Why I ride.

I have been commuting to my job fixed gear-style for a little over a year now. I have experienced a plethora of riding conditions including road construction (read: lack of road), road raged maniacs, pouring rain, marble sized hail, 0 degree temps, 105 degree temps, and icy slick roads. I love it all. Here are a few reasons why I love it.

1. Decreasing dependence on my car/avoidance of car related headaches.
I really hate traffic and waiting at lights and stupid drivers and following all the laws and rules that govern the roads.
I get angry and frusturated easily in a while Im driving, and these are character traits I'd rather not have make appearances too often.

2. Fitness and health.
These legs, however skinng, are powerful pistons now.
None of my pants and shorts fit me anymore! They are all way too big. Ive had to punch an extra hole in my belt!
It feels good to be skinny and healthy.
My co-workers think I'm crazy, I just think I am fit and unlazy.

3. Consciousness of urban transportation and sustainability issues.
I really get to thinking about the whole urban sprawl thing and the problems it creates. Its sad to see so many people so dependent on their cars, and that their cars are affecting their lifestyles and families.

4. Biking in the city can be fun.
Gotta love empty streets late at night and early in the morining.
Gotta love blowing past huge lines of backed-up traffic.
Gotta love blowing stop signs and lights while drivers look on impatiently.

5. Oftentimes, my only opportunities to ride a bike come in the form of a commute.
Its sad but true. I only get a good mountain bike ride (my true cycling passion) in about once a week, twice if I am lucky...
Gotta stay in shape somehow.
Better to show up at a race with commute miles under my belt than nothing.

6. I need a reason to start a obscure blog that no one but me will ever see.
Everyone else has one, I had to join them. (Oh my goodness, I really AM a poser!)