Four Reasons Why Cycling Is Awesome
Posted July 16, 2009
Like so many others, I’m often so wrapped up in getting better at road cycling, that I forget what it is that I love about the sport, and cycling in general. So here is my list of reasons why I love cycling, it would be great if you chipped in with your reasons too.
Escapism – The Sense Of Freedom
Like a lot of cyclists, I also drive a car. When I first learnt to drive (some 10 years ago now) I would often enjoy nothing more than to hop in my banged up old mini and, if it started, hit the open road late at night – just for the hell of it, simply to drive, to collect my thoughts. The feeling of independence was so liberating, the thought that I could go anywhere I wanted. As time went on and traffic increased, this feeling has been sapped out of me.
However, when I get on my road bike, I still get that liberated feeling. I can cycle a long way, the fact that I have ridden from London to Brighton in under 3 hours still blows my mind and amazes many people, despite the fact that in the cycling community 60 miles is considered a medium length ride. Sure it takes a bit longer by bike but the journey is so much more enjoyable. Getting from A to B by car is all about the destination, whereas going by bike is about the journey. I will cycle an extra 10 miles just to ensure I go down nice country lanes rather than busy congested streets. I simply wouldn’t do that in a car.
The Sense of Satisfaction
Generally, exercise is very satisfying, but cycling provides satisfaction in so many ways. Covering such a great distance under your own steam always feels like an achievement. The feeling of busting a lung in a ten mile time trial and shaving one measly second off your time is a sensation that puts me to bed with a grin on my face, and when I stagger into work with aching legs the next day I always feel like some kind of war hero! Breezing past a traffic jam of angry motorists on a hot summers day is enough to make me laugh out loud. Huffing and puffing my way up a steep hill that I could have so easily avoided just for the sheer pain of it is always something to be proud of. Even cleaning my bike; wiping the miles off my frame, degreasing the chain and polishing some fresh pride onto the bike, ready for another adventure is simply a joy for me.
Enjoying the good old outdoors
Getting some fresh air in your lungs, exploring new places and discovering new routes is always great fun. This winter I invested in a winter bike (notice the word ‘invested’ – that was how I described the purchase to my fiancé :)), with it I even went out when there was slush and ice on the road. It certainly wasn’t my fastest ride but it was one of the most enjoyable, mostly because I wrapped up warm and was well prepared (get yourself some decent overshoes and you can go out in any weather). Battling the elements always makes me feel triumphant!
Getting Stronger
Cycling makes you fitter and stronger, there’s no argument there. Every time I go out I feel myself getting that little bit faster, or becoming a better climber, or being more able to tuck into an agile aero position. Even if nothing more than my bike handling skills have improved. Cycling is very rewarding, it gives back as much as you put in and then some! This summer I’m getting married in France, every time I go to France I take my bike – smooth roads, beautiful countryside and warm weather – there is nothing more rewarding than that! Especially when you recover with fine wine and tasty cheese :)
Share your road cycling loves…
What is it that you love about cycling, whether it’s road cycling, mountain biking or uni-cycling – share your thoughts…
