Cycling intersects other passions

[shootingstar]

Recently, I was trying to explain to a bunch of non-cyclists why I have been cycling regularily for a long time. Not only is it healthy fun done at any time, anywhere (well, except underwater or flying through air forever), but to me cycling, is a sport where the bike and act of cycling offers multidisciplinary intersection of people and ideas that cross over: art, political advocacy, engineering innovation, racing/competition, travel/exploration, etc.

It’s just kinda neat to know and stumble across other cycling worlds/communities from different perspectives.

Maybe football offers the same?

And speaking of intersections...this is the 9,000th post on this sub-forum!

[Zen]

Maybe football offers the same?

Pffffft! Somehow I don't think so.
Have you ever seen a room full of men watching a football game on TV?
There is absolutely nothing else going on in those brains.

[PamNY]

It’s just kinda neat to know and stumble across other cycling worlds/communities from different perspectives.

Maybe football offers the same?

No, because people who watch football aren't actually playing football. With cycling, however modest my efforts/goals may be, I'm actually doing it, not drinking beer and watching other people do it.

And yeah, the potential for new friends and expanded interests as a result of cycling is fascinating. I didn't think of such things when I bought my bike.

Pam

[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.

[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!