Newbie's question: What are you riding for?

[mjv007]

Hey,
I am new to the this board, and back on the bike. Of course, I'm riding to get in shape and build stamina, but I like to ponder all the other wonders and benefits of riding. Anyone want to share why they started pedaling??

MJ

[wabisabi]

It lets me get out and PLAY with my friends.

[newbiechick]

Started riding 'cause it's my fiance's passion and it's nice to have a fun, outdoor, fitness-related activity we can share. Also wanted to challenge myself with something new. Now I'm riding 'cause it's FUN! What's more--and as a runner I still find this hard to believe--you burn more calories cycling (even at an easy pace!) than running!

[caligurl]

i started for fitness (i hurt my toe when i dropped a wine bottle on it and couldn't do my normal step or hi/lo aerboics! )

i continued cuz it was fun... hubby was already a rider from way back!

i also continued cuz i burned a lot of calories and found i could eat more if i cycled! woo hoo! THAT's always a good thing!

most of the time it's fun! (there are times when i don't want to get out there and ride.. but i do anyways!)

[FreshNewbie]

My boyfriend introduced me to this sport, plus I wanted to do something different from my regular gym workouts. Outdoor sports is the best way to enjoy your workouts and at the same time do something fun. I am not cycling to lose weight but its a great way to keep your lower body toned. Enjoy your riding!

[Wendy]

I'm riding to stay in shape, because it's fun, and because when I ride I'm happy and alert the rest of the day.

[newbiechick]

great question, MJ. And glad you've joined us!

Shelley
aka newbiechick

[emily_in_nc]

I started because it was something I could do with my husband and I needed the exercise.

I continued because it allowed me to EAT a lot more , and I love what it does for my legs and butt! I am 44 and do not have a saggy butt, and it's all because of riding (especially climbing!)

I also love the camraderie of group rides and the friends I've made through the bike club. I love having a common goal and feeling myself getting stronger.

I love hanging out here on Team E with a bunch of like-minded women.

I also love the clothes. It's just another shopping opportunity!

I guess the question is - once you're hooked: how could I NOT ride??

Emily

[mikki]

I ride to school, mostly. I'm just not ready to tackle the 12 miles of mountain to get to work yet. The reason I ride is complex. Parking at school is miserable. We only have one car, and I can't justify leaving it parked at school all day and leaving my DH stranded at home (not that he goes anywhere, really). I can take the bus, but I get car sick, and it takes about 40-45 minutes to go 6 miles. Or I can get off my butt, ride my bike and be there in 20-25 minutes, plus have an excellent excuse to go out for breakfast before lectures.

[Googlie Wooglie]

I started because I blew out my knees and couldn't run anymore. It took about two days to get hooked and I wonder how I could ever have run so much--it seems so dull now! Now I ride because it's so much fun, it's something my BF and I can do together, and my legs look awesome! ('cept, of course, those *&@#$ tan lines!)

[tatormc]

Hubby got me into it. He's been riding since he was 14 and it was his passion. We got married about 4 years ago and I'd never done anything athletic. So last year he said he wanting me to give cycling a try and I said I would, but no promises. In this year I've come to love it. It's something we can do together and it makes my legs look nice!

[newbiechick]

After reading everyone's comments about their legs ... if this sport can really give me great legs and a great butt, I may never get off my bike!! It's certainly motivation to get me out there more!

[SimpleCycle]

Well, I've always ridden to some extent for transportation, fun and fitness. But my rides were few and far between.

Then we moved to Tucson, and EVERYONE here is on a bike. Lots of commuters, but also lots of recreational riders out on the roads. I bought a bike to commute (WAY faster than walking or the bus), and loved noticing things I didn't notice from the car. So I started riding around on local bike paths for fun. I also started taking Spinning classes, which were fun for exercise, but I sensed I'd be having a lot more fun out on the road.

I work with some roadies, and they got me really hooked. I bought a road bike, and ride with them on weekends, and now I ride because I LOVE it, and for fitness. We moved here a little less than a year ago, and I've seen more places by bike than I ever would have by car, and its way cooler. My favorite part is cresting a hill, and having a beautiful panoramic view. If I'd just driven up the hill, I doubt I'd appreciate the scenery as much.

[SadieKate]

Psychiatric benefits.

[SJCzar]

A few months ago I attended a meeting of a women's organization that I belong to through work. One of the guest speakers was a LBS owner and former Olympian. His overall pure joy talking about anything bike related made me remember all the great times I had twenty years ago when I biked almost everyday. Once I got geeked up about biking again I just had to find the perfect new bike.

Of course I ended up buying a better bike and lots more accessories than I ever anticipated but have no regrets.

I can't believe how much I enjoy being out on the road again. I commuted to work again today for the 3rd time in the past two weeks....30 miles round trip. I hope to get up to 3 commutes per week. I especially love the morning ride, lots of happy cyclists and joggers.