Cycling intersects other passions

[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 teambut I have been on teams.

[Tuckervill]

Is she talking about soccer?

I think soccer is a universal sport.

Karen

[SheFly]

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

[alpinerabbit]

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

[shootingstar]

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

Includes this too!

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.

[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!

[GraysonKelly]

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

Amen to that!!!
Gray

[kfergos]

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

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!

[Norse]

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!

[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.

[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.