Why do you ride?

...nick

Hey all,

(I'm doing research for a grad thesis project; looking for common themes in the experiences of the expert user. If you have a second to give some thought to, and answer the following question, it would be much appreciated!)

We generally don’t think much about something we do every day. Yet if we stop and analyze the experience, there are complex and remarkable things going on that we don’t even notice anymore. I’m asking you to think critically about something you consider routine, to evaluate the experience as if it were the first time.

So, the next time you’re on a bike, examine the experience of going for a ride. Think of what motivates you, the common themes across the different disciplines of riding and racing; and how your experience as a cyclist has affected the rest of your life. If you want, focus on one aspect of the ride; break down the process of cornering; how do you handle traffic, etc.

In short, why do you ride?

gemelk

Why?

I started riding again as a memorial to my late partner who I lost to HIV/AIDS in 1996 as part of California AIDS Ride 3. What I found for myself was that cycling was freeing, it lifted my soul, relieved the stresses of the day and just made me feel good. It was also a way of asserting that I was alive, having 5 years prior to the loss of my partner, being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Being out there on the bike, in the CA summer sun, sweating, riding mile after mile, pushing myself harder than I ever thought I could, and accomplishing more than I imagined in myself. Being on the bike, made me feel truly alive!

Then in April, 2000, I went out and got stupid and ended up infected myself with HIV. Since then, riding and pushing myself on the bike, up hills, up mountains, riding hundreds of miles per week has only reaffirmed to me that I LIVE and that despite having a virus that will eventually kill me (make no mistake HIV kills 100% of the time and the drugs do not last forever) I am still alive and I am winning the fight for my life.

When I'm on my bike, I feel free. When I'm riding, there is no virus, no meds to take, no stress, no problems, no one but me, the bike and the road and I feel perfectly in touch with the world, the universe and the Creator of all things. Yeah, sometimes I hurt, sometimes I grunt and groan and sweat buckets and the metal creaks and it all feels wonderful. That's what cycling is for me - it's life. It's why I so identify with that guy named Lance.

Eric

oznation

I ride to have time to myslef. I also ride to stay in shape. Im only 17 and i have played soccer all my life so physical stress isnt anything new to me and i need sometihng to keep me in shape after I get out of school and during the off season. Above all though its just the free feeling of riding a bike and the thought that you can only go as fast or as far as you pedal.

zepolie

I started to ride to relieve stress and to stay in shape. Now that I've been doing it awhile I ride because I love the entire experience. I love the aromas of fresh cut grass, spring onions, honeysuckle and other flowers as I spin by. Sometimes I can smell delicious meals cooking in nearby homes. The feeling of complete victory and freedom racing down a steep downhill portion of the road is worth the breathless uphill climb.
The mental health aspects of the ride are many. Many days I've started a ride stressed out from a busy day at work and arrive back home refreshed, glowing and smiling. I typically ride alone, and this private time allows me to reflect on all aspects of life, time I would not normally allow myself to just relax and contemplate. Other folks walking outside or working in their yards smile and wave. It just takes a large load off of my otherwise fast-paced and demanding life.
Physically, I'm in better shape than I was 10 -15 years ago. I'm stronger, more toned and flexible, and I have energy to spare. It is so exciting to look back at parts along my paths that were once physically challenging for me, but now I can shift a gear or two and keep the pace effortlessly.
To summarize, I ride because I love to ride!

JTEK

Well, besides just staying and shape and getting off the couch.. Being on a bike and going through my bike paths lets me see a LOT more things on a bike than I would in a car. I get to see a lot more of my city. And of course I have to confess I caught the 04 tour bug

__________________
LiveSTRONG

rule62

endorphins

Powerful Pete

Because I love it.

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De Rosa Planet
Campagnolo Per Sempre!
PAOLO BETTINI CAMPIONE DEL MONDO x 2!

artmichalek

When I was a little kid, my first real feeling of freedom was riding my bike around the neighborhood. I never let go. No matter how fast I'm riding, I'm never really in a hurry. I turn down country roads just to see where they go. I find myself surrounded by things I would never notice in a car.

soonerschwinn

Wind in my face, whining of the tires against the pavement, "whirring" sound the chain makes, etc. = freedom, sights, smells, peace, serenity, stress relief, being out in and part of Gods great creation. I love it, always have always will.


SS

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Living For Him, Riding For Him



97 Schwinn Homegrown Hardtail
Manitou SX-R Fork
All XT w/Hollowtech II, V Brakes
Sun Sub-4 Rims
Kenda Kozmik Lite II Tires

Tmax1

Powerful stuff Eric. Ride on!!!

Jerry

Telegram Sam

I'm pretty sure I would hurt someone if I didn't

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may the wind take your troubles away...

*Alice

I'm a full time student living on a tight budget. I couldn't afford to pay 100$/month to travel to work (actually, unpaid internship). 2 weeks ago, I bought a 2nd hand bike from somebody in my apartment so i could ride my bike to work/school. I also recently made a new friend who's a professional cyclist. He got me even more motivated by giving cycling tips/advices.

So I've been riding my bike every night for the past week in the city of Toronto when there streets are empty and quiet. I love the feeling of freedom while I'm riding my bike, the feeling of wind brushing against me, seeing parts of the city that i've never been to before... i'm alot more observant when i'm biking. I notice things, people, buildings that I never notice when i'm in the car/bus. I bike because it relieve stress. I feel great after a long ride, I sleep better...

MojoHead

zepolie pretty much nailed it.

Its easy to forget after a few years of not riding, the essential vibrance of the experience. In addition to the health benefits, its also nice not to be driving a car un necessarily.

WINGNUTT

In order of importance:
1.) Fun - Riding is fun / exciting (enjoyable experience)
2.) Challenge - improving provides sense of accomplishment
3.) Health - riding is good for the body / stay in shape
4.) Relieves stress - Breaks up a busy work / school week