FREEDOM! (a la Mel Gibson in Braveheart).
I love to go fast. I love getting out there, of seeing how I can rock that next hill, I love the wide open spaces, of seeing new country, of watching the seasons pass and the fields turn from brown to green to gold and brown again. I love the thrill of the downhill, noting improvement in time and distance every week, the freedom of ignoring my cell phone and its constant chirps and rings as people try to contact me - I laugh, they know I'll call back later.
I also like my sexy bike legs (well, from the bike short tan line down), of watching the pounds come off, and I love how I feel energized after a good ride and it's time to increase the distance AGAIN.
My bike isn't the priciest, but she runs fast - a 2009 Fuji Team. I've not swapped out the double for a compact crank and I don't think I will, even with our hills - I basically live in the big ring - but we have such a good time together!