why ride?

[Irulan]

This is sparked from a conversation I had with a roadie the other night. I was the lone mountain biker for one of my clubs' hill training rides, and we were talking about why we ride.

One comment was " so I can look good in a bikini". Said in total seriousness. I couldn't help but think that was an odd thing to say.

I ride for fun, fitness & exercise, and mental health.

Why do you ride?

Irulan

[cycling@42]

I also ride for fun & fitness. After being an aerobics instructor for 10 years, I needed a change. I started walking and realized how much I enjoyed being outdoors. Walking was not challenging any longer so my friend introduced me to cycling. Fitness is really important to me...I'm 43 and have a 6 year old son to keep up with. Cycling has turned me on to the beauty of the area where I live (very rural) in any and all seasons. I have become more fit in the 2 years of cycling than in 10 years of aerobics. I LOVE the pumping of my heart and how quickly it recovers. Another point and probably the most important...I am a stay at home mom. Getting out on my bike is my only alone time and does wonders for my mental health. Sometimes I solve the worlds problems and other times my brain is mush. I think of nothing other than the ride. That is why I ride...

[hibiscus09]

I'll be 42 in September & the reasons stated by cycling@42 are all mine also. I was getting so sick of just going to the gym -- I am really enjoying being outdoors. It really clears my mind, alleviates stress & gives me a great appreciate for the outdoors. Additionally, I do like looking good in a bikini.

[elevenpointfive]

I'll never look good in a bikini. In fact, I'll probably never look like anyone's conception of an athlete. Which is to say that I enjoy the heck out of my muscles, but I've got enough padding on top so that they don't really show much. Some of us just happen to be like that.

I love the freedom of the bike. I ride because it makes me feel better, in so many ways. Stronger, more awake, more connected to the world, more real. Better 'cause I didn't clog up the atmosphere as much getting there as I would have in the car. More aware of distances, ha! And much more aware of how car culture makes it so very easy for many people to live, and so hard for many others. Think how much potential human-space and wildlife-space is taken up by huge freeways, parking lots, garages, oilfields, ever-sprawling car-dependent suburbs... I wonder what the world be like if most people rode? Sounds good to me. Bikes rule!