How has cycling changed my life? Let me count the ways...

[shootingstar]

Murielex, I don't wear make-up at work 99% of the time..for the last 5 years. And I do wear some dress outfits ..without face make-up. And I work in a govn't dept. with over 50% men. (we have engineering, surveying services, geo-spatial mapping services in our division). 4 years ago, it was 85% men.

My rationale is: the best beauty and fashion statement for any woman or guy as they age, is good health and fitness. It wins me hands down. I don't care what others think anymore. It's less bother when I change into work clothing from cycling clothing at work.

Crankin:

My roster of non-cycling friends has dwindled down to 1 or 2 who probably can tolerate me blabbing on about what i do.
I no longer spend my weekends shopping!

Well, I have to say my closest women friends (some who are long time..over last 30 yrs. and more recent), are women who at least try to do something about their health over the years. Not necessarily cycling. It just makes it easier for all of us as we find things to do together, share interests and similar values/lifestyles.

Yes, my life has changed due to cycling. How I see the world from the saddle, I'm much more attuned to issues related to transportation, health and urban design in general wherever I travel. And yes, I shop in general less. It's a less consumerist lifestyle since one is outdoors a lot not in shopping malls. I don't consider buying cycling clothing on the same cost scale as buying and operating a car regularily. Faaaar from it!

True, part of fun with dearie are bike rides together. It's unspoken language for us.. During the first few years of knowing one another, we also have learned more about our different personalities between he and I through cycling: he's much more patient than I. He's not a competitive person, especially when he wants a family member to continue to love cycling. We have also learned as a couple what it means to support and trust one another at a distance...when he goes on solo cycling trips for weeks, we find ways to communicate daily, share cycling experiences of the day. Not all couples can deal with this type of situation happily.

He has a slightly more technical approach than I about cycling issues which makes him really good in areas of cycling advocacy when working with municipal authorities long term. One needs enormous patience to sit through endless technical meetings with city engineers. I'm more into sharing cycling culture and lifestyle with other people. So we complement each other in the world of cycling.

We also blog on each other's cycling blogs. It really is cycling love on-bike ....and off-bike for the world to see.