Cycling
You dream about the open road. About speed without confinement. About that moment when your legs burn but your mind finally goes quiet.
There's a reason cyclists talk about their sport like it's a religion. And there's a reason people who start riding seriously almost never stop—even decades later.
This isn't just about fitness. It's about a chemical and psychological transformation that happens only when you push against the wind and gravity with nothing but your own power.
The people who know this secret have access to a mental state that most never experience. A flow state where hours feel like minutes. Where problems dissolve. Where you become purely present.
You're about to understand why cyclists never quit—and what keeps them coming back, mile after mile, year after year.
Recent Posts
My $8,000 Cholesterol Device: A Bike Fit Journey
From numb toes to bike fit nirvana: how a 215-lb linebacker learned proper bike fitting matters more than seven saddles ever could.
Read more →Why I Ride: Finding Meditation on Two Wheels
Cycling isn't just exercise—it's a moving meditation that clears the mind.
Read more →Top 10 Cycling Questions
Beginner Cyclists
What type of bike should I get?
Road bikes for speed on pavement. Hybrid bikes for flexibility. Mountain bikes for off-road. Beginners often do well with an endurance road bike or hybrid.
Do I need to wear Lycra?
No. Wear whatever you're comfortable in. However, padded cycling shorts prevent saddle soreness on longer rides—worth considering once you're hooked.
How do I deal with saddle discomfort?
Some initial discomfort is normal. Padded shorts help. Build up gradually. If pain persists, adjust saddle position or try a different saddle type.
What essential gear should I bring?
Helmet, water bottles, snacks for rides over an hour, spare tube, tire levers, mini-pump, multi-tool, and lights—even during the day.
Intermediate Cyclists
Do I need clipless pedals?
Clipless pedals improve efficiency and power transfer, but aren't necessary for beginners. Start with flats, consider clipless once you're comfortable handling.
How do bike gears work?
Smaller chainring or larger rear sprocket = easier (for hills). The goal is maintaining steady cadence. Shift before hills, not during.
Do I need a professional bike fit?
If you experience back pain, knee pain, or hand numbness, yes. The bike should be fitted to your body, not the other way around.
Advanced Cyclists
What metrics should I track?
Power (Watts/FTP) is the gold standard. Also track cadence, heart rate, HRV for recovery, and RPE to complement objective data.
How should I structure training?
Periodization with base, build, and specialty phases. Mix Zone 2 endurance, HIIT, strength training, and strategic recovery. 150+ miles/week for advanced.
How often should I maintain my bike?
Tire pressure before every ride. Brakes and gears weekly. Chain cleaning after wet rides. Full inspection monthly.
The Science of Cycling
Optic Flow & Anxiety
Forward motion through your visual field lowers activity in the amygdala, reducing anxiety. Cycling literally calms your brain through physics.
Zone 2 Precision
Cycling is optimal for Zone 2 training—you can lock in exact wattage to keep lactate below 2 millimoles, maximizing mitochondrial efficiency.
The Bone Paradox
Cycling is non-weight-bearing, so it doesn't build bone density like running. Serious cyclists should add resistance training or impact activities.
Flow State Access
Csikszentmihalyi's "flow"—total immersion where time distorts—is highly accessible through cycling. Challenge meets skill, and hours feel like minutes.
Norwegian 4×4
Four intervals of 4 minutes at 85-95% max HR, separated by 3-minute recovery. Evidence-based protocol for improving VO2 max on the bike.
The Cyclist's High
Cycling releases endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and anandamide—the "bliss molecule." This neurochemical cocktail is why cyclists can't stop.
Memory Boost
30 minutes of moderate cycling after learning something has been shown to boost memory recall. Your brain consolidates better post-ride.
E-Bike Psychology
E-bikes reduce rider aggression toward pedestrians and cars. Without resenting the loss of hard-won momentum, cyclists become calmer.
Saddle Health
Prolonged cycling can compress the pudendal nerve. Mitigation: use a wide or noseless saddle, keep handlebars at or above saddle height, and stand up for 20% of riding time.
Why Cyclists Keep Riding for Decades
Based on pro cyclist perspectives and community voices from r/cycling and r/bicycling—here's what keeps riders coming back for 20, 30, even 50+ years.
"I'm only really alive when I'm on my bike."— Eddy Merckx, greatest cyclist of all time
"It never gets easier, you just go faster."— Greg LeMond, 3× Tour de France winner
"When my legs hurt, I say: 'Shut up, legs! Do what I tell you to do!'"— Jens Voigt
"As long as I'm riding a bike I know I'm the luckiest guy in the world."— Mark Cavendish
The Top Reasons
- 🧠 Mental Reset — Cycling as moving meditation, processing stress in ways nothing else can
- 🦅 Pure Freedom — Choosing your speed, your destination, immersed in landscape
- 🏔️ Challenge & Achievement — Conquering hills, completing centuries, beating yesterday
- 🧬 Identity — It becomes who you are, not just what you do
- 👥 The Tribe — Group rides, clubs, Strava kudos, lifetime friendships
- 🌍 Exploration — Discovering places cars can't reach
- ⏳ Defying Age — 70-year-old cyclists outperforming sedentary 35-year-olds
- 💪 Embracing Suffering — "Type 2 fun" that builds mental toughness for all of life
From the Community
"Cycling saved my life. It's my therapy, my meditation, my escape."
"You never regret a ride. No matter how hard it was to start, you always feel better after."
"It makes me feel like a kid again—that pure, simple joy of riding."
"It's the only time I'm truly alone with my thoughts. No notifications, no demands."
