What Makes Cycling so much Fun?

Cycling is a fun activity, but unfortunately most people forget this as they get older. They enjoy the freedom their bike gives them as kids, but then they become teenagers and give up their bike in favour of a car, so there seems no reason to continue cycling. However, with rising fuel costs and growing environmental concerns, it may be worth re-discovering a passion for cycling. Once you get your bike out of the shed and start riding again, you will find out how fun it can be, which is also great news for your health and fitness!

When you choose to cycle, you get to experience the freedom that you did as a child; to breathe in the fresh air and explore the countryside. You may be able to go exploring in your car, but it just isn't the same. It might be harder work getting up the hills on your bike, but you also get to enjoy coming down the other side and to feel a sense of achievement for having done something you thought you couldn't do. If you go off-road riding you can also get to enjoy the bumpy terrain and jumping over obstacles, which is quite a challenge in itself.

You may be more interested in the possibility of being able to speed along on your bike, rather than riding through more challenging terrain, especially if you opt to commute to work. Riding your bike means you can largely avoid the congestion that plagues built-up areas. In city centres, such as London, there are usually cycle lanes which are specifically designated for bikes and you are able to overtake standing traffic to ensure you are at the front of the queue for when the lights turn green. Commuting to work by bike means you will arrive at work feeling energised and focused.

Cycling gives you a chance to meet other people with a similar passion for the sport. You may meet fellow commuters when taking the same route to work every day or by joining a cycling club, so that you can go out on club runs and get to know people better. You can pick up tips and you might start to get involved in the competitive side of cycling, including road races and time trials. Indeed, you may find that competing against other riders makes cycling fun for you, as you get to push yourself to your limits and see how you fare against others.

Cycling is an activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can do, and is a lot of fun, so that it isn't too difficult to motivate yourself to do it – unless it is raining or snowing in which case you may have to bring your bike indoors! This is obviously beneficial for your health, as cycling is an aerobic activity that strengthens your heart, lungs and other muscles, and helps you to burn calories and stay lean. Cycling promotes the release of endorphins, and so after a ride you feel really good about yourself, less stressed and more positive. It is therefore worth making an effort to get back on your bike, so you can have fun and keep fit!