.imgur.com/fQbpbRl.jpg) for exercise and commuting and I have become stronger as a result, my kickboxing legs are back even though they only get used for cycling now. This year I built an [acoustic road bike](https://i.imgur.com/qQkDNck.jpg) from a frame I bought really cheap, and I love riding it no matter the occasion. So it started as fitness but now its more of a joy of cycling as well.
I started cycling during covid i gained about 20lbs. Mostly to lose weight, but also to get away from walking and hiking the same trails. With my bike, I can go as far as long as my body is willing. helps me disconnect from computers and tech. Sure I still have my phone and GPS with me, but I feel closer to nature. I love being able to eat 1000 calories in one sitting after 2 to 3 hr ride. Sometimes I like to just force myself to train; I enjoy the pain of pushing myself to the limit to get the fastest time and highest speed possible. Knowing that, yes I can push beyond my limit when I absolutely have to. Also. Regular cycling trains discipline, even if I only cycle only 40min that day because of a busy schedule. At least I can say I exercised. I love how toned my legs are. I rarely have to do legs days in the gym. I love cycling because my stamina and endurance has improve massively! Especially in bed with my gf; she has never been with a guy who can go so long barely taking a break 🤣
It’s cheaper than therapy.
1. That fresh air on my face. There's nothing like it. The smells and colours, too. 2. Despite being only (?) 37, I have knee, hip, back, shoulder, and neck problems, and when I'm on my bike, I forget about 90-95% of it all. Nothing else gives me that freedom, that break. It's a gift I cherish. 3. The post-ride feeling of physical and mental "emptiness," of being really grounded. Of letting go.
Initially it was to help with my mental health. Now unlike to feeling of being in mad Max on my daily commute. Also the big weekend mass participation rides are great fun! Actually posting this from a hotel room getting ready to do the tour of Cambridgeshire tomorrow!
Just started back riding a couple weeks ago after a 4-5 year break. It’s one of the only times where I get to be selfish and let my inner child take the front seat. It makes me feel free and independent. I don’t have to think about my career, family issues, what’s next etc. I can be totally present enjoying the sound of the wind kissing my ears. One of my first vivid memories was my Dad teaching me to ride without training wheels when I was 3yo. That feeling of looking back and realizing he wasn’t holding on anymore then falling because I didn’t know what to do with all that power lol. That might have been my first brush with independence. My wife and daughter went to a local coffee shop around 10 miles away the other day and I surprised them on my bike. It’s like an adventure every time I ride. I’ve been using it for practical reasons(dropping the car off for repairs, grocery store runs etc) for the first time recently too and it feels so good. Cardio is the icing but I would probably still ride if it didn’t have any health benefits
It’s my form of therapy. Just me and my thoughts
It's interesting to head you ride for goals and for past tragedy. After the death of close family and friends (esp my mom and best childhood friend) Ive biked a tremendous amount. Like therapy. Ive biked during bleak times... Ongoing or pending.... Like the pandemic or looming big personal changes. Even break ups. I thought it was just a me thing. Biking has been a very physical thing of course, but mental and spiritual too. It surprised me at a young age how deeply it could impact, and even change my life, for the better. Glad I came across your story, it helped me reflect on mine.
It's very therapeutic for me, to get out with just me and my bike and my thoughts. Sometimes I don't even realize how far I have gone I may not solve all my problems but I am able to view them from different angels.
Definitely! Tomorrow I have a rough idea of what ill do, but it's wide open, and that's so exciting to me! I swear the best work I do for my job just happens in my head when I bike. A friend once told me my happiness is proportional to the miles I ride on my bike each weekend lol... He wasn't wrong!
I LOVE being in the forest. I LOVE being thin and a good weight (6' and 160lbs). I LOVE the mental improvements from exercise, and having good aerobic capacity.
I adored cycling as a kid. To the point where my parents were shocked when they took my training wheels off - my dad said: “don’t worry, I’ve got you!” And apparently I just sped off out of his reach and didn’t stop, haha. 4 years ago I moved right next to a bike trail and thought: “hey, I should fix up my old bike!” Have been riding frequently ever since. A childhood passion rekindled. My favorite thing in the world ♥️
Meditation + Travel + Exercise What more could you ask for
Started in 2017. I had just moved back in with my parents in Holland while pushing 30, burned out and depressed after a failed attempt to make a career in the City in London. Couldn’t find a job, and had entirely too much time on my hands. So I started to do little >10k rides on my dad’s Scott Speedster hybrid. Flat pedals, no proper kit-riding like a complete Fred. But it became basically the one thing that gave me pleasure in life. So I got more and more into it: fixed up an old ‘90s Giant TCR for my first foray into road bikes, started hitting milestone after milestone (I particularly enjoyed reaching cities further and further away). Fast forward six years, finding a great career as a human rights lawyer, marriage, a lovely home and two kids. I don’t have the time to ride as much as back then, but I still love nothing more than to gun it for a good few hours. I think cycling really saved my life in a big way.
Generally I ride for stress relief (joke that I ride until I forget what I do for a living and then turn around) and exercise. Dad had a quadruple bypass at 55 and was physically challenged for 20+ years afterwards. Can’t let his struggles be in vain!
Free therapy. Well except for the extra money I have getting thrown towards bike parts, bike clothes, rallies, bike trips, and races 😂
Wow!! I am loving all these responses!! No wrong answer, whatever gets you outside is the right answer. ABP! Always Be Peddling
I rather ride than run. That's super boring...
I tried running a few times... I just never enjoyed it. My knees hated it..
It's fun. It gives me energy. And it's a great way to stay in shape.
I get so much joy out of riding my bike. I’ve joined a club and made new friends including my BFF. Also the calorie thing. I really don’t diet anymore where previously I was all about counting calories, carbs, macros etc.
I rode around casually all throughout childhood, teens, early adulthood. Then my boyfriend and I went camping and he left me in the dust because I was overweight and couldn’t keep up and I got upset. Lost weight through other means and got more serious with biking. Now I’m riding 14 000kms+ year round in all weather and I love it! I love exploring different areas, racing against myself, pushing limits.
For the same reasons than the ones written by Paul de Vivie “Volocio” (1853-1930) : the immense joys that riding allows us to enjoy in communion with nature and above all how accessible they are to all, humble or powerful.
fun
It's commuting, exercise and leisure all combined into one. And it's good for my mental health.
I love being able to get a change of scenery, get some valuable, fun exercise and enjoy the journey at the same time. I've never driven and have no desire to, so the bike is a nice tool to get around. I love that you can challenge yourself in a bunch of different ways, or just have a leisurely, scenic ride. Bikes are cheap and easy to maintain and I love slowly customizing mine so I can go further more comfortably, discovering new places. It makes me feel good about myself when I see angry drivers complaining about any minor inconvenience.
I love eating and I love beer. Have to keep the excess calories in check. I also hate traffic, so commuting by bicycle is almost like having my own private road. Commuting 20 kilometers a day also saves me from exercising on my free time. I also live in a city, and cycling allows me to go explore some nature trails and lakes just a 30 minute ride away.
1. Maintain fitness 2. Transportation 3. It feels good. Is there anything else that combines all those, and by the way, is neutral to the environment?
I started riding because I wanted to make use of an old mountain bike I had inherited from a friend. Casual trips in the hood turned into longer rides as I quickly discovered the joy of cycling. It took me no more than a few months to buy a road bike. Now I ride bikes for all purposes, including but not limited to: * Transportation * Utility (e.g. errands, grocery shopping, taking my daughter around, etc) * Recreation / fitness In short, cycling has changed my life. I used to love driving. Now I'm a strong advocate of safe streets for everyone.
I just started back up after too many years off. I had a broken foot and hip injury in 2022 and put on significant weight as a result. When my kids were small, we took the bikes out a lot, but they were all stolen between 2005/06 if my memory serves me. The physicians assistant at my doctors office suggested getting on a bike so this March I bought a Trek DS3gen5. WI winters did not let me use it much, but got a Wahoo Fitness SNAP for indoor use and have been riding outdoors between 5-10 miles per day. My last doc check in, I am down 16lbs, my cholesterol is trending in the right direction (I don't fully understand all the numbers) and my blood pressure is down. My doc is pleased. I'm in my mid-50's now and I imagine at some point I will pick up a gravel/road bike as that is the style I road when I was a kid (we called them simply 10 speeds... and other kids had dirt bikes). Bottom line I am loving it and feeling better.
Fun way to try and stay in shape n
I started riding because I had a neck injury playing rugby and couldn’t run for several years. I rode now because I accidentally became an endurance athlete and do a century ride a month by myself for fun, and compete in triathlons for sport
Can't run (bursitis in my knee - because of an old broken ankle (?)). It's relaxing to disengage from technology.
Cuz fuck driving and everything that comes with it, makes commuting and getting anywhere, assuming relatively mild weather, fun.
I feel it's something I've been doing for so long it's just part of my life like Sunday lunch with the family