What does it feel like to be a cyclist?

Question

I do ride bikes my self, and i am indeed a very good cyclist, but someone asked me, What does it feel like to be a cyclist? I know what the person was trying to ask me but i couldn't explain it in words. I have a strong feeling about cycling. If i want to go somewhere, i go by bike and people will be amazed. "you went all the way there by bike!?". I'm the type of person who has a bike that cost more then a shitty 1.3 litre v4 Hyundai **** box. So what exactly does it feel like to be a cyclist?

Answer 1

How do you explain to someone who has never eaten an apple - what an apple taste like? You can't. Same thing with cycling.

Answer 2

For years and years, journalists interviewing someone who was famous, or had won a sports event, or had done something else newsworthy would always ask them 'How does it feel to be the biggest-earning comedian?' or 'How does it feel to win an Olympic medal?' or 'How does it feel to win acquittal for murder?' It always struck me as the stupidest question ever. I mean the person is actually saying 'I really don't know enough about your accomplishment to ask you a relevant question, so -you- say something."



How -do- you feel about cycling? Is it the wind in your hair? The feeling of self-sufficiency? The enormous sensation of speed at 10 km/h? Knowing you could be squashed like a bug by a car at any moment? Is it the enormous sense of relief when you return from a 20 km journey without a single flat tire? 8^) People who ask you this dumb question really want to know what it is you enjoy about cycling.

Answer 3

It feels like... victory.



Seriously though, with cycling, if you're into technology and engineering, you appreciate the bicycle for its unparalleled mechanical efficiency. If you're attuned to environmental issues, it allows you to be part of the environmental solution and not part of the problem. If you're into economics and politics, it keeps your hard-earned money in your pockets rather than wasting it on corporate welfare or sending it overseas to folks who might not have your best interests at heart. If you're into health and fitness, bicycles give you a great workout. Also, with a bicycle, you get a sense of freedom and accomplishment in getting places using your own power rather than being dependent on gasoline to do it for you.



All of these things make a cyclist feel good about being a cyclist. Motorists, who drive inefficient machines, who are part of the environmental problem, who send their money to rich corporations and foreign powers, who get no exercise from driving, and who are dependent on gasoline, get none of that good feeling.



Clearly, David has never commuted by bike in his life. He appears to be totally unaware of the advantages of cycling and seems quite scared of the prospect.

Answer 4

all your workmates overtake you on the way home from work hills go up as well as down it rains more often when your cycling you get hit by cars that dont look you get more punctures and potholes are really bad busses and lorrys dont care if your tangled up in there wheel arches do yourself a favour if you like the wind in your hair... buy a soft top

Answer 5

The brain releases dopamine, which gets you high. It is an addiction, with no side affects (unless you crash).



You are truly free. From everything, and everyone.

Answer 6

It feels like me.