Cycling intersects other passions

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02-22-2009, 04:41 PM
shootingstar

Cycling intersects other passions

Recently, I was trying to explain to a bunch of non-cyclists why I have been cycling regularily for a long time. Not only is it healthy fun done at any time, anywhere (well, except underwater or flying through air forever), but to me cycling, is a sport where the bike and act of cycling offers multidisciplinary intersection of people and ideas that cross over: art, political advocacy, engineering innovation, racing/competition, travel/exploration, etc.

It’s just kinda neat to know and stumble across other cycling worlds/communities from different perspectives. :)

Maybe football offers the same? :confused:

And speaking of intersections...this is the 9,000th post on this sub-forum! :)
02-22-2009, 05:08 PM
Zen

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootingstar

Maybe football offers the same?

Pffffft! Somehow I don't think so.
Have you ever seen a room full of men watching a football game on TV?
There is absolutely nothing else going on in those brains.
02-22-2009, 05:25 PM
PamNY

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootingstar

It’s just kinda neat to know and stumble across other cycling worlds/communities from different perspectives. :)

Maybe football offers the same? :confused:

No, because people who watch football aren't actually playing football. With cycling, however modest my efforts/goals may be, I'm actually doing it, not drinking beer and watching other people do it.

And yeah, the potential for new friends and expanded interests as a result of cycling is fascinating. I didn't think of such things when I bought my bike.

Pam
02-22-2009, 06:42 PM
Zen

I don't even think playing football offers the same but there is the team aspect of it you don't get from cycling.

Not that I've ever been on a football team:pbut I have been on teams.
02-23-2009, 04:29 AM
Tuckervill

Is she talking about soccer?

I think soccer is a universal sport.

Karen
02-23-2009, 04:34 AM
SheFly

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen

I don't even think playing football offers the same but there is the team aspect of it you don't get from cycling.

Depends - if you race, there actually is a huge team aspect to cycling. I would agree, however, that if you don't race, or aren't part of a team riding for charity, the team aspect is pretty non-existant.

SheFly
02-23-2009, 04:43 AM
alpinerabbit

I also cycle because oftentimes, there is nothing going on in my brain while I'm on the bike.... :D:o:D
02-23-2009, 05:33 AM
shootingstar

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpinerabbit

I also cycle because oftentimes, there is nothing going on in my brain while I'm on the bike.... :D:o:D

Includes this too! :rolleyes:

Was referring to the football, as North American with that funny shaped ball.

And the team aspect outside of racing and charity group rides: one is forgetting who lobbies hard for better cycling facilities and public awareness in your region: the cycling advocates who work for your community. There is a whole conviviality, culture and team/group bonding there at their events that they organize and have (plus ride), when they will ride with a bunch of politicians to actually show how improvements can be made. :)
02-23-2009, 06:26 AM
Biciclista

nothing universal about OUR football. Only the biggest kids can play this sport for very long. And professionals have so many physical problems related to the stress of the game.
and yes, most football lovers are couch potatoes. surely at least while they are watching it.

Bicycling on the other hand, like Shooting star said, is for EVERYONE!
02-23-2009, 07:12 AM
GraysonKelly

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpinerabbit

I also cycle because oftentimes, there is nothing going on in my brain while I'm on the bike.... :D:o:D

Amen to that!!!:D;)
Gray
02-23-2009, 10:58 AM
kfergos

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpinerabbit

I also cycle because oftentimes, there is nothing going on in my brain while I'm on the bike.... :D:o:D

Ditto! Have you ever gotten somewhere on your bike and realized you didn't even remember most of the route?

But seriously I agree with the point of this thread, too. When people ask why I ride, I have so many reasons: Exercise, good for the environment, love of exploring new places (even if it's unintentional... I got lost for 40 miles once in Rhode Island; let's not get into that), fun, the community aspect, the opportunity to raise money for good causes -- the list goes on. Yay for having a sport you love!
02-23-2009, 11:48 AM
Norse

Quote:

Originally Posted by kfergos

Ditto! Have you ever gotten somewhere on your bike and realized you didn't even remember most of the route?

OMG, yes I have! On the one hand, it is scary to suddenly realize that I have no recollection whatsoever of the last 1/2 mile, mile.... On the other, what a zone cycling can take you to!
02-23-2009, 12:09 PM
redrhodie

It's a great way to make friends, too. It's easy to ride along side of someone (obviously, if they are going your pace) and start a conversation. There's an automatic bond just based on riding. The tilt of the head while passing another cyclist heading in the opposite direction is pretty standard here.
02-23-2009, 01:55 PM
tulip

I met great folks riding bikes. I've also learned so much about the cities I've lived in by riding my bike to get places and run errands and go to work. I've also seen more nature, even in the middle of the city. I notice the first signs of spring before I would in a car on on a bus. And I love the sounds of the city. You don't get that inside a vehicle.