Why i ride my bike?

I was introduced to bikes at an early age. When i was about 8, I learned to ride big bikes with my brothers and sister. We had 3 bikes at home, all hand-me -downs from a wealthy relative. So when the smaller BMX models arrived, it was an easy transition since i was baptized the hard way. Since i was small for our bikes, my first problem was how to mount them. Most often, I struggled mounting the bike, placing one foot on one pedal first, until i can finally bring my whole body up, and sit on the saddle. Its funny because when i started to cycle, i may have been able to reach only the top pedal. Then dismounting as well was a challenge. Lately, i saw a beginner on his fifties struggling how to start pedaling, and keeping his balance. I knew he was luckier as he had both feet on the ground while seated on his saddle. I also know that my early challenges on the bike gave me initial successes, that built my character, that taught me not to stop trying. Now, i still struggle and suffer when i have to negotiate higher elevations. But when i am on top of any hill or mountain, i look down as a happy man-able to surmount some pains on my way to the top.

I still enjoy my bike. Its gives me peace. It relieves my stress. It provides me independence. It keeps me going. I need to ride probably because i need to be healthy. My doctor in 2001 told me i have a mitral valve prolapse (MVP). He told me i can no longer indulge in stressful activities. In short, it was short of saying i have to stop living. All my life, I have always been active. I wanted to be always on the go. Even as a child, i was always out that my mother had to fetch me when it starts to get dark so i will be at home for dinner. But stopping from my routine appeared unacceptable to me. i researched online and discovered that people with MVPs lived normal lives. So i lived a normal life too. A normal life meant being able to ride my bike. I still go back to my doctor to do my check ups but i no longer fear not being able to live a normal life. In a way, being able to ride my bike tells me i am well. its my barometer that i have more to live, to enjoy, to suffer, and of course, to ride.

Riding keeps me in touch with the world. I meet more people. I see lots of places. I sense the beauty of life as i cycle around. Thus, there is no reason to stop. I have to keep going because riding makes me a better person, more humane, and more attuned to what is going on around me. Today, i will work even if it is a Saturday, but i look forward to tomorrow when i can put on my jersey, and helmet, and embark into a journey to nowhere- to discover more things and places, just as what normal people do.

I'm amazed that people have a lot of reasons to bike. do you also have the same reasons?

http://www.environment.ucf.edu/bikepath/27%20Reasons%20to%20Bike.htm