Psychic pain.

[chicagogal]

I totally know what you mean. Between riding my bike, planning to ride my bike, preparing to ride my bike, getting to/from ride starts, working on my bike, etc, (not to mention training, racing, preparing for races, traveling to races) I actually spend ALL of my spare time.

The good news is that the more time goes by, the simpler it all seems because of the routine of it. The most complicated thing is keeping track of where my bikes are! Sometimes they are at home (if I am planning to ride from home) or at the shop (if I am planning to ride from the shop). If my plans change, then things get complicated :-)

[Librarygirl]

Yep, I feel like this all the time - when I'm fussing around with all my gear and hauling bikes in and out of cars and poking a thousand things in my jersey pockets and saddle pack and then having to retrieve those things seconds later when I remember I need them in my hand for something....

And then - I start riding, and it is all forgotten in an instant. I am so happy and free and I know that my perfectly fitting bike and my clipless pedals and my comfy cycling clothes and my energy drink powder tucked in my pocket all make my riding even more enjoyable, and that cycling is the ONLY exercise I have ever felt so passionate about, and kept up so consistently for so long.

And it all seems so, so worth it

[Bike Chick]

I hear you loud and clear. Sometimes it seems like it's more trouble than it's worth but all is forgotten after the first pedal stroke--its sooo worth it. The beach cruiser is fun but you still have to air the tires, grease the chain, adjust the saddle, etc. and I don't think that hitting 40 mph on a steep descent would have the same effect That's why we need more than one bike so we can ride whatever our moods dictate

[OakLeaf]

Oh, I've hit 37 coming down the bridge on my hybrid.

For sure it's not the same as the road bike. But for pure scary-@ss almost-out-of-control exhilaration...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I totally relate. That's the main reason i don't do clipless. I too stopped keeping track of my mileage and speed this year.
I believe that ideally biking should be a normal part of everyday life, not some elaborate and expensive ritual that we have to prepare for or drive to. I sometimes sense a big separation between those whose riding is competitive/sport, and those who ride for practical transportation or just for fun and fitness. When i see the complicated preparations that go into some people's rides, it makes me wonder how they can still call it 'recreational riding'.

i think it would be healthy for everyone to once a week just jump on their bike exactly as they are (just put on your helmet and gloves for safety) - no special clothes or shorts or shoes, no computer ....and ride around the block a couple of times or to the store for a quart of milk. What a liberated feeling that would bring!

[schnitzle]

I was having a conversation just yesterday about a similar topic. My friend was teasing me about getting Lycra padded shorts, and she mentioned that all the gear and special clothing made it so people were intimidated to just get on their bike and ride. I explained that in my case it's not that I am trying to compete with anyone or be "cool" but rather that my butt hurts and I want padding! lol

Her thoughts are that websites like Copenhangenize and Portlandize are so important because she feels they make cycling an everyday thing, not something that you have to gear up for?

I'm not sure where I stand on the topic. I'm too new.

ETA: I do know that I don't agree with her "no helmet" policy though.

[Crankin]

I feel differently every day I get up and decide to ride. If I am by myself and riding for fitness, some days I ride fast and compete with myself, and other days I don't. I usually end up feeling like I'm going fast and having a good time when I ride with my group or with Hirakikabou, even if I'm not going any faster than normal. It's the fun company that counts. When I ride with my 2 other woman friends, I know I will be stopping at corners or at the top of hills to wait for them; I just see this as a chance to slow down. When I am alone with DH sometimes he pushes me a bit and I am feeling it, but other times we decide we just want to ride slowly.
When the thought of going fast or even getting on my road bike is annoying me, I take out my Jamis Coda and ride to a farm stand, do errands, or meet someone for lunch. I haven't done this half as much this year, as it's been so damn hot in the middle of the day, when I usually do this, I've been at the pond, instead. And if cycling isn't thrilling me, I go for a walk or hike.
This way, I stay fresh and in shape. There's riding for different purposes and I enjoy each one. I don't look at my average except for when I ride alone or with DH.
I've tried riding without the chamois and I just can't stand the feel of it. Same with being clipped in. I rode a few times in regular shoes and my feet went flying off of the pedals. But, I do wear more urban type riding clothes, with a liner under for my errands and it's a whole different feeling.